YCP@Work: Allison Dobstetter, Associate Brand Manager at The Hershey Company

Allison Dobstetter graduated from York College of Pennsylvania in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. She currently works as an Associate Brand Manager for The Hershey Company in Derry Township, Pennsylvania.

What made you choose to pursue a degree in this field?

Bring-your-child-to-work-day with my cousin who worked in marketing for a cosmetic brand in NYC first exposed me to the field. Involvement in business-oriented courses, clubs, and competitions in high school solidified my passion for marketing.

Describe a typical day on the job.

There is no typical day in marketing, and that is one of my favorite parts of it! In any given day I am working closely with cross-functional partners on innovation, packaging design, media, creative, analytics, supply chain, sales teams—the list goes on—for my specific brands. Marketing touches so many different aspects of the company that it allows you to have a broad knowledge of the business itself.

How have you used your York College education since graduating?

I reflect on my classes at YCP more often than I realize in my day-to-day activities. One of my final courses at York required us to partner with a local company on a semester-long evaluation project, where we met with executives to discuss their cross-functional departments and business processes. This experience, and the professional connections I made, have been invaluable to my career.

What is most challenging about a career in this field?

It is ever-changing and evolving—there’s never a dull moment!

What do you like best about your career?

Working on iconic and nostalgic brands (Almond Joy, Mounds, Rolo, and Whoppers, to name a few) that are known and loved by generations of people.

What advice would you have for a student who is just starting out in this major?

Marketing is supposed to be fun. Take it day by day and never be afraid to ask questions.