Looking for a post-college job? How about driving the Wienermobile?
So you've graduated college and are looking for a job -- how about driving around a car shaped like a giant hotdog?
Reese Brammell, a May 2011 graduate of the University of Kentucky, is one of the drivers of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. The iconic car is traveling through Columbus this week.
Brammell said driving the Wienermobile is a job open exclusively to recent college graduates.
"Making the leap to drive the Wienermobile is a good example of taking a chance and taking the path less traveled, something I think is important for 20 Somethings to embrace," he wrote in an email.
He answered a few questions about his traveling experiences via email. Be warned -- it's full of hot dog puns.
How did you get a job driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile?
Oscar Mayer recruits drivers specifically for the job of driving the Wienermobile. This job is known as "Hotdogger." They recruit on campus at about 5 colleges per year and also accept applications online. My journey to the Wienermobile started when I decided I wanted to take time off between graduation and graduate school to do something fun. I Googled (rather unimaginatively) "Fun Things to Do After Graduation." After searching through about 8 pages of the same ol' suggestions (Peace Corps, Teach for America, take time off and travel, work with the national parks etc.) I stumbled upon a random blog. Among the aforementioned suggestions (all of which are awesome opportunities if that is what interests you: I was very close to participating in Teach for America in Miami...) the blogger mentioned that every year Oscar Mayer picks a new class of drivers to drive the iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.
I stayed up all night writing a pun-filled cover letter ( I would "relish" this opportunity, attached is my "beefed" up resume, I would do a "bunderful" job, etc). A few months later I was participating in a phone interview as part of a first round interview, followed by a flight to Madison where they held the final round of interviews. There are between 1000-1500 applicants per-year from what I'm told and only 30 are flown into Madison Wisconsin to Oscar Mayer headquarters. From there they select 12 Hotdoggers. We are the "lucky dogs" that "cut the mustard"
Why is the job open exclusively to recent college grads?
While I cannot speak as to why Oscar Mayer selects recent college graduates I can give you my opinion as to what I believe they look for based on my assessment of my peers. Energetic, responsible, and charismatic ambassadors for the Oscar Mayer brand. Trustworthy, outgoing and creative people with a history of good time-management and success in their respective levels of involvement on campus.
What’s a typical day like on the Wienermobile?
I'll start with a typical week: One day to drive to the market, two days off, 4 days of events (usually at local retail stores, community events, etc.)
Throughout the week we have to do many things. Alert media about our upcoming events, book hotels and maintenance for the Wienermobile in the upcoming weeks. Attend the events (pass out Wienerwhistles, coupons, take pictures, and generally do our best to make everyone always remember the time they visited the Wienermobile.... We want everyone to remember their visit to the Wienermobile as a magical experience, similar to visiting Disney World)
Sometimes my favorite days are ones where we meet people in everyday places, whether its the elderly couple who follows us into the Gas station parking lot to get a picture for their grandchildren, or the jubilant crowd that surrounds us when we pull into our hotel parking lot (No, we do not sleep in the Wienermobile-- It's not a Weeniebago!).
I have to ask this since you drive a car shaped like a hot dog: How many hot dogs do you usually eat in a week? What’s your favorite hot dog topping?
We get this question a lot! :-) A lot of people think that because we drive the Wienermobile we have an unlimited supply of hotdogs, but I eat hotdogs about as much as anyone else (and enjoy each and every one! What a treat!). I love hotdogs at baseball games, cookouts, and for the occasional treat (preferably hot off a charcoal grill). I grew up eating hotdogs plain, but since I was dubbed "Reese with Relish" (My Hotdogger Name) I have learned to really enjoy relish. My favorite thing to do is ask the locals what their favorite topping is and try that. People in the Carolina's loved slaw on their hotdogs, people in Kentucky liked Chili and cheese on theirs, almost everywhere in the South has a strong "ketchup and mustard" delegation. What is Columbus GA's favorite topping? I'd love to try it!
Any downsides to the job?
Finding a parking spot for our Wienermobile affectionately known as OH I WISH (after the Oscar Mayer Jingle). And while they are not downsides, I think everyone should know that between paper work and blue-collar washing and maintenance, it takes a lot of effort to make each magical moment with the Wienermobile... there is a lot more to it than just driving it around, every time we see you we want the experience to be nothing short of perfect. Also, you are on the road about 48 weeks out of the year, you're living out of suitcases and often times you won't see your family and friends as much as you'd like to. It isn't for everyone; but for me I've found it both challenging and rewarding.
What’s the coolest place or thing you’ve seen while traveling in the Wienermobile?
The coolest thing about driving the Wienermobile is all the people you "meat" on the road. We've met minor celebrities and eccentric collectors of Wienermobilia. The ones I will always remember are the people who's days are made simply because they "ketchup" to the Wienermobile. On our first day on the road we stopped at a gas station and a woman who was undergoing treatment for cancer and was given only a short time to live came rushing to us. She hadn't seen the Wienermobile since she was a young child... she had it on her real-life bucket list to see us in her final years. I will always remember her joy. While not everyone is battling terminal illness, the Wienermobile still means a lot to a lot of people, and that is the coolest thing I've seen on the hotdog highways.
Also, the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway is gorgeous, and yes, the Wienermobile had no trouble navigating the treacherous mountainous terrain... in fact, it can really haul buns! (But we always drive the speed limit)
Any plans for the future? What do you want to do when you stop traveling?
I have always planned on going to law school. I have taken my LSAT and started the application process. However, this job, which was supposed to cure my travel bug, has only managed to aggravate it. I hope I can find something that will allow me to continue to travel and meet people every day. I have also considered the possibility of pursuing continued employment with Kraft Foods / Oscar Mayer. Kraft has been a franktastic company to work for, and I would be interested in working with them further should I be allowed that opportunity.
What do you think makes driving the Wienermobile a good job for a recent college grad?
Driving the Wienermobile is a chance to explore America in a way which few can imagine. Not only do you get to see the country, I feel like you get the feel of the country as well. In each city make it a point to eat the local cuisine, talk to the local people (which you will undoubtedly do, driving the Wienermobile) and take advantage of your off days to get a feel for the local culture and history. You won't regret it. It gives you a chance to feel out where you want to live/work/ and vacation for the rest of your life. Your job is largely centered around meeting people and making their day better... talk about rewarding! In addition to the experience, driving the Wienermobile is great because it allows you the opportunity to save money and pay off student loans. You are essentially living out of hotels for the year, driving a company car. (Read: No gas, Auto Insurance, Rent, Utilities etc.) I hope I've covered everything.
If other recent grads are interested in applying to drive the Wienermobile, where can they get more information?
They should go to www.Hotdoggerblog.com and click on "Become a Hotdogger" or follow this link
Here's the schedule for the Wienermobile's local visits:
Wednesday
We will be visiting the Ronald McDonald House in Columbus GA. We are providing hotdogs for their evening meal (around 5pm) and showing off our "Hotdog Hotrod" to the families staying there.
Thursday
The Wienermobile will be delivering meals along with Meals on Wheels around 11:00am, please reach out to us for further details (608-347-1934 or via my email John.Brammell@Kraftfoods.com)
Saturday event #1
Beaver Creek Festival -9am-2pm- We will be handing out Wienerwhistles and taking FREE pictures with the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile in historic downtown Montezuma GA
Saturday event #2
Howlin Halloween at PAWS Humane from 4pm-7pm in Columbus GA (4900 Milgen Road Columbus, GA). Bring your pets and participate in the Owner-Pet Costume Contest and check out our "dog's" costume. ALSO, they plan to raffle a RIDE in the Wienermobile with proceeds going to PAWS Humane Society.
Sunday
Orange Fest join the Wienermobile and Trinity United Methodist Church in Opelika to support a local food bank. Free admission, activities, and food! Enjoy "Trunk or Treat" along with lots of fun games for the whole family. Donations of non-perishable food are welcome! 4pm-7pm Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika, AL 36801 Opelika Alabama.
Monday
Possible Costume Contest for the Family, Winners receive a ride in the Wienermobile. Working out details with venue/host. Sorry, for the lack of details, I will contact you as soon as the plans for this event are finalized. We are hauling buns to set this event up!
This story was originally published October 25, 2011 at 1:16 PM with the headline "Looking for a post-college job? How about driving the Wienermobile?."