Food Technologist

“I have always had a passion for creating food; from reading cookbooks, being hands-on in the kitchen doing little experiments and watching how it’s made via video online. But really tying it all together by understanding all the processes that goes on behind bringing these products to life. My ultimate dream was to see something that I created on a supermarket shelf and being enjoyed by consumers, and a part of that started off with doing this degree.

“I really love my role! I’ve been fortunate enough in the couple of years that I have been working in the industry to be able to work in different areas of food production companies which gives different insights into what goes on to bring a product to life. In my current role I am a Food Technologist. I understand technical aspects of creating and producing products, so I can determine the what and how to make delicious products, from what ingredients to use, how much and being the judge of what consumers may like!

“The First Foundation Scholarship provided some financial support and mentoring guidance for me during my studies, and I really enjoyed connecting with like-minded people. The further in the degree you get the smaller the class became as the classes became more specialised, therefore you are able to connect more with the other people in the class. This also reflects in the industry, so the people in your classes are likely to be people you will cross paths with in the future.

“If you’re thinking of studying Food Science I’d say go for it! There’s so much to learn as there’s so many different food products, and everybody loves to eat so it will never go out of fashion. Even if you don’t love the blue sky creating, there’s science, engineering and maths to this industry so there’s lots that it can lead you into. Learn everything that you can from the people around you. Go out and approach some companies to do some interning to help cement the things that you have learnt at university.

“The lecturers in this area (shout out to Peter) are so passionate about teaching and the students; without them these courses wouldn’t be what they are today. They’ll go the extra mile for you. I really loved the friendships that was created during this time, some of them are life-long!”