Sensory & Consumer Science Intern

McCormick & Company • MD

147d • $20 - $22

About The Position

McCormick & Company, Incorporated is seeking a full-time Research & Development Intern in Hunt Valley, MD located at 24 Schilling Rd. This is a 10-week internship (June 1st, 2025 - August 7th, 2025) which requires 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Launch your career with a Global Leader in Flavor. At McCormick, you'll join us in 'Saving the World From Boring Food' and fulfill your desire to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Employees throughout our global corporation are united by two things - a passion for flavor and driving results. People are drawn to McCormick because of a culture that challenges them to reach their full potential. Our 10 week Summer Internship Program in Hunt Valley, MD allows college students to get a glimpse into what it's like to be a part of the McCormick family - rich in flavor, culture, and employee empowerment. During your time as an Intern you will sharpen your leadership skills, work on real-world challenges, and collaborate with the best leaders in the industry. You will also have the opportunity to network with executives, participate in social events with other interns, and give back to the community. We are looking for the next generation of problem solvers to drive change within McCormick. Are you up for the challenge?

Requirements

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate (Junior or Senior) or graduate program
• Currently pursuing a degree in Psychology, Sociology, Food Science or related discipline
• Prior coursework or experience in sensory science, consumer insights, market research, or qualitative research is a bonus
• Strong interest in consumer behavior and qualitative research methodologies
• Excellent communication, organization, and analytical skills
• Comfortable interacting with consumers and observing research sessions
• Ability to work independently, learn new tasks, solve problems, and show strong self-motivation and initiative
• Strong computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of qualitative research studies, including discussion guides, screeners, and recruitment strategies
• Support the execution of in-person and remote qualitative studies (e.g., focus groups, ethnographies, IDIs)
• Observe and take notes during consumer sessions, identifying key themes and insights
• Help analyze qualitative data using thematic coding and synthesis techniques
• Contribute to the creation of compelling reports and presentations that translate consumer insights into actionable recommendations
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sensory scientists, product developers, and marketing teams
• Stay current on qualitative research trends and tools, bringing fresh ideas to the team

Benefits

• Hands-on experience conducting ethnographic research in a dynamic consumer insights environment
• Mentorship from experienced researchers and sensory scientists
• Opportunities to contribute to impactful projects that shape product experiences
• A deeper understanding of how consumer insights drive innovation in the food and beverage industry

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees