That's A Food Job!

This is part two of FoodGrads' three-part HR miniseries, built for students entering the food and beverage industry with support from De Lacy Executive Recruitment. In this episode, we get into what hiring managers actually do when they open your resume - and what happens in those first five to seven seconds that determines whether you make the pile or not. Steve McIntyre is the Vice President of People and Culture at Fine Choice Foods, a Richmond, BC-based manufacturer of spring rolls, gyoza, bao buns, and other premium dim sum products. Steve started his career as a maintenance electrician. He did not plan to end up in HR - but food manufacturing has a way of creating lateral opportunities for people who stay curious, and that is exactly what happened to him. In this conversation, Steve shares what hiring managers are really looking for, why your education section is not doing the work you think it is, and how to make yourself visible in a market where four hundred people are applying for the same role. If you are a student or new grad trying to figure out your next move, this one is worth your time. --- Shownotes --- De Lacy Executive Recruitment offers professional recruitment services for employers and candidates in agriculture and food. As a candidate, De Lacy will provide career development advice, career consulting, as well as preparation for interview success. Open communication, confidentiality, and complete transparency are a priority for De Lacy consultants — check out De Lacy Executive Recruitment for more information on exciting opportunities! --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 01:30 - Steve's Role at Fine Choice Foods 04:00 - About Fine Choice Foods 07:30 - Steve's Path into HR 13:00 - How Students Get Hired 17:00 - Reading Entry-Level Resumes 22:00 - Personal Summaries That Stand Out 26:00 - Are Cover Letters Worth It? 29:00 - Extracurriculars on Your Resume 32:00 - Showing Technical Skills 34:00 - What Impresses in an Interview 38:00 - Managing Interview Nerves 41:00 - Common Interview Mistakes 44:00 - How to Research Company Culture 48:00 - What Hiring Managers Actually Ask 52:00 - Job Searching in a Tough Market 56:00 - Final Advice for Students --- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Steve McIntyre LinkedIn 💼 Fine Choice Foods LinkedIn 🌐 Fine Choice Foods Website CONNECT WITH US 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn

In episode one of our HR-Miniseries we are talking about what hiring managers actually look for, how to approach resumes and interviews, and realistic ways that students can build experience and momentum as they start their careers. Nicolas Pretorius is Talent Acquisition Manager at Highliner Foods, one of North America's leading processors of frozen, added-value seafood. In this conversation, you'll learn: What hiring managers actually look for on an entry-level resume Why soft skills often separate candidates more than technical ones How to use the skill bucket resume format with limited experience What "culture fit" really means and better questions to ask instead You might think getting hired is about having the right degree or the right experience. As Nicolas will show you today, it's really about how you tell your story and the soft skills that most candidates overlook. If you're a student or new grad figuring out your next move, this one is worth your time. --- Shownotes --- De Lacy Executive Recruitment offers professional recruitment services for employers and candidates in agriculture and food. As a candidate, De Lacy will provide career development advice, career consulting, as well as preparation for interview success. Open communication, confidentiality, and complete transparency are a priority for De Lacy consultants — check out De Lacy Executive Recruitment for more information on exciting opportunities! --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 00:59 - Nicolas's Role at Highliner 02:37 - Long-Term Talent Planning 04:43 - Highliner's Facilities 05:55 - Nicolas's Career Path 08:06 - Embrace Unexpected Opportunities 09:47 - Casting Nets to the Future 14:45 - What Stands Out on a Resume 17:04 - The Skill Bucket Resume Format 20:41 - Technical vs. Soft Skills 24:42 - Interview Prep Tips 26:05 - What to Wear to an Interview 27:34 - Researching the Company 28:59 - From Co-op to Full-Time 30:49 - Culture Fit vs. Values Alignment 32:50 - Assessing Culture as a Candidate 36:24 - Behavioral Interview Questions 41:35 - Advice for Students Job Hunting Now --- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Nicolas Pretorius LinkedIn 💼 Highliner Foods LinkedIn 🌐 Highliner Foods Website CONNECT WITH US 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn

Enea Lelaj is a Confectionery Specialist at Tilray Brands, working at the intersection of food science, product development, and one of Canada's fastest‑changing industries. In this episode of That's a Food Job!, Enea shares how his path into food science was anything but planned. Starting in chemistry at Toronto Metropolitan University, he followed curiosity into a food research lab and discovered a field that combined science, creativity, and real‑world impact. Today, Enea develops gummies, chocolates, and tablets infused with active cannabinoids. He talks candidly about what real R&D looks like beyond textbooks — balancing regulation, rapid iteration, and problem‑solving in a fast‑moving, highly regulated space. The conversation explores why creativity matters just as much as technical skill, how graduate school prepared him to tackle unsolved problems, and why staying open to unexpected opportunities can lead to surprisingly cool careers. --- ShowNotes --- CareersNOW!  is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi‑year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out  CareersNOW.ca for more information on jobs, career pathways, industry mentors, and professional development opportunities. --- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Enea Lelaj LinkedIn 🌐 Tilray Brands CONNECT WITH US 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn

Domenique Mastronardi is President of Beck's Bone Broth, a Canadian food startup bringing bone broth-based lattes to market — blending comfort, wellness, and innovation for retailers across Canada. In this episode of That's a Food Job!, Domenique shares her journey from engineering student to co-leading one of Canada's most creative emerging food startups. She opens up about what entrepreneurship really looks like behind the scenes — navigating uncertainty, balancing structure with creativity, and learning to trust your intuition. --- Shownotes --- CareersNOW! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNOW.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction to Startup Life and Entrepreneurship in Food 01:27 – A Week in the Life of a Startup President: Strategy, Travel, and Flexibility 03:00 – Canadian vs. U.S. Trade Shows: Brand Awareness vs. Direct Selling 05:04 – How a Startup President's Role Evolves: Fundraising, Finance, and Networking 06:34 – Getting Into Retail: Why Relationships Come Before Strategy 09:04 – Navigating Uncertainty: Mindset Tools for Startup Life 10:51 – What University Actually Teaches You: Resilience, Teamwork, and Problem Solving 12:02 – From Engineering to Entrepreneurship: Transferable Skills That Surprised Her 14:14 – [Sponsor: CareersNOW!] 15:26 – Finding Your Spark: How Food Product Development Changed Everything 18:20 – Listening to Your Intuition: Why Your Hobbies Are Telling You Something 21:17 – Book Rec: EOS Traction by Gino Wickman 21:53 – Unconventional Marketing: Spice Girls, Karaoke, and Authentic Branding Online 26:06 – Vulnerability as a Strength: Building Confidence to Share Your Story 27:55 – Career Advice That Doesn't Always Land — and What Actually Works 30:30 – Skills and Habits to Build Now If You're Curious About Startups 33:39 – How to Test If Entrepreneurship Is Right for You: Incubators, Side Projects, and Startup Jobs 35:17 – Getting Co-op Positions at Startups: What You Need to Know 36:03 – How to Network Without It Feeling Forced: LinkedIn, Events, and Cold Outreach 40:07 – What's Next for Beck's Bone Broth 40:53 – Where to Find Beck's Bone Broth --- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Domenique Mastronardi LinkedIn 💼 Beck's Bone Broth LinkedIn 🌐 Beck's Broth Website 📸 Beck's Bone Broth Instagram CONNECT WITH US 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn

Talha Rashid is a Continuous Improvement Manager at Handi Foods Ltd., a Canadian food manufacturer specializing in crackers and better‑for‑you snack products supplied to major retailers across North America. In this episode of That's a Food Job!, Talha breaks down what a continuous improvement career looks like in food manufacturing and how data, teamwork, and problem‑solving drive real change on the production floor. He explains how organizations identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve productivity without compromising quality. --- Shownotes --- CareersNOW! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNOW.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction to Continuous Improvement in Food Manufacturing 02:58 – Understanding Continuous Improvement: Definition and Scope 05:58 – A Day in the Life of a Continuous Improvement Manager 09:00 – The Importance of Data in Continuous Improvement 12:05 – Collaboration Across Departments for Success 14:54 – Skills for Success: Balancing Analytical and People Skills 18:08 – Continuous Learning and Professional Development 21:06 – Lean Six Sigma: Tools for Waste Reduction 23:58 – Applying Lean Principles to Real?World Problems 24:12 – Career Insights for Students in Food and Beverage 25:50 – Showcasing Willingness to Learn in Interviews 29:29 – Understanding Company Culture for Success 33:44 – Essential Skills for Continuous Improvement 39:44 – Journey into Continuous Improvement Careers --- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Talha Rashid LinkedIn 💼 Handi Foods LinkedIn 🌐 Handi Foods Website CONNECT WITH US 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn

In this special solo episode, Veronica breaks down something that often gets overlooked — what the food and beverage processing industry actually is, and just how many career paths exist within it. If you've ever stood in a grocery store aisle and wondered how all those products got there, this one's for you! --- CareersNOW!  is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi‑year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out  CareersNOW.ca for more information on jobs, career pathways, industry mentors, and professional development opportunities. --- Timestamps 00:00 — What is the food and beverage processing industry? (Hint: it's everything between farm and fork!) 02:22 — The 11 subsectors broken down: dairy, meat, confectionery, seafood, beverages, bakery, and more 07:08 — Operations deep-dive: production operators, maintenance technicians, and plant supervisors 09:27 — Skilled trades and continuous improvement roles 11:45 — How automation and robotics are changing operations 14:09 — Food safety: quality assurance vs. quality control, and why it matters 16:31 — Health and safety managers and systems thinking in food safety 18:50 — Sales and marketing: account managers, brand managers, and marketers 21:19 — How sales and marketing connect to every other part of the business 23:44 — Sponsor spotlight: Careers Now 26:10 — Supply chain and logistics: procurement, inventory planning, and logistics coordinators 28:35 — Warehouse supervisors and the rise of automation in supply chain 31:00 — Food science and R&D: product developers and flavorists 33:24 — Behind the scenes: finance, accounting, and human resources 35:27 — How HR shapes workplace culture 37:42 — Wrapping up: career mobility, job stability, and why the food and beverage industry is a great place to grow  

Salma Fotovat is the Co-Founder & Sourcing & Procurement Director at Riverside Natural Foods, Ltd. - Home of MadeGood. They are a Canadian-owned company that specializes in creating healthy, allergy-friendly snacks She shares her insights on the complexities of product development in the dairy industry. She discusses the importance of collaboration, the challenges of optimizing established products, and the innovative processes involved in launching new products. Pratisha emphasizes the significance of curiosity, human connections, and networking in her career journey, providing valuable advice for aspiring product developers. --- Shownotes: https://foodgrads.com/podcast/Salma-Fotovat --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction 03:15 – What Is a Sourcing and Procurement Career? 07:30 – What This Job Actually Looks Like Day to Day 12:00 – How a Single Ingredient Takes Months to Approve 18:00 – Why "Right Price, Right Place" Is Harder Than It Sounds 22:00 – What Happens When 50% of Your Main Ingredient Disappears 27:00 – How Strong Relationships Saved the Business 31:30 – What Makes a Supplier Actually Want to Work With You 36:00 – How Procurement Can Support Farmers and the Planet 40:30 – The Future of Supply Chain Careers and Sustainability 45:30 – Skills Students Should Start Building Now --- 📙  Career Guides: https://foodgrads.com/career-paths-food-and-beverage/    💭  Career Advice: https://foodgrads.com/blog/ --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼  Salma Fotovat LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salmafotovat/ 💼 Riverside Natural Foods LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/riverside-natural-foods/ 🌐 Riverside Natural Foods Website: https://www.riversidenaturalfoods.com/ 📸 MadeGood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madegoodfoods/ --- CONNECT WITH US   📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodgrads/   🎵  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foodgrads.com   💼  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodgrads/

Pratistha Banerjee is a Product Development and Commercialization Manager at Darigold, a global supplier of dairy and specialty food products. Pratistha shares insights into her role, emphasizing that food product development is not just about flavor but also about functional ingredients, supplier collaboration, and navigating complex operational and regulatory requirements in the dairy industry. She discusses the challenges of optimizing existing products and taking new product ideas from concept to plant launch, as well as what innovation truly means in a large food company. Pratistha highlights the importance of curiosity, problem-solving, and communication in building a successful career. Throughout the conversation, Pratistha reflects on her journey from early career roles to her current position. She emphasizes adaptability, continuous learning, and the value of building strong relationships with colleagues, suppliers, and operators. For students and aspiring food scientists, Pratistha encourages experimenting, learning from real-world challenges, and understanding the functional and technical aspects of ingredients. --- Shownotes --- TIMESTAMPS (00:00) What Food Product Development Really Is and Isn't (02:10) How Pratistha Got Into Product Development (05:00) What a Product Development Manager Does Day to Day (08:40) How Food Products Go from Idea to Launch (12:30) Why Food Product Ideas Fail at Scale (17:00) Theory vs Reality in Food Product Development (21:30) Working With Plants, Suppliers, and Operations (26:10) What Innovation Actually Means in the Food Industry (31:00) How Product Developers Solve Complex Problems (36:20) Choosing Between Food Industry Career Paths (41:30) Networking Advice for Introverted Students (47:40) What Students Should Start Doing Now --- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Pratistha Banerjee LinkedIn 🌐 Darigold Website 💼 Darigold LinkedIn 📸 Darigold Instagram 🐦 Darigold X (Twitter) CONNECT WITH US 🐦 X 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn

What does a Product Development Specialist actually do in meat manufacturing? Leslie Herbas Marañon is a Product Development Specialist at Ascona Food Group, a global supplier of customized dry blends, edible films, and casings for the meat industry. With over 10 years across production, quality management, and R&D in Bolivia and Canada, she brings a hands-on, formulation-first approach to every project. --- Shownotes: https://foodgrads.com/podcast/Leslie-Herbas --- Explore food industry careers with CareersNOW!: https://careersnow.ca/ --- CareersNOW! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNOW.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. --- TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Introduction to Food Product Development and Problem-Solving   (01:05) What a Product Development Specialist Does at Ascona   (03:10) Customizing Dry Blends, Edible Films, and Casings   (05:13) From Bench-Top Formulation to Plant Trials   (07:07) What Documentation Means in Product Development   (10:34) Regulatory and Administrative Work in the Meat Industry   (15:57) Building Confidence Through Experience and Failure   (18:09) Managing Multiple Projects and Scaling Up   (23:07) Practicing Product Development Skills at Home   (29:56) Career Path from Production to Product Development   (37:38) Why Problem-Solving Starts with Planning   (43:27) Learning from Production Teams and Operators --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 📙  Career Guides: https://foodgrads.com/career-paths-food-and-beverage/    💭  Career Advice: https://foodgrads.com/blog/ --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼  Leslie Herbas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-herbas-mara%C3%B1on-18507579/ 🌐 Ascona Food Group Website: https://www.asconafoods.com/   💼 Ascona Food Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascona-foods-group/ CONNECT WITH US   📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodgrads/   🎵  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foodgrads.com   💼  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodgrads/

Mohammad Kathawala, a senior project engineer at Agri-Neo, explains what it takes to work in food safety engineering. He describes how project engineers translate technology into systems that work in real food processing environments, often across global operations. Mohammad shares how his engineering background led him into the food industry, what his role looks like day to day, and why communication and continuous improvement matter as much as technical skill. The conversation also covers how food safety technology is changing and what students and early-career engineers should know before entering the field. --- Shownotes --- Explore food industry careers with CareersNOW!: https://careersnow.ca/   CareersNOW! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNOW.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. CareersNOW! - What can you do with an Engineering Degree? --- TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Introduction to Food Safety Engineering (03:02) What a Project Engineer Does in Food Safety (06:09) Agri-Neo's Technology and Food Quality Focus (09:08) Understanding Client Needs and Equipment (11:50) Global Operations and Cultural Differences (15:05) Measuring Success in Engineering Projects (18:10) Continuous Improvement and Client Relationships (20:49) Skills Aspiring Engineers Should Build (23:50) Career Path and Industry Evolution (26:58) The Future of Food Safety Technology (30:09) Advice for Future Engineers -- 📙 Career Guides  💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Mohammad Kathawala LinkedIn 🌐 Agri-Neo Website 💼 Agri-Neo LinkedIn ▶️ Agri-Neo YouTube CONNECT WITH US 🐦 X 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn

Explore food industry careers with CareersNOW!: https://careersnow.ca/ Jayana Kaiprath is the Talent Acquisition Manager at Give & Go Prepared Foods, helping students and professionals land their next opportunity in the food industry. Give & Go Prepared Foods, part of the Mondelēz family of brands, makes iconic treats like two-bite® brownies and supports employee growth at every stage of their career. --- Shownotes --- 🧠 Shownotes:  📙 Career Guides:  💭 Career Advice: --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Jayana LinkedIn 🌐 Give & Go Website 💼 Give & Go LinkedIn 📸 Instagram CONNECT WITH US 🐦 X:   📸 Instagram: 🎵 TikTok: 💼 LinkedIn:   

Lara Tiro is the founder of Rebel CPG, where she helps food entrepreneurs take products from kitchen concepts to retail shelves. She brings deep experience in product development and project management, guiding clients through every stage of innovation to ensure ideas become market-ready products. Christine Farkas is the founder of IHeartFood and co-host of the podcast Munching on Molecules. With a background in culinary science and strategic consulting, she helps food innovators solve complex challenges and create products that resonate with consumers. In this episode, we talk about how food consultants use the Stage-Gate process to bring structure to innovation, why collaboration, humor, and flexibility are essential in their work, and how different approaches can lead to successful product launches. Lara and Christine also share insights from their own journeys in the food industry and show how even in the same role, there's room for unique perspectives and personal style. *** Shownotes *** This week's episode is sponsored by: The Faculty of Land and Food Systems at UBC explores the connections between land, resources, environment, and health. Students tackle big questions in food security, sustainable agriculture, and community health. Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs including the Master of Food Science and Food, Nutrition and Health programs at landfood.ubc.ca *** Lara Tiro: LinkedIn Rebel CPG: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Christine Farkas: LinkedIn IHeartFood: Website / LinkedIn Munching on Molecules Podcast: Website / LinkedIn / YouTube / Spotify *** NEXT EPISODE TO CHECK OUT #166 – Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D. Food Scientist, Food Industry Consultant and Author *** SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY FOOD INDUSTRY CAREER TIPS → Sign up for the newsletter *** COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT  Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks)  Get Career Advice (Blog) *** CONNECT  Connect on Twitter  Connect on Instagram  Connect on LinkedIn  Connect on TikTok  Subscribe on YouTube *** SAY THANKS  Leave a review on Apple Podcasts  Leave a rating on Spotify  

Kaylah Farina is the Product Development Manager at Sigma US, where she leads innovation projects for Bar-S Foods Co. She develops a wide range of meat products for retail and foodservice, including high-protein snacks and bold new concepts like a chili cheese dog burrito, which she describes as a mess-free chili dog on the go. Before moving into product development, Kaylah trained and worked as a chef. That experience continues to shape how she approaches recipe formulation and testing. She is also Chair of the Cactus Section of the Institute of Food Technologists, where she supports collaboration and community across the industry. In this episode, we talk about how product developers take ideas from concept to commercialization, how to collaborate effectively with chefs, scientists, and business teams, and how relationship-building can be the key to solving production challenges. Kaylah also shares how her background in theater gave her a unique edge in her career, and why empathy and adaptability are essential skills in the food industry. Shownotes Kaylah Farina: LinkedIn Bar-S Foods: Website/ Instagram / YouTube / TikTok / Sigma US: Website *** NEXT EPISODE TO CHECK OUT  #101 – Matt Thell, Global Strategy & Innovation Leader at General Mills Inc *** SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY FOOD INDUSTRY CAREER TIPS → Sign up for the newsletter *** COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT  Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks)  Get Career Advice (Blog) *** CONNECT  Connect on Twitter  Connect on Instagram  Connect on LinkedIn  Connect on TikTok  Subscribe on YouTube *** SAY THANKS  Leave a review on Apple Podcasts  Leave a rating on Spotify    

Nataly Lopez Baron is the Manager of the Guelph Food Innovation Centre (GFIC), an applied research centre that partners with food businesses to transform challenges into practical solutions through research, product development, and pilot plant testing. Originally from Colombia, Nataly earned her undergraduate and master's degrees before moving to Canada to complete a PhD in Food Science and Technology at the University of Alberta. She has since worked in food research and product development across the dairy, cereals, and supplement industries, bringing that expertise and international perspective to her current role at GFIC. In this episode, we talk about how GFIC helps companies bridge the gap between homemade recipes and commercial-scale production, the unique infrastructure the centre offers—including certified pilot plants—and the success stories that have come out of GFIC's partnerships. Nataly also shares her own career journey, and what it's like to lead a food innovation centre where every day brings a new challenge. If you're curious about how food products move from concept to commercialization, or what it's like to work at the intersection of research and industry, you'll enjoy this conversation. Shownotes Nataly Lopez Baron: LinkedIn Guelph Food Innovation Centre: Website/ Instagram / YouTube  *** This week's episode is sponsored by: University of Guelph's Food and Agricultural Business Program: Prepare to thrive in Canada's fast-changing food industry with U of G's Food and Agricultural Business program. Gain agri-food expertise, business skills, and co-op experience that help you stand out — many students even land jobs before they graduate! *** NEXT EPISODE TO CHECK OUT  #71 – Liana Yee, Junior Product Specialist at Export Packers Company Limited *** SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY FOOD INDUSTRY CAREER TIPS → Sign up for the newsletter *** COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT  Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks)  Get Career Advice (Blog) *** CONNECT  Connect on Twitter  Connect on Instagram  Connect on LinkedIn  Connect on TikTok  Subscribe on YouTube *** SAY THANKS  Leave a review on Apple Podcasts  Leave a rating on Spotify  

Santiago Ampudia Vasquez is a brewer at Blackburn Brewhouse and Assistant Professor at Niagara College. Blackburn Brewhouse, based in Niagara Falls, produces a wide range of craft beers—from lagers and pale ales to specialty brews, seltzers, and ciders. Santiago holds a Master of Science and previously taught at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. After immigrating to Canada, he changed paths by enrolling in Niagara College's Brewmaster program. Since then, he has helped the college secure first place at the 2023 U.S. Open College Beer Championship and earned a Silver medal for his Belgian Tripel, Te Tous et Bois, named after the French film that inspired it.  We dive into what a brewer really does day-to-day in an independent brewery—why yeast care and cleaning can take up to 80% of the job—and the science that transforms grains into beer. Santiago also shares the skills that make a great brewer, the joy of creating new beers, and a bit of beer history along the way. If you're curious about how beer is made, the mix of science and creativity in brewing, or what it's like to work in the craft beer industry, you'll enjoy this conversation. Shownotes Santiago Ampudia Vasquez's : LinkedIn Blackburn Brewery: Website/ Instagram/ Niagara College: Website/ Instagram / YouTube / Twitter / Facebook *** NEXT EPISODE TO CHECK OUT  #86 – William (Billy) Dietz, Co-Founder and Consultant at BDH Consultants and Author *** SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY FOOD INDUSTRY CAREER TIPS → Sign up for the newsletter *** COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT  Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks)  Get Career Advice (Blog) *** CONNECT  Connect on Twitter  Connect on Instagram  Connect on LinkedIn  Connect on TikTok  Subscribe on YouTube *** SAY THANKS  Leave a review on Apple Podcasts  Leave a rating on Spotify

Prairva Plepalakon, also known as "Summer," is a recent Food Science and Technology graduate from the University of California, Davis, one of the most respected food science programs in the world.  UC Davis has a big reputation in food science, pairing strong academic programs with deep industry and research networks.  In this episode of That's a Food Job!, Summer shares what it's like to study food science at UC Davis and reflects on the co-op positions she's taken on (including one with a company making protein from air). We talk about her advice for students who want to stand out, what she learned from attending the IFT First Conference, and how hands-on experiences have shaped her career goals. Summer was the winner of the Voices of the Future Podcast Challenge we hosted during our visit to IFT First.  **  Shownotes Prairva Plepalakon: LinkedIn UC Davis Food Science Program: Website *** #92 – Davis Jaeger, R&D Leader, Culinary Expert and Food Scientist *** SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY FOOD INDUSTRY CAREER TIPS  → Sign up for the newsletter  *** COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog) *** CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube *** SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Leslie Nienkark is an HR Business Partner at KWS Group, one of the world's leading plant breeding companies. KWS specializes in breeding and selling seed for crops like corn, sugar beet, cereals, rapeseed, sunflowers, and vegetables. Although Leslie hasn't spent her entire career in agriculture, her HR experience spans a variety of industries including media, software, architecture, and retail. This gives her a broad and insightful perspective on workplace culture. In this episode of That's a Food Job!, Leslie shares what it's like to work in human resources within the agricultural sector and explains the role HR plays in supporting both people and organizational goals. We talk about how KWS develops seed products, what makes a positive workplace culture, and why communication is key to employee retention. Leslie also offers practical advice for new professionals on what to ask when starting a role and how to navigate today's evolving workplaces. This episode is especially helpful if you're curious about HR as a career path or want to better understand how strong HR practices shape the food and ag industries from behind the scenes **  Shownotes Leslie Nienkark: LinkedIn KWS: Website/LinkedIn/Instagram/ *** #46 – Melissa Norem, Enterprise Director of Origination at Scoular *** SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY FOOD INDUSTRY CAREER TIPS  → Sign up for the newsletter  *** COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog) *** CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube *** SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Louisa Bachman is a Food Scientist at KIND Snacks. KIND offers a range of products, including nut and fruit bars, breakfast bars, granola clusters, and refrigerated nut butter bars. Before joining KIND however, Louisa earned her Food Science degree at UMass Amherst, where she both led their school's Food Science Club and Alpine Skiing club.   In this episode of That's a Food Job!, Louisa shares what it's really like to work in product development, walking us through how a concept turns into a product on the shelf. She breaks down the role of flavor iteration, sensory testing, and shelf life studies, while also offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of her favorite projects—developing savory KIND bars. Throughout the conversation, Louisa reflects on how collaboration, curiosity, and strong communication play an essential role in getting new products to market. We also talk about the skills that help food scientists succeed in the industry, how food trends shape innovation, and the importance of networking early in your career. Whether you're a student exploring food science or someone interested in how the snack industry works, this episode provides valuable insight into a career in product development. **  Shownotes Loiusa Bachman: LinkedIn KIND: Website/LinkedIn/Instagram/ *** #94 – Michael Sharp, Director of Research and Analytics at the Heartland Food Products Group *** SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY FOOD INDUSTRY CAREER TIPS  → Sign up for the newsletter  *** COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog) *** CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube *** SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Marin Pavlic is the Senior Director of QA Programs & Compliance at Sofina Foods and the current President of the Ontario Food Protection Association (OFPA). With over 15 years of experience in food manufacturing, Marin brings a deep understanding of food safety, team leadership, and regulatory compliance to his work—along with a strong belief in the power of networking and continuous improvement. In this episode of That's a Food Job!, Marin shares how he built his career by learning to trust the expertise of his team, learning adjacent skills and networking within the industry. He discusses the importance of communication and team dynamics, the role of data in driving smarter decisions, and how regulatory changes can be used as a catalyst for growth. We also explore his passion for professional development and his work with OFPA to build community and mentorship across the food sector. If you're interested in food safety careers, building leadership skills, or how to grow in a traditional industry through learning and collaboration, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration. **  Shownotes Marin Pavlic: LinkedIn OFPA: Website/LinkedIn/ *** #77–Neha Mehta, Food Safety Quality Assurance Compliance Coordinator/Supervisor at Maple Leaf Foods Inc. *** SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY FOOD INDUSTRY CAREER TIPS  → Sign up for the newsletter  *** COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog) *** CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube *** SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Thomas Hayes is the co-founder of Agilitas, a company building AI-powered tools to help food scientists formulate faster, smarter, and with more confidence. By transforming messy spreadsheets into an intelligent platform, Agilitas is tackling the "cold start" problem in food R&D and making it easier for teams to benchmark products, create base formulas, and retain critical institutional knowledge. In this episode of That's a Food Job!, Tommy shares his unconventional path from chemical engineering to food tech founder. He talks about building a customer-first platform, the power of feedback loops in product development, and how AI is being used to reduce trial-and-error in formulation—without replacing the scientist behind the bench. We also dive into his global experiences working in Singapore and Saudi Arabia, and what those perspectives taught him about innovation, communication, and risk-taking. If you're curious about the future of food science, the role of AI in product development, or how to build something new in a traditional industry, this conversation is a must-listen. **  Shownotes Thomas Hayes: LinkedIn Agilitas: Website/LinkedIn/ *** #81–Harjeet Bajaj, President and CEO of Savourmetrics *** SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY FOOD INDUSTRY CAREER TIPS  → Sign up for the newsletter  *** COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog) *** CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube *** SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Tyler De Sousa is the co-founder of Circulr, a company helping Consumer Packaged Goods brands close the loop on their glass packaging through reuse. By managing the logistics of sourcing, collecting, and redistributing reusable containers, Circulr is making it easier for businesses and consumers to reduce waste and support a circular economy. In this episode of That's a Food Job!, Tyler shares how a small pilot project turned into a growing social enterprise. He talks about the challenges of changing consumer behavior, the importance of industry collaboration, and how technology is helping scale systems of reuse. We also explore the personal side of entrepreneurship—staying motivated, taking risks, and creating real community impact. If you're curious about sustainability, innovation, or building purpose-driven businesses in the food industry, you won't want to miss this one. **  Shownotes Tyler De Sousa : LinkedIn Circulr: Website/LinkedIn/Instagram/ *** SPONSOR CareersNOW! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNOW.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. *** TIMESTAMPS Coming soon! *** RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE → # 29 - Rebecca Bradley, Chief Marketing Officer at Terra Bioindustries *** SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY FOOD INDUSTRY CAREER TIPS  → Sign up for the newsletter  *** COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog) *** CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube *** SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Felicia Sia is an Account Manager at Dempsey Corporation, a Canadian ingredient distributor specializing in innovative and technical ingredients. With a background in food science from the University of Guelph, her career has spanned multiple roles, including product development, technical sales and directing a cooking school for kids. In this episode, she shares insights into the world of ingredient sales, discussing what it takes to succeed as an account manager in the food industry. She explores the importance of active listening, building strong client relationships, and the key skills that set great sales professionals apart. Felicia also reflects on her career transitions, overcoming fears, and the value of taking risks. Her story offers inspiration for anyone considering a career change and looking for the confidence to take the next step. **  Shownotes Felicia Sia : LinkedIn Demsey Corporation: Website/LinkedIn/Instagram/YouTube *** SPONSOR CareersNOW! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNOW.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. *** TIMESTAMPS Coming soon! *** RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE → # 29 - Marc Wall, VP of Sales at Sandy Shore Farms Ltd. *** SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY FOOD INDUSTRY CAREER TIPS  → Sign up for the newsletter  *** COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog) *** CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube *** SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Rafal Rusiniak is the National Business Development & Sales Manager at Handtmann Canada Limited, a company specializing in food processing equipment solutions. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Rafal's journey into sales was unexpected—he originally pursued a degree in engineering before discovering his passion for sales and business development. In this episode, Rafal takes us inside the world of food processing equipment sales, sharing insights on building relationships with clients, the structured approach to sales training, and the process behind purchasing large-scale food manufacturing equipment. We also dive into the skills that make a great salesperson—like storytelling and understanding personality types—and why food processing equipment companies need food scientists too! **  Shownotes Rafal Rusiniak : LinkedIn Handtmann Canada Limited: Website/LinkedIn/Instagram/YouTube *** SPONSOR CareersNOW! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNOW.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. *** TIMESTAMPS [0:39] What Handtmann Canada is [1:33] What does a sales professional do? [5:26] Equipment and service equipment Handtamm creates [10:15] Steps to obtain a piece of equipment [16:30] Partnerships in sales with customers [18:20] How Rafal got into his position [23:06] What skills help Rafal to be an effective sales person [29:22] Topics/skills Rafal is working [36:22] Roles available for students at a Handtmand Canada [41:42] Advice for students thinking about going into food processing or sales   *** + RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE → # 78 - Somayeh Salemi, Business Development Specialist at Klever Equipped Inc. *** SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY FOOD INDUSTRY CAREER TIPS  → Sign up for the newsletter  *** COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog)   CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube   SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Brian Allaway is the COO of Made With Local, a company known for its commitment to real food, community connections, and sustainable business practices. With 16 years of experience leading teams in food manufacturing, Brian specializes in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and quality management.    In this episode, Brian takes us inside the world of small-scale food manufacturing, sharing insights on building strong teams, fostering a culture where mistakes fuel growth, and the power of lean tools like Kanban (not KanBan, as you'll hear!). We also dive into the future of food manufacturing, including the skills needed to transform the industry and why traceability is more critical than ever. ***  Shownotes Brian Allaway: LinkedIn Made with Local: Website/ LinkedIn/ Instagram/ YouTube *** SPONSOR CareersNOW! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNOW.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. *** TIMESTAMPS (0:00) Introduction to lean manufacturing in food production (1:45) Overview of Made with Local: a sustainable food company (3:30) Exploring Brian Allaway's role as COO in food manufacturing (4:43) Inside Made with Local's operations and production processes (5:45) Understanding Lean Six Sigma in food industry operations (16:14) Brian Allaway's professional journey in food manufacturing (19:45) Strategies for building company culture and effective teams (25:45) Essential skills for success in food manufacturing careers (31:19) Real-life manufacturing stories and lessons learned (36:40) Key certifications for plant management professionals ***   RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE → # 78 - Gavin Johnston, Plant Manager at Veg Pro International Inc. *** SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY FOOD INDUSTRY CAREER TIPS  → Sign up for the newsletter  *** COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog)   CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube   SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Berklee Welsh is the Associate Sustainability Manager at Simple Mills, a company on a mission to make healthy choices easy through their line of  snacks, crackers, cookies, and baking mixes using whole food ingredients. In this episode, she takes us behind the scenes of ingredient sourcing at Simple Mills and reveals how the Almond Project is uniting farmers, businesses, and experts to create a more sustainable food future. ***  Berklee's Website/ LinkedIn Simple Mills' Website/ LinkedIn/ Instagram/ YouTube  *** RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE  → # 99 - Joseph Lyons - Environmental Operations Coordinator at Susgrainable *** SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY FOOD INDUSTRY CAREER TIPS  → Sign up for the newsletter  *** COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog)   CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube   SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Laurent Dallaire is the CEO and co-founder of Innodal, a company dedicated to developing and producing for various sectors and offers innovative solutions to inhibit microbiological pathogens. With a background in biotechnological engineering from the University of Sherbrooke and a master's degree in food science from Laval University as part of the METABIOLAC industrial chair, Laurent combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial vision. Following his academic journey, he founded Innodal to address food safety challenges with innovative, science-backed solutions. His work focuses on bridging the gap between academic research and practical applications in the food industry, helping manufacturers improve safety, extend shelf life, and reduce recalls. Episode Takeaways Why collaboration between academia and industry fuels practical innovation The significance of FDA approval and educating the industry on food safety Challenges of transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship How new technologies can combat persistent food safety issues Insights into balancing research, regulation, and market needs Show Notes  Things mentioned in this episode: This week's episode is sponsored by: CareersNow! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNow.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Food Safety Innovation 02:01 The Science Behind Innodelle's Antimicrobial Solutions 05:50 Targeting Listeria: A Game Changer in Food Safety 10:10 Bridging the Gap: From Research to Market 15:27 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Starting Innodelle 22:06 The Importance of Marketing in Science 25:29 Building a Team: The Role of Food Scientists 33:19 Current Applications and Future Potential 39:24 Educating the Industry on Food Safety 45:18 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs   COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog)   CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube   SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify  

Matt Thell is a Global Strategy & Innovation Leader at General Mills Inc. General Mills Inc. is the creator of iconic brands like Cheerios, Pillsbury and Häagen-Dazs. Matt is a member of an internal consultancy team that helps teams within his organization tackle challenges and seize opportunities. His career journey spans over two decades, beginning with product development roles for beloved snacks like Chex Mix and Gardettos and evolving into strategic roles that focus on front-end innovation. 🔍 Episode Highlights: Matt shares insights into his role as a strategic consultant within General Mills How Matt uses the I3 process to solve-problems Why curiosity and diverse experiences fuel creativity Tips on understanding team dynamics and timing idea sharing Show Notes Matt's  / LinkedIn  General Mills / Website /   TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Introduction (00:58) Matt explains what Sr. Strategy Manager does (04:56) Matt's I3 Process (09:47) Case study: Old Paso in Europe (15:00) Turning insights into action (20:13) Navigating challenges in research (22:08) Creating a supportive team environment (30:55) How to find ways to share ideas (34:27) Why curiosity is important (38:12) Matt's advice for interviews COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog)   CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube   SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

This podcast marks the 100th episode of the FoodGrads Podcast! The podcast began in September 2020 and since then we have produced 100 episodes! The success this show has had and continues to build is all because of YOU. You listening, supporting, and sharing the show. We thank you for the support. To celebrate this achievement we are re-branding the the podcast to That's a Food Job! We wanted a fresh new look (and name) for the podcast. We're here to celebrate food industry professionals and proudly say—That's a Food Job! In this episode Veronica Hislop is joined with Sydney Mohr and Nicole Gallace both team members from the FoodGrads team. So in this episode, we talk about how the podcast came to be, highlights from past episodes of the show, the behind the scenes of the podcast, some of the most memorable guests in the first 100 episodes, and the unveiling of the new assets for the rebrand! Show Notes   TIMESTAMPS (0:00) Introduction (9:50) FoodGrads Podcast Rebrand (21:45) Looking at older intros of the podcast (37:00) Reflecting on the iterations (45:09) Behind the scenes of making the podcast (50:00) Listener Q&A   COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog)   CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube   SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Joesph Lyons is the Environmental Operations Coordinator for Susgrainable. Susgrainable has a bold mission to create a world where food waste and diabetes are a thing of the past. Right now they are producing a variety of baking mixes but they are looking to expand in the future.   Joseph with Honours from The University of British Columbia with a BCom specialized in Global Supply Chain & Logistics Management. Joesph is fairly new out of graduation but he has done a lot since he started at Susgrainable. In just 9 months he has helped build tools to track stock, built relationships with industry partners and he even has laid down the company's groundwork for ERP. 🔍 Episode Highlights: Behind the scenes with Susgrainable  What Joseph does in his role  What a circular economy is Skills that Joseph is currently working on Show Notes Joseph's  / LinkedIn  Susgrainable / Website / Instagram / LinkedIn   TIMESTAMPS (1:15) Joseph's food job (2:55) How Joseph got into this role (5:30) What is supply chain (7:00) Susgrainable's supply chain (9:22) Joseph's role in operations (10:20) Launching a snack pretzel (17:15) Coordinating Susgrainable's supply chain (23:15) How Joseph got into supply chain (26:57) What Joseph likes about supply chain (32:42) Communication in supply chain roles (37:06) Why Susgrainable is a good place to work (38:21) Skills Joseph is working on (45:26) Advice for going into the supply chain   COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog)   CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube   SPONSORS CareersNow! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNow.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development.   SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

What does it take to shape the future of food production and drive sustainability in the industry? Seamus Higgins, Associate Professor and Course Director for Food Process Engineering at the University of Nottingham, shares his journey from electrical engineer to food process expert—and how he's inspiring the next generation of engineers. Seamus began his career as an electrical engineer in the food industry and has worked with leading international food companies including Tongaat Hewlett, Nestle, and Premier Foods. He has held lead project and senior management roles in factory development, food process engineering, and new product development, and has also consulted for global food and UK companies as well as entrepreneur development and new company start-ups. In this episode, you'll discover: What it means to understand the concept of food and why it's crucial to innovation How the food system is evolving and what that means for future food production The challenges of change management in an industry that's always evolving The critical role of a food engineer in creating sustainable solutions for the food industry Show Notes Seamus's  / LinkedIn / Research Gate    TIMESTAMPS (0:00) Introduction (1:40) What is the food? (4:50) Seamus's food job (9:30) What is a food engineer (13:20) How Seamus got into engineering (19:00) Evolution of the food system (26:05) How food technologies have changed (30:00) Learning how to manage change (40:21)  What is exciting Seamus about the industry (51:40) Seamus's new book   COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog)   CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube   SPONSORS Canadian Food Innovation Network:  Check out CFIN's Career Hub to learn more about CFIN's free membership, their Food Innovator Career Hub, and how can you can join the fastest growing food business community in the country.    SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

What does it take to represent 28,000 farmers and promote Ontario grains to the world? Dana Dickerson, Market Development and Sustainability Manager at Grain Farmers of Ontario, shares how she builds markets, fosters global relationships, and drives sustainability in agriculture. In this episode, you'll learn: Surprising facts about Ontario grain production The tech transforming modern agriculture How Dana's career journey proves there's more to agriculture than farming Show Notes Dana's  / LinkedIn / Twitter / Instagram Grain Farmers of Ontario / Website / LinkedIn / Twitter TIMESTAMPS (0:00) Introduction  (2:09) What Dana does (2:39) Facts about Ontario  grain  (5:44) What Dana does at Grain Farmers of Ontario (9:15) How to communicate on behalf an industry (10:12) Dana's career journey  (19:00) How Dana learns on the job (22:00) Surprises for foreign delegates  (23:15)Technology in grain agriculture  (29:25)Tech jobs in agriculture  (35:37) Where are the jobs located (38:40) Using school resources (40:40) Sustainable practices Ontario farmers are implementing (46:00) Advice for students  (48:00) Where to find Dana   COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog)   CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube   SPONSORS Canadian Food Innovation Network:  Check out CFIN's Career Hub to learn more about CFIN's free membership, their Food Innovator Career Hub, and how can you can join the fastest growing food business community in the country.    SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

AJ Taylor, Ph.D. is a Scientist II, Innovation at McCormick FONA who recently graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign with a Ph.D. in food science where his research focused on understanding the physiochemical and microbiological aspects of cocoa bean fermentation. This research is looking at ways to understand how microbes affect the quality and flavour profile of the resulting chocolate. Obtaining a Ph.D. was a rewarding but challenging experience for AJ. In addition to his research AJ acted as a  graduate teaching assistant who helped to teach food science to students.  Today he works at McCormick FONA teaching clients about working better with flavours covering everything from the science behind flavour, the labeling landscape, to using flavor in your specific application. 🔍 Episode Highlights: • AJ's research  • The unlikely experience that led to AJ getting a job  • Day in the life of a PhD • Transitioning between grad school and industry Show Notes AJ's  / LinkedIn McCormick FONA   TIMESTAMPS (0:00) Introduction (1:34) AJ introduces himself (2:50) What AJ did in graduate school (12:15) Dealing with setbacks  (15:46) Process of getting a project  (20:50) Day in the life of PhD (27:00) What is being a TA  (37:50) Transition between acadamia and industry  (40:39) Standing out from the crowd (48:00) Where to find AJ  (48:33) Outro   COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog)   CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube   SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Brendan Niemira, PhD is a Lead Scientist with the USDA's Agricultural Research Service. He leads a team of 30+ scientists, engineers, technicians, postdocs, and students in Wyndmoor, PA., developing tools to kill human pathogens on produce, meats, poultry, shellfish, and other foods. However, his focus and passion are developing and validating cold plasma, high-intensity monochromatic light, irradiation, and other nonthermal food safety treatments for fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. Dr. Niemira has published over 180 peer-reviewed research articles, book chapters, and critical reviews. He is the co-editor and author of a well-regarded reference text and holds two patents. 🔍 Episode Highlights: • What Brendan does as a lead scientist • Why plasma could be a game changer for food safety  • Growing your career through food organizations  Show Notes Brendan's  / LinkedIn   USDA Agricultural Research Service Cold Plasma + Oranges TIMESTAMPS (0:00) Introduction (1:04) Dr. Niemira introduces himself (1:55) How Niemira progressed into Cold Plasma (5:27) What a lead researcher does at the ARS (9:40) What is cold plasma (17:05) How to implement cold plasma (23:23) How to justify research? (29:08) Commercialization of cold plasma (31:57) Cost of the system (41:24) Growth opportunities (45:46) IFT Opportunities (53:22) Advice for students going into food safety   COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog)   CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube   SPONSORS Canadian Food Innovation Network:  Check out CFIN's Career Hub to learn more about CFIN's free membership, their Food Innovator Career Hub, and how can you can join the fastest growing food business community in the country.    SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Michael Sharp is the director of research and analytics at the Heartland Food Products Group. The Heartland Food Products Group is a global leader in making low-calorie sweeteners and liquid water enhancers. It is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, and makes Splenda Sweeteners.  Michael has over 13 years of experience in research and development, leading new products from concept to commercialization. He graduated from Utah State University with a bachelor's degree in food science and a master's degree from Ohio State University. 🔍 Episode Highlights:  • What a Research and Development Director does • The different kinds of R&D roles • Michael's career journey • Advice for product development research interviews Show Notes Michael's  / LinkedIn TIMESTAMPS (0:00) Introduction (1:33) Michael's introduction (11:15) Why Michael decided to get a master's degree (12:50) Differences between product development and R&D (16:45) Michael's research process (22:20) Where Michael learned about data analytics (24:10) Basic tools of data analysis (26:40) Difference between small and large labs (29:20) Sponsor: CFIN (30:10) Transitioning from work to school (31:50) How to identify your skills (33:45) Michael's extra-curriculars during school (37:00) Technologies that are interesting to Michael (42:25) Advice for students looking to go into R&D   COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog)   CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube   SPONSORS Canadian Food Innovation Network:  Check out CFIN's Career Hub to learn more about CFIN's free membership, their Food Innovator Career Hub, and how can you can join the fastest growing food business community in the country.    SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Jennifer McEntire, Ph.D., founder of Food Safety Strategy and former Chief Food Safety & Regulatory Officer at the International Fresh Produce Association. She is a food microbiologist by background and has worked in the Washington, DC, area for over 20 years, bringing the scientific perspective to food safety leadership positions within the grocery manufacturers association. She held previous food safety leadership positions with the Grocery Manufacturers Association and the Institute of Food Technologists, where she led the FDA FSMA traceability pilots. 🔍 Episode Highlights: Jennifer's food safety career journey Skills that are important for food safety professionals Safety concerns regarding produce Technology's role in the future of food safety Show Notes Jennifers's  / Website/ LinkedIn TIMESTAMPS (0:00)  Introduction (1:30)  Jennifer introduces herself (5:20)  Jobs in food safety policy (10:44)  Science and government policy (14:10)  How to practice communicating science (16:25)  Understanding people's points of view (20:13)  Food produce food safety (24:31)  Food safety of sprouts  (28:15)  Technology's role on food safety for the future (33:00)   How to learn about data science (37:22)   Soft skills needed by food safety professionals (44:34)   Outro   COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog)   CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube   SPONSORS CareersNow! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNow.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development.   SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Davis Jaeger is a R&D Leader, Culinary Expert and Food Scientist. He has had a winding career path up until this point. Davis began working in the hospitality industry at the young age of 14, starting as a busboy. However, his career took a turn when he transitioned to the kitchen after one of the chefs resigned and another chef invited him to join the kitchen staff. That's how he ended up in the culinary science program at Clemson University. Since then, his passion for food science has only grown, and he has not regretted his decision for a moment. 🔍 Episode Highlights: ▪ Challenges and failures Davis faced along the way ▪ The necessity of gaining manufacturing plant experience ▪ The difficulties of collaboration in research ▪ The skill of communicating technical details to non-technical stakeholders ▪ Asking good questions to get a problem solved Show Notes Davis's  / Instagram / LinkedIn TIMESTAMPS (0:00) - Introduction (2:30) - Davis's career journey (16:50) - Switching between R&D expertise (meat to confectionery) (24:15) - Imporance of manufacturing plant experience  (34:39) - How to ask questions in the workplace (36:56) - How to demonstrate you can solve problems in an interview (40:14) - Davis talks about his failures and challenges in the workplace  (52:20)  Skills important to individuals looking to go into R&D (55:40)  Outro   WHEN YOU'RE READY 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog)   CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube   SPONSORS CareersNow! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNow.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development.   SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify  

