What are your main responsibilities in your placement role?
I am working in the R&D function within Pepsi co, based in the Western Europe regional foods team working on the Quaker Oats brand.
My role includes working on development projects, helping with the development of new products and introducing new ingredients into the supply chain. I also do work on shelf life and review nutritional data of the portfolio to ensure legal compliancy. I will also be going on trial/ factory visits to ensure any changes I make can be scaled to factory level
I am also responsible for working in a competitive intelligence work stream, where I run presentations on trends and new launches within the market. I also work in a team to deliver site wide product exhibitions of global launches and competitor launches.
How did you find out about this placement opportunity?
I found out about this placement opportunity on Indeed.com
Can you tell us about any help you received from Academic Tutors or the Careers Service while you were applying for placement opportunities?
I used the Careers Service for interview coaching.
Are you enjoying your placement? Can you tell us a bit about some of your highlights to date?
I am really enjoying my placement; it is giving me a really good breadth and depth of knowledge of the whole of the food industry. Some highlights so far include, verifying a new ingredient into a European supply chain of cereal which will help with cost savings and supply issues whilst delivering the same quality product. I am also working on organising a large consumer study to test the changing needs of the porridge market, which will affect all future product development decisions.
What is the most exciting thing you've done on placement so far?
The most exciting thing I have done on placement so far is visit the Dorito’s factory to see Dorito’s being made from corn to chip.
Please can you give us an overview of what a typical day on placement has been like for you?
An average day on placement, is very varied. Every day is usually different. I spend time doing spreadsheet work for example working out nutritional an imputing nutritional data into systems. I then usually spend time, working in the labs making or developing samples and doing shelf-life testing.
How has your degree helped you to be successful on placement?
My degree has given me a broad range of knowledge for the job I am doing, as my course covers business aspects and food science/ nutrition aspects of the job it has given me a good level of knowledge across a lot of different functions.
Do you think this placement year will benefit your studies when you return next year?
Yes, it will definitely have improved my organisation skills and make me work more efficiently when back at uni.
Do you feel that your placement with also equip you for life after University?
Yes, I definitely think it we’ll help me to get graduate jobs.
What advice would you give to students thinking about doing a placement year?
Be patient when applying, you might not get your first or fifth choice, but it usually works out for the best.
