This weeks Volunteer of the Week is Jane-Marie Hawronskyj. Jane-Marie was Honourable Secretary of the Professional Development Committee for almost 3 years before handing over the role and recently taking up the Vice Chair position. Read why Jane-Marie became a Member of IFST, why she would encourage others to join the Food Safety Register, and what advice she would give someone thinking about a career in food science.
How does it feel to be recognised for the work you’ve done for IFST over the last 12 months?
It's both a surprise and a delight to be recognised. I really enjoy the work I carry out for the IFST, so I never particularly notice it as something additional to my day job.
Why is it important to be a member of a body like IFST?
Membership brings professional recognition, when you are early in your career still building your experience and network, membership of an organisation such as the IFST can help give both colleagues and companies greater confidence and reassurance in your abilities.
You’ve joined the Food Safety Register, who would you encourage to join and why?
Anyone who works professionally in a technical or food safety capacity should join. In addition to the recognition it will also help you keep up to date with the latest in food safety.
How valuable is professional recognition?
It's key to developing in your career. I originally joined as a member moving to a Fellow as my career progressed. When I am recruiting I see so many cvs that I like to see something extra for a person to really stand out. When people take the time to obtain professional recognition, that can really make the difference towards obtaining that coveted first interview.
How beneficial is it to be a member with your own Consultancy?
I joined the IFST because I wanted the additional intellectual stimulation that mixing with a group of food science and technology professionals can bring. I usually work with several different organisations at any one time, which I believe gives me a unique perspective that I can bring to the IFST.
Tell us a little more about your involvement with IFST’s Professional Development Committee
I originally wanted to find out more about how the IFST functions and for that reason the PDC was the best committee to join. I was Honourable Secretary for almost 3 years before handing over the role and recently taking up the Vice Chair position. I found that being responsible for taking the minutes and circulating the paperwork helped me to understand the role of the PDC in far more depth than I believe I would have done otherwise.
What advice would you give someone thinking about a career in Food Science?
Work out what it is you really enjoy and feel passionate about, and then build your career around that. Your enthusiasm and expertise will get you noticed. There are endless opportunities within Food Science, from research through to marketing and commercial roles.
Tell us something about yourself that not many people know?
I'm a certified mixed gas diver with a passion for exploring shipwrecks around the world.
