Our Graduates
Name: Sarah Savage
Employer: Finnebrogue
Job Title: NPD Technologist
I am currently working with Finnebrogue who are an artisan venison and pork producer.
As a NPD technologist I am involved in every aspect of developing new food products from the idea stage to the shop floor. This can include organising and conducting trials; assessing products on their taste, colour, odour and feel; helping to develop packaging; promoting products at local food events; and writing product specifications.
As part of the Food Quality, Safety and Nutrition course at QUB I completed a Work Placement module in second year. I carried out a 16-week work placement with Finnebrogue working as a Quality Assurance Supervisor and NPD assistant. I loved it so much that I continued to work weekends at Finnebrogue and was offered a full time position as NPD Technologist as soon as I graduated.
Name: Eamonn Hardy
Employer: Kerry Foods
Job Title: Research and Development Technologist
I qualified from Queens University Belfast in June 2009, with a Degree in Food Safety, Quality & Nutrition, and started my position with Kerry Foods in October 2009.
A Research and Development Technologist develops new and improved methods and systems for food processing, production, quality control, packaging and distribution. The role is involves new product development and current product improvement based on current business needs and consumer demands. Research and Development Technologists provide the scientific and technical expertise in the food industry.
The best thing about my job is the variety in the role, my role is comprised of many aspects such recipe formulations, management of production trials, analysis of raw materials and finished products, controlling and auditing product specifications, product improvement and new product development. Research and Development technologists are the technical contacts for retailers and raw material suppliers and work with a wide range of departments across the food industry such as production, quality, marketing and I am the technical contact for retailers and raw material suppliers.
The food industry is a very fast past interesting industry to work in, it is one of the few industries that is continuing to grow in the current economic climate. There are huge opportunities in the food industry, particularly in large multi-national corporations such as Kerry Foods especially for individuals with food science qualifications. Those working in R&D can gain valuable industry experience and scientific knowledge and pursue a successful career as a Research and Development Manager, Technical Account Manager, Application Specialist. Due to the dynamic nature of the food industry there is also the opportunity to transfer your skills, knowledge and experience into other specialist areas such as production, quality and sales and the opportunities for travel are endless.
Name: Kathryn Moore
Employer: Mash Direct
Job Title: Technical Assistant
Throughout various university modules undertaken during the previous three years, I gained a broad spectrum of knowledge. Up until the beginning of my 16 week placement, this knowledge remained theoretical; however, the 16 weeks undertaken at Mash Direct based in Comber, enabled me to get hands-on experience which in turn allowed my once theoretical knowledge to turn into practical knowledge.
During my time at Mash Direct I have picked up and enhanced so many new skills and abilities it has confirmed my career pathway and has given me the confidence and belief that becoming part of Quality Assurance is a path I feel is right for my future career. The placement has been an experience in many different ways, it has been very successful and I have performed beyond what I thought I was capable of, examples of such include, being involved in, New Product Development which involves the design and implementation of a new product from an idea to a product on supermarket shelves, BRC, HACCP and ensuring that high quality, safe and nutritious products are manufactured.
I was offered a full time job within the technical team when I graduated in 2010. This was a fantastic opportunity and I accepted the offer.
Name: Maria McKeown
Further study: PGCE in Home Economics
I am currently studying (2011/12) the PGCE in Home Economics for Secondary School in University of Ulster in Coleraine. I studied at Queens University for 4 years and graduated with a 2.1 BSc Food Quality, Safety and Nutrition with Professional Studies in June 2009.
After graduation I applied to do a PGCE but was initially unsuccessful. I then worked for one year with a company called Moon and Spoon who made healthy meals for children in nurseries and crèches. I always aspired to become a teacher and in December 2009 I reapplied for the PGCE course and was rewarded a place to begin in September 2010.
As part of the Food Quality, Safety and Nutrition course I spent four months in St Paul's High School in Bessbrook and six months with a private dietician. To achieve a place on the PGCE, experience in schools is very useful and I would advise anyone intending to follow such a career path to take every opportunity to acquire placements to procure the necessary experience.
It also allows you to decide which career best suit you. The Food Quality, Safety and Nutrition degree greatly helped my application to the PGCE course as I had dropped Home Economics after 3rd year in school. For anyone with a view achieving a place in the PGCE in Coleraine I would advise them to persevere as many people do not accomplish a place the first time as there are so few places. Use your time to acquire experience and try again!
Name: Vanessa Johnston
Employer: Marks and Spencer
Job Title: Graduate Food Technologist
During the final year of my degree at Queen's University I applied for the M&S graduate scheme after having a year of work experience with Sainsbury's on their food technology placement scheme. In February, I was invited to attend an assessment centre, shortly after which I was offered a place on the M&S scheme.
My average day involves working with product developers, buyers, suppliers and merchandisers on numerous issues to do with the quality, safety and functionality of new or existing products. At least once a week a food technologist will also undertake visits to suppliers in their category to review factory and product standards.
My advice to anyone who is pursuing this career is to undertake a year of work experience either in a retail or factory environment if it is offered as part of your course. A placement year will give you a far greater awareness of the food industry and the majority of placements are paid.
