Case studies : Food scientist graduate trainee: Anna

Anna Knutsen has a BSc (Hons) in Food Science from the University of Leeds. She currently works as a graduate trainee at Morrisons Plc.

I applied for the graduate scheme eight months before graduating and was employed four months later. The recruitment process consisted of an online application form, online psychometric testing, a telephone interview, a face-to-face interview and finally an assessment centre. The assessment centre includes an interview, an analytical task, a group exercise and a presentation. It was a great feeling to be successful after all of the stages.

Food science is one of the preferred degrees for the graduate scheme, although most degrees of 2:1 standard or above will be considered if applying. Many of the technical-based projects I was assigned to as a graduate trainee required prior knowledge of the subject, which I had gained through the scientific study of food.

For example, I have worked on projects involving taste testing and allergen management. My final role in new product development (NPD), which I will start in a couple of months, would usually require a food-related degree.

There is no such thing as a typical working day for me as I work on a wide assortment of projects that all have different requirements and targets at any one time. I have a mix of meetings, training sessions, visits to other sites, practical and desk work though, which means that I often have very varied days.

I have now been on the graduate scheme for nearly a year and so far I have predominantly worked on projects for operations, technical and HR functions of the business.

When I finish the graduate scheme, I will be based in NPD, which is the line of work I want to progress to in the long term.

Morrisons identified that my strengths lend well to working in NPD and I know that this is the field I want to work in where I will be able to use my degree and passion for food to bring about great products.

I worked as a product development technologist for over 13 months in the industrial placement part of my degree. I also gained experience in technical and quality assurance roles prior to joining Morrisons.

There is a lot of variety in my work. It keeps me focused and means that I am constantly learning about many aspects of food manufacture and retail and meeting new people.

As I work on projects which stem from different functions of the business, I am always working for more than one manager at a time. These projects have several project sponsors and many stakeholders. It can be very challenging to make sure that you are always doing a good job for everyone and prioritising correctly. I have learnt that communication is key to making this model work.

The best thing about working in this sector has to be that the food industry is an arena where I can use my knowledge and passion for food to create and ensure the consistent production of safe, top quality products that people will enjoy and want to buy again and again.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to make sure that you get experience of the field of work you want to enter into. I worked in several roles in the food industry prior to starting university and I worked hard to secure an industrial placement.

It gave me better chance of being employed in a tough economic climate. Getting work experience also means that you get to try different job roles and this will help you to decide which field of work is right for you long-term. Above all, if you have a genuine and tangible passion for food, then don’t be afraid to let it shine through - it will take you a long way.