Returning "Home"

by Connor Davis

As a returning intern, FONA has continued to impress and grow me each and every day. It was a pleasure to see not only how the company had grown since the previous summer, but also how the company had grown the colleagues I had met in that time.

Just as the very first time I walked into FONA, returning felt like I had walked into my home. The inviting and helpful resources also known as employees have got the attitude of generosity and excellence figured out, and were the key to my growth during my time at FONA.

Even though I returned to the same department as my previous summer experience, the project I had the pleasure of working on this summer was completely different. FONA is always growing and always increasing its abilities, which leaves me excited to see what will be achieved here in the next year, five years and then some.

I leave with nothing but praise and thanks for FONA. It has been truly a blessing to have the opportunity to work for a company that sets the bar high with its culture and importance it places on all of its employees down to the last intern.

My First Summer at FONA

by Michelle Nagy

Working at FONA this summer was such an incredible experience. I spent the summer working as a sales intern.  Since this was my first summer working here, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by my experience at FONA. I have learned so much about flavors, business and FONA culture.

This summer opened my eyes to an entire industry I knew nothing about. I was able to learn about how these flavors were created and modified for different effects. Participating in taste tests and descriptor panels helped me to see how much potential exists in this industry. I have a very different outlook on food after my experience here.

My knowledge of business has expanded tremendously. I was able to grow my skills in Excel, PowerPoint and Salesforce.com.  Being able to attend meetings, create presentations and organize events gave me hands on experience.  Working with JT and my fellow sales interns, Alex & Bridget, has been a blast. We were always able to get our work done, and fit in a few laughs as well. I loved being able to work with a team to take on a variety of projects.

Working at FONA has really been an eye opening experience. From day one of the internship program, we were greeted with warm welcomes from the whole company. Throughout the summer here, I have been treated as an equal. I have been treated more like an employee than an intern. I receive a “Good Morning” or “How are you?” from everyone I pass. The employees here have taken the time to get to know me and I have learned so much from all of them.

My summer at FONA has been such a joy. I cannot thank everyone at FONA enough for giving me this opportunity. I hope to return next summer to further develop my knowledge and skills. Until then, I will be able to use what I have learned at FONA at school this year. I am going to be a freshman at Ohio State University. I am very excited to start this new chapter of my life and am confident that the skills I have learned at FONA will help me to succeed.