Why is Danone, Nestle, and Tyson Foods on your job board?

Alt Protein Careers is about cultivating careers in alternative protein. So why are there traditional food companies on our platform?

Two reasons:

(One.)

As much as possible, we include jobs that support alternative protein departments and products within big food companies. For example, while Cargill is a large food production company known for its meat (Cargill supplies about 22% of the US domestic meat market), it also has a substantial, growing plant-based protein department. With their reach, distribution channels, marketing power, and deep resources, traditional food companies are well-positioned to advance alternative protein product development and adoption, so we want the best talent to fill these roles.

(Two.)

Internships and early-career rotational programs at a big food company like Danone, General Mills, or Tyson Foods can offer valuable insights and experiences that may be beneficial for a career in the alternative protein industry. It also may be the quickest way to get hired and start a long term career in the alternative protein industry.

Why you should consider interning or participating in early-career rotational programs at a big food company:

1. Industry exposure: Big food companies have significant resources and expertise in food production, distribution, and marketing. Interning at such companies can provide you with exposure to the workings of a large-scale food operation, which can be valuable knowledge when transitioning to the alternative protein industry.
2. Transferable skills: You can acquire transferable skills such as product development, supply chain management, quality control, marketing, and research methodologies, which are applicable across various sectors of the food industry, including alternative proteins.
3. Resources and technology: Big food companies invest heavily in research and development. Interning at such companies can expose you to cutting-edge technologies, processes, and research methods that can be adapted or applied in the alternative protein space.
4. Building your resume: Early in your career, it can be hard to demonstrate your value to a startup or company in the alt protein space. You can stand out by gaining experience at a big food company: you'll bring invaluable knowledge of what it looks like to work in a big food company (versus a smaller, younger company) - including processes and technologies used.
5. Networking opportunities: These companies often have extensive networks within the food industry. Building relationships and connections with professionals in these companies can open doors and provide insights into emerging trends and opportunities in the alternative protein sector.

Check out internships and entry-level positions here. If you're already working at a big food company and you're thinking about making the leap to alt protein, read these insights to get started.