We're doing things a bit different this week and rewarding Volunteer of the Week to five individuals, the 2014 Heinz Team Challenge winners, who organised the first student-led event for IFST on 19 November. Sam Higginson, Natty Pinyopat, Suzanne Davies, Holly Cuthill and Yingtsui Lim are our Volunteers of the Week.
How does it feel to be recognised as Volunteer of the Week?
Suzanne: It’s great, I really enjoyed being involved in the event we held and it makes it even more worth it when you get appreciated by the IFST for the work we all put in!
Sam: Being involved with setting up the IFST Student Group has been a great experience, and getting to meet other students from all over the country was really exciting. A complete team effort on everyones part involved in the day.
As Heinz Challenge winners, you recently organized the first ever IFST student-led event. What was it like?
Suzanne: The event was a great success, we had 60 food science university students attend from all over the UK and some really interesting talks from food industry professionals including Andrew Fitzmaurice, Recruitment Director at MorePeople, Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne, Founder of Genius Gluten Free and Steve Osborn, Business Innovation Manager at Leatherhead Food Research. The students were really keen to get involved with all of the events of the day and we even got our own hashtag treading! Check it out at #ifststudents
Sam: Bring students from across the country together was great, enabling everyone to meet new people and share in their experiences- from applying to jobs and placements to what people do on their courses. It was very nerve racking beforehand but everyone seemed to have a great day. Food Matters Live was a brilliant place to host the event, there was so much to see and do!
You all are involved with IFST in one way or another, from organising events to being founding members of the new Student Group, why should students get involved with IFST?
Suzanne: Students should get involved for two very simple reasons, the IFST will support you throughout your university course and once graduated when you are in a full time job within the food industry. They offer so many opportunities for skills building, networking and educational conferences - all of which food professionals attend; therefore, likely you could even get your first job offer through the IFST! It’s a great institute to get involved and its given to you on a plate!
Sam: IFST has given be some great opportunities and contacts, and I think it sends a message to employers that you are extra dedicated to your course- it also gives you a great exposure to people in industry.
You all are on placements at the moment. Tell us about the experience.
Suzanne: I am currently on placement with PepsiCo working as a Product Technician. It’s such a great experience and really gives you a deep understanding of the different roles within the food industry that you could be involved in. The opportunities PepsiCo offer students to develop within the year is never ending and I am so glad I chose to do a placement – don’t get me wrong, the applications can be time consuming and hard work but it’s so worth it in the long run!
Sam: I am currently working at Marks and Spencer on the Food Technology Placement Scheme which has been the best experience I have ever had, I never want it to end!
You can find out more about work experience placements through our student blogs and videos.
If you would like more information about joining IFST and the Student Group, contact Erin Taylor.
