Campbell’s “takeover” of Business Hall builds connections and career paths

Campbell’s brought its brand, its people, its culture and its food to Rowan University Feb. 10, turning Business Hall into a hub of products, conversation and career exploration. The four-hour “takeover” featured offerings of everything from Pace salsa and Pepperidge Farm Goldfish to V8 Energy drinks and the company’s iconic soups – an event that was, fittingly, “M'm! M'm! Good!”

But the showcase went far beyond sampling snacks. Some 40 or so representatives from Camden-based Campbell’s engaged with nearly 500 Rowan students, offering guidance on internships, full-time opportunities, and the diverse business functions behind one of the world’s most iconic food companies.

Chief Communications Officer Anthony Sanzio said, from a business standpoint, strengthening the company’s relationship with Rowan is a logical and valuable step forward.

“With Rowan, we have such a great university and resource right in our own backyard,” he said.

Rowan graduates already contribute across the organization – in supply chain, marketing, finance, engineering, communications, and more. As Campbell’s continues to grow, Sanzio said it is eager to draw even more Rowan talent to its 13,000-plus global workforce.

“Rowan offers so much of what we’re looking for,” he added.

For Pepe Haupthoff, an international student from Germany, the event provided a rare opportunity to connect directly with a Fortune 500 company.

“I take advantage of opportunities in and out of the classroom like this one today,” he said.

Rohrer College of Business Dean Matt Sarkees, a marketing expert, said the growing relationship between Campbell’s and Rowan can benefit both organizations for years to come.

“We have two great brands, and we’re trying to bring them closer together,” Sarkees said.

Amie Ryno, director of the Rohrer Center for Professional Development, also emphasized the value of bringing Campbell’s to campus.

“We’re exposing our students to their many lines of business and trying to build a talent pipeline,” Ryno said. “Many of our students already go to Campbell’s for careers and we hope to see even more.”

One of them is alumna Sarah Stewart, a 2017 Law & Justice Studies graduate who’s making her way in the corporate world. As talent operations manager, she recruits employees from across the country.

“We put food on people’s plates,” said Stewart. “I think it’s safe to say there’s no one in the U.S. – and probably the world – who doesn’t know our brand.”