How this Master of Science in Management alumnus became an Oscar Mayer Hotdogger

Tyler Peterson is a graduate of the Master of Science in Management program from 2018. Today, he is working at Oscar Mayer as a “Hotdogger,” driving the Wienermobile across the country. Tyler came to the MSM program as a combination student from the College of Arts’ School of Theatre + Dance.

Tyler Peterson with Portugal. The Man.

Q: Tell us about yourself.

Peterson: “I came to the University of Florida as a freshman in the fall of 2015. My mother is a UF alumna who loved everything about being a Gator, and I wanted to carry on her legacy. I studied Theatre Performance as an undergraduate.”

Q: Why did you join the MSM program?

Peterson: “I first heard about the MSM program as a sophomore. I joined because it offered me an incredible opportunity to pursue both my master’s and bachelor’s degrees at the same time. The program helped me develop a wide array of business-related skills, such as strengthening my public speaking and introducing me to different leadership strategies.”

Q: Tell us about your journey after graduation and how the MSM helped you.

Peterson: “During my last semester of MSM, I began searching listings, websites, career fairs, etc. for job opportunities. But I often found a majority of the jobs I was qualified for were mundane and seemingly lifeless. However, I randomly stumbled onto an article discussing how Oscar Mayer was looking for new “Hotdoggers” to drive the Wienermobile across the country. The job is essentially to run a PR firm on wheels and be the spokesperson for a multibillion-dollar brand. I applied, and thanks to my MSM background and electives in web-based marketing, was asked to interview. The rest is history!”

Q: What advice do you have for current MSM students and theatre performance students?

Peterson: “Do not be afraid to be yourself!!! Your MSM education is valuable, and a solid foundation for both acquiring and succeeding in your chosen field. But if you do not let your personality shine through you will never enjoy your work! Find something you love to do and go rock it.”

Q: Any fun facts about yourself you’d like to share?

Peterson: “1. I drove the band ‘Portugal. The Man’ around in the Wienermobile and took them shoe shopping in Des Moines, Iowa. 2. I double-fisted hotdogs while zip-lining through the mountains outside of Denver. 3. I received a recommended pass in both “unarmed” and “rapier & dagger” from the Society of American Fight Directors.”