Career Foundation Program Associate – Rotational Program

Job Description

Career Foundation Program Associate – IT Infrastructure & Cybersecurity | Smithfield Foods

The Tone:
This is a full-time associate program at Smithfield Foods, located across various company sites due to its rotational nature. Smithfield Foods is dedicated to sustainably feeding people worldwide, producing quality food with respect for its people, animals, communities, and the planet. This role offers recent college graduates a structured path to explore career options and launch a long-term career within the company by contributing to critical IT Infrastructure and Cybersecurity functions during an 18-24 month program.

The TL;DR
• Role: Career Foundation Program Associate
• Type: Full-time
• Location: Various (with relocation required)
• Pay: $21.63–$31.25 hourly
• Team: Assigned manager within functional rotation; supported by mentor and program manager.
• Mission: Provide recent college graduates with an opportunity to explore career options and launch a career within Smithfield through function-specific rotations, particularly in IT Infrastructure and Cybersecurity.
• Tech Stack: Word, PowerPoint, Excel

What You’ll Actually Do
• Contribute: Drive department goals through project contributions and problem-solving initiatives within assigned IT and Cybersecurity rotations.
• Lead: Assume leadership roles for specific projects to help departments achieve both short and long-term objectives.
• Learn: Develop a comprehensive understanding of an aspect of the Company’s IT Infrastructure and Cybersecurity business during rotations.
• Apply: Begin applying for internal open positions after 12 months in the program, while continuing rotational learning and contributions.
• Develop: Collaborate with senior leaders, managers, mentors, and Talent Acquisition Specialists to gain guidance and career counseling.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university, or currently enrolled with anticipated graduation by end of current semester, in a relevant field such as IT, Computer Science, or Cybersecurity. Entry-level career position.
• Experience: Entry-level; no prior full-time professional experience required, but must be a recent college graduate. Ability to relocate one to two times during the rotation. Travel up to 15-25% of time, with periodic overnight travel required.
• Skills: Proficient in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Possess a high level of professionalism, discretion, and ability to self-manage time from remote locations. Ability to work well with others, be respectful, approachable, team-oriented, and build strong working relationships.