Case studies: Quality assurance support: Patience

Patience undertook a BSc Biochemistry in Ghana and an MSc in Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Huddersfield. She is involved in internal auditing, product development and quality assurance documentation...

I've always been interested in the impact of diet on health. I come from Ghana where the food industry is less developed, and as a result, there's a higher incidence of disease. I hope one day to contribute to my country and make a difference.

I obtained a BSc Biochemistry and then an MSc in Nutrition and Food Science. While neither degree subject was essential for my current role, the degrees were very helpful as they gave me a very wide range of subject knowledge and helped to develop my creativity, analytical skills and teamworking ability as well.

The job was advertised through our university's department of nutrition and food science and I'm currently on a one-year contract.

In order to do this job, I think that you have to be a very analytical person with excellent problem solving skills. As you may find yourself working as part of product development teams, you also have to be very creative. Communication skills are important as it's essential to establish good working relationships. You have to be able to get the right information from people, and sometimes be tough with colleagues during auditing projects. As I support different teams (research and development, production and quality) I would add that you also have to be a very flexible person.

I joined the company only six months ago and my role continues to grow. I'm involved in internal auditing, product development and quality assurance documentation. I also use SAP to record the outcomes of product investigations and planned distribution.

Apart from feeling a lot of pressure at times, I find the job very exciting. It's never boring and very varied. And you always get the satisfaction that what you do can go a long way in the lives of your customers. You can make a difference to someone's health and life.

After I complete this contract, I hope to apply for a training manager role with a view to becoming a quality manager in the future.