IFST Mentorship Programme

Supporting Growth, Connection & Career Development in Food Science and Technology

At IFST, we believe that great mentorship can transform careers. Our Mentorship Programme is designed to connect experienced professionals with early-career members and students, supporting the next generation of food scientists and technologists while fostering a stronger, more collaborative food community.

Whether you're looking to give back to the profession by sharing your expertise, or you're seeking guidance on your next career step, this programme is for you.

What is the IFST Mentorship Programme?

The programme pairs experienced professionals (mentors) with early-career professionals or student members (mentees) over a six-month structured period. Through regular conversations and knowledge-sharing, both mentors and mentees can benefit from fresh insights, professional development, and meaningful connection within the sector.

Programme Benefits

For Mentees

  • Gain practical career advice and industry insights
  • Build confidence and professional skills
  • Develop your network and learn about new opportunities
  • Explore different career paths in food science and technology

For Mentors

  • Give back to the profession and shape future talent
  • Enhance your leadership, coaching and communication skills
  • Reflect on your own career and learn from fresh perspectives
  • Strengthen your connection with the IFST community
  • Reverse mentoring - learn from your mentee

What You’ll Cover

Each mentoring relationship is unique, but conversations may include themes such as:

  • Career planning and progression
  • Navigating workplace challenges
  • Professional skills (communication, leadership, time management)
  • Sector-specific knowledge:
    • Food safety & quality assurance
    • Sensory science
    • Regulation & policy
    • Product development
    • Sustainability
    • Nutrition & public health
    • Academic/research careers
    • Laboratory and Analysis careers

Who Can Join?

Mentors

Open to IFST members with 5+ years of experience in the food sector.

You should be passionate about supporting others, willing to share your experience, and committed to regular engagement.

Mentor sign-up form available in the member area below - please sign in to view.

Mentees

Open to student members and early-career professionals (up to 5 years of experience).

Ideal if you're seeking support, guidance, or a sounding board as you develop your career.

Mentee sign-up form available from 2 June 2025 in the member area below - please sign in to view.

How It Works

  1. Register your interest – Complete a short form (mentors and mentees).
  2. Matching process – We’ll match pairs based on interests, goals, and experience.
  3. Programme launch – All participants are invited to a virtual kick-off session.
  4. Regular meetings – Mentors and mentees meet regularly, with frequency to be decided by each pair.
  5. IFST-led check-in – An opportunity to share feedback and adjust where needed.
  6. Closing reflection – Celebrate achievements and help shape future programmes.

Ready to Get Involved?

Please read the following essential documents:

Important Notes

  • This programme is exclusive to IFST members.
  • Sign-up forms are hosted securely in the member area, which you can access by logging in and scrolling to the bottom of this page.
  • All participants are expected to uphold the IFST Mentorship Code of Conduct, including professionalism, confidentiality, and respectful communication.

Questions?

If you have any queries or need support, please contact the Mentorship Programme Coordinator at membership@ifst.org.