You have a better chance of getting into Harvard than becoming a Hotdogger. While the Ivy League University accepts 4% of applicants, Oscar Mayer accepts just 1%. Let that sink in.
Every year, the meat company scouts 12 new “Hotdoggers” to drive its iconic Wienermobile cross-country as part of the brand’s most well-known marketing strategy. Since the Hotdogger program launched in 1988, recent college grads must commit to a one-year contract and travel 20,000 miles across 20+ states to promote the brand through social media posts and personal interactions.
MORE: How This Year’s Hotdoggers Got the Job
It’s a good thing most hotdoggers consider the experience “priceless,” because the role only pays about $36,000/year. One of this year’s Hotdoggers is recent UW grad Samantha Benish. She answered a few of our questions:
How did you come across the job?
I actually never knew that being a Frankfurter was a “legit” job growing up—it seemed too good to be true! I first came across the job during my senior year of college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Oscar Mayer recruits at a number of universities across the country, and UW-Madison was one of them.
What compelled you to apply?
My advisor sent me an email about applying and said I would be a great fit. The day I received that email, I was waking out of one of my lectures and the iconic Wienermobile drove right past me. It was a sign, and the rest is history!
What’s been the best part so far?
I get to travel to places I’ve only dreamed of, and I get to meet some incredible people. However, I think I’m happiest spreading smiles in even the smallest of communities. Everyone deserves a little bit of joy in their life, and I’m the lucky one who gets to bring that to them. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