On today's episode we are talking about what a senior researcher does, the difficulties of collaboration in research and figuring out what you enjoy. Matthew Teesgarden Ph.D., Senior Researcher and his role is providing strategic leadership for all scientific operations and communications in the Ohio States Foods for Health research initiative. FFH is focused on helping researchers work collaboratively to discover new ways in which food can enhance health. Matt completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science at The Ohio State. Sponsorship Canadian Food Innovation Network: CFIN's Food Innovation Career Hub is a a one-stop-shop for food professionals, students, and employers. This community is home to anyone who is interested in a career in foodtech or is actively seeking talented employees for their food business. The Food Innovator Career Hub lets you search job openings, access original content, and connect with a growing community of food professionals and mentors. Timestamps  (0:00) Introduction (2:22) Matt's career journey  (6:48) Matt explains what a senior researcher does  (12:08) Ohio State's Food for Health Initiative  (22:24) Sponsor: Canadian Food Inovation Network (23:00) How Matt learns about different disciplines  (27:30) Attending talks as a student  (31:10) Why Matt loves science communication (43:56) How to figure out if you enjoy graduate science  (47:16) Matt's experience with IFT Links Ohio State Foods for Health Research Initiative The Lancet Study on Diet and Health Matt Teagarden on LinkedIn Tasting Columbus IFT Food Disruptors Podcast IFT Career Center Show Notes https://foodgrads.com/matthew-teesgarden/

On today's episode we are talking about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, what's it like working in a small business and finding your "why". Surria Fadel, is the Co-Founder of Cedar Valley Selections. Cedar Valley Selections is not your average pita chip company. They are creating high-quality authentic pita chips in a variety of different flavours.  Surria graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and has spent several years in the fitness industry in many roles including being a Personal Trainer, Coach, Fitness Instructor, and Pain Management Therapist. She started Cedar Valley Selections with her son Ameen after receiving a small grant from his school board and wanted to share his mothers' famous Fattoush Salad recipe. Timestamps (0:00) Introduction (2:19) Cedar Valley origins (7:38) Where Ameen's entrepreneurship spirit came from (12:05) Why Surria decided to commit to Cedar Valley (13:00) What drives Surria  (21:47) Sponsor: CareersNow! (22:14) Experience running a manufacturing facility (33:54) What it was like being on Dragon's Den  (40:30) Where Surria looks for guidance (47:36) Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs Links Surria's LinkedIn Cedar Valley  Show Notes   MORE COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog) CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube SPONSORS CareersNow! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNow.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify  

On today's episode, we discuss food safety consulting, essential skills for food safety professionals, and how volunteering can help you network. Tania is the Co-Founder and Director of Assured Food Safety Consulting. She is here to offer guidance on navigating the world of food safety careers. Tania has a Master's degree in food science and is a proud Centennial College Biotechnology alumni. She has worked in food safety within the government and the food industry. Tania is passionate about giving back to the student community and helping companies improve their food safety. Timestamps (0:00) Introduction (2:53) Tanya's career journey (5:39) How Tanya found out about food safety consulting (10:34) How food safety consulting works (14:51) Skills needed by a food safety consultant (13:05) Food safety regulations and consulting options (24:51) Improving communication skills in school and beyond (29:30) Overcoming language barriers (31:20) Mentorship and why Tanya started to (42:18) Skills students are lacking in the workplace Links Tania's LinkedIn Assured Food Safety Show Notes   WHEN YOU'RE READY 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog)   CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube   SPONSORS Canadian Food Innovation Network: CFIN's Food Innovation Career Hub is a one-stop shop for food professionals, students, and employers. This community is home to anyone interested in a career in food tech or actively seeking talented employees for their food business. The Food Innovator Career Hub lets you search job openings, access original content, and connect with a growing community of food professionals and mentors. SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

On today's episde we are talking about the Kaan's career journey, his book "Food for Thought" and philosophy. About Kaan Demiryürek Kaan Demiryürek is the Research and Development Director for Sustainable Packaging at PepsiCo. Pepsico products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo's food portfolio includes products such as Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream.  Kaan has over two decades of career experience working at PepsiCo in food science, engineering and R&D spanning multiple geographies. Kaan holds a Bachelor's Degree in Food Engineering from the Middle East Technical University and His first role at Pepsico was as an R&D intern in Turkey. Since then he has worked in various business units in Europe (Turkey, Balkans, and East Europe) and North America across different foods categories. Before his current role in sustainable packaging Kaan led the R&D team for Potato Chips for North America. Links  Show Notes  Kaan Demiryürek's LinkedIn PepsiCo Food for Thought: Food Science and Engineering for the Future of Humanity by Kaan Demiryürek How modern science is turning our foods into medicines | David Julian McClements | TEDxAmherst Dr.David McClements Webinar for The Good Food Institute Kaan's email Timestamps (0:00) Introduction (1:52)  Kaan introduces himself and career history (5:36) Difference between food engineering and science (7:00) Why Kaan transitioned to sustainable packaging (12:52) Discussion about "Food for Thought" Book (20:00) Philosophy and R&D (25:13) Sponsor: CareersNow! (30:17) Importance of curiosity (34:55) Prioritization in work (42:00) Advice for inspiring food professionals (45:39) Outro   MORE COOL STUFF 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog) CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube SPONSORS CareersNow! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNow.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify  

On today's episode we are talking about the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN), CFIN's career resource library, Jamil's career story and cool innovation happening in Canada. Our guest today is Jamil Karim, Director of Communications for CFIN. CFIN helps to fund transformative foodtech projects, stimulate collaboration, and foster a growing community of food and beverage professionals. They connect the Canadian food and beverage ecosystem to new ideas, opportunities, and technologies to increase collaboration and position Canada as a global leader in food innovation. Jamil Karim combines more than a decade of marketing and communications experience with a passion for helping people and companies tell their stories. He also has extensive experience working with industry, where he's led media and community relations strategies for some of the country's fastest growing tech companies. Additionally, Jamil is deeply committed to having a positive impact on his community. Sponsorship This podcast episode is sponsored by the Canadian Food Innovation. Check out CFIN's Career Hub  code to learn more about CFIN's free membership, our Food Innovator Career Hub, and how can you can join the fastest growing food business community in the country.  Timestamps [0:00] Introduction [1:43] Jamil's career path in communications and public relations up until CFIN [6:57] Skills required in communication roles [14:26] About CFIN [23:15] Food tech innovation and collaboration in Canada [26:36] Green-tech definition [28:37] CFIN's career hub [34:45] Jamil's research process [38:05] Canadian innovation trends [41:27] Challenges of implementing innovation [44:35] CFIN funded startups [48:58] Advice for students looking to innovate Links Jamil Karim LinkedIn CFIN's Career Hub CFIN's YODL Relocalized Food Cycle Science Jamil Karim's Email Find Jamil Karim Online Show Notes Website: FoodGrads.com/Jamil-Karim/    

