After sixth form, I knew I wanted to go uni, but not what to do. I decided I wanted to do something with food, so I looked at food degrees and found the Food Science and Technology degree at Cardiff Met. In my second year, I had the option to do a placement and I’m so glad I did it! As a result, I feel so much more confident about myself professionally, and have a much better understanding of opportunities for the future. Cardiff Met guides you on several different paths during your degree, depending on your interests. I chose to go down the New Product Development (NPD) route, and they have been great at introducing this to us.
My work placement was in Bristol at a food manufacturer called TasteTech (TT) where I was an Application Technician. TasteTech focus on bakery, confectionery and nutrition markets. The Applications department, where I was based, is where products are created in order to present the ingredients that TT make. This doesn’t sound so exhilarating but most of my time was spent making chocolate, cakes, protein shakes, and other delicious things, which were combined with a choice from 100s of flavours to pick from! I learnt so much, whilst having fun.
When it came to finding a placement, it was one of the course lecturers at Cardiff Met who advertised the company that I went on placement with. We often receive emails with adverts, this is a great help when it comes to choosing the right work placement for you. I did find the application process time consuming and competitive, but you realise that everyone is in the same position and it shouldn’t be made easy. It also gave me experience in writing applications which will come in handy once I graduate!
I haven’t started my third year yet, but I am super motivated to start it, and very excited for post-uni. I am very lucky to have networked with people who might present career opportunities in the future when it comes to finding a job.
If you’re considering studying Food Science & Technology at Cardiff Met then a passion for food is a must and an interest in science is important, but there are so many paths that can lead from it. Doing a placement, in my experience, has boosted my knowledge of the food industry further and clarified my future slightly, so I am excited for career prospects upon completing my degree!