On today's episode we are talking about buliding a career journey into the tea industry, the differences about blended and single orgin teas, fostering a sense of continuous learning and problem-solving techniques which are pivotal for his consulting pursuits in the tea industry and advice for those looking to go into the tea industry.  Our guest today is William (Billy) Dietz, author or the book Spill the Tea. Billy has been in love with the tea industry since he first discovered the health benefits of tea back in high school. Billy has over 15 years of career knowledge. Which has amassed from his time as a tea blogger, a tea entrepreneurship, working in product development at DavidsTEA to currently being an independent tea consultant. Sponsors This episode of the podcast is supported by CareersNow! CareersNow! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNow.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. Timestamps Coming soon!  Links Coming soon!  Find Billy Dietz Online Show Notes Website: FoodGrads.com/billy-dietz/  

On today's episode, we discuss the fields of packaging and project management, lessons learned in managing teams, and the importance of staying curious. Our guest is Karen Aranha, Innovation & Commercialization Project Manager at The Hershey Company. Karen graduated with a Bachelors's Degree from the University of Mumbai in Packaging and Printing Technology. After gaining some experience in the field she obtained a Master's Degree in Packaging Science from Rochester Institute of Technology. After graduating, she worked for the Packaging Corporation of America as a packaging engineer, developing and executing merchandising displays and corrugated packaging. Her responsibilities included creating and implementing temporary displays and corrugated packaging for Hershey's. Although she now works in project management for the food industry, she remains passionate about packaging and considers herself a "packaging geek." Sponsors This episode of the podcast is supported by CareersNow! CareersNow! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNow.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. Timestamps [00:00] Introduction [4:12] Karen's career journey [9:46] Speaking about a packaging engineering degree [15:20] Differences between cardboard and corrugated material [21:11] Why Karen switched to project management [26:45] Designing and Coordinating Packaging [31:00] How Karen manages projects [36:58] Hershey's sweet and salty division [39:31] Learning how to manage people [45:11] Advice for students and graduates [50:12] Outro Links Comin soon!  Show Notes Website: http://FoodGrads.com/karen-aranha/

On today's episode we are talking about the ins and outs of food inspections, the art of communication in the workplace and balancing work a master's program. Our guest today is Mariia Melnychuk, Food Processing Specialist Inspector at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and MSc. student for Food Safety & Quality Assurance at University of Guelph. The CFIA is a key science-based federal regulator of food, animals and plants. The CFIA is committed to enhancing the safety of food produced and sold in, or imported into, Canada, contributing to the health of animals and protecting the plant resource base. Mariia graduated from Niagara College with an advanced diploma & Associate's Degree in Food Science and Technology and since then has held multiple food safety positions. Her current master's research is looking at consumers perceptions of cultured meat.  Timestamps [00:00] Introduction [1:02] Mariia's Journey to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency [8:40] Important skills for a food processing inspector  [15:21] Stories that have stuck out to Mariia  [18:54] Exploring Maria's UofG Master's Program [24:20] Mariia's thesis on perceptions in cell based meats  [25:45] Choosing the Right Research Topic [26:43] Difficulties of conducting surveys  [27:06] Current State of Cell-Based Meats in Canada [30:29] The Role of Supervisors in Research [38:23] Why Mariia decided to get a master's degree  [40:29] Advice for Students and Closing Remarks Links Mariia Melnychuk LinkedIn Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) University of Guelph's Food Safety and Quality Assurance program Information about the different roles CFIA inspectors carry out Find Mariia Melnychuk Mariia Melnychuk LinkedIn Show Notes Website: https://foodgrads.com/2024/01/17/mariia-melnychuk/

On today's episode we are talking about entrepenurship, Canada's food landscape and how Venture Parks is helping to support small start-ups.  Mike McNeil is vice president of operations at Venturepark Labs. Venturepark Labs is a non-profit supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in the food & wellness categories. It was initially founded in 2015 as District Ventures Accelerator and District Ventures Kitchen by Canadian business icon Arlene Dickinson. In May 2021, this initiative became Venturepark Labs—a proud community within Venturepark—Canada's only business growth ecosystem. Mike began his career as an advisor to Canada's Minister of Finance, the Honourable Jim Flaherty, but soon discovered a passion for entrepreneurship. As the first hire at Venturepark Labs, Mike established the accelerator program as one of Canada's leading programs for entrepreneurs. To date, the program has supported over 130 entrepreneurs and contributed over $1B in economic output. In 2023, Mike was named one of the Best Executives in Canada by The Globe and Mail. In 2023, the Globe and Mail recognized Mike as one of the Best Executives in Canada. Sponsors This episode of the podcast is supported by CareersNow! CareersNow! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNow.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. Timestamps Coming soon!  Links Coming soon! Find Mike Online Mike McNeil Show Notes Website: http://FoodGrads.com/mike-mcneil/

On today's episode we are talking about what a product developer does in the wine and spirits sector, sensory science and the valuable skills developed during postgraduate education. Our guest today is Esther Onguta, a Toronto native passionate about food and cooking, is an expert in food, fermentation, and sensory science. She earned a BSc in Food Science from the University of Guelph, specializing in Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals, and later pursued a Certificate in Grape and Wine Technology and an MSc in Biotechnology at Brock University. Esther then moved to New Zealand for her PhD in Food Technology at Massey University, focusing on the sensory aspects of protein-based foods. In 2021, she returned to Canada to work in distilled spirits and recently joined the Absolut Group/Pernod Ricard in Windsor, Ontario, as a Product Development Specialist. Additionally, she has completed WSET Levels 2 and 3 in Wines and aspires to achieve the DipWSET. Timestamps  [0:00] Podcast Introduction [1:58] Esther Self-Introduction [5:51] The Role of a Product Development Specialist [7:15] Working With Other Departments [9:01] What Attracted Esther to This Role [10:25] The Transferability of Ph.D. to Product Development [13:03] How Esther Decided on a Ph.D. Supervisor [15:07] Differences Between Ph.D. and the Workforce [18:48] Tools Esther Uses to Manage Her Work [20:24] Skills Esther is Currently Developing [22:22] What is "Good" Sensory for a Consumer [26:15] Other places Ph.D.'s work in the Company [30:36] Lessons Esther has Learned Working [33:01] Esther's Experience as a TA [34:26] Networking during Ph.D. [40:56] The Impact of Technology and Innovation on Esther's Role [43:15] Advice for Aspiring Food Industry Professionals   Links  CareersNow! Absolut Group/Pernod Ricard University of Guelph Find Esther Online  Esther's LinkedIn Show Notes  Website: https://foodgrads.com/esther-onguta/

On today's episode we are talking about innovation and artificial intelligence in the food industry, making an impact in the world and unique paths that you can take with an engineering degree.  Our guest today is Harjeet Bajaj, President & CEO at Savormetrics. Savormetrics provides AI driven sensor devices to food and agriculture companies. Our devices perform real time, in situ QA/QC. Their predictive quality metrics allow organizations to reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction. Harjeet Bajaj has over 14 years of work experience in various leadership and consultancy roles. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering & Management and a Master's Degree in Engineering, both from McMaster University. Harjeet is recognized internationally as an AI expert, having won numerous awards for developing commercially viable solutions. Harjeet's background includes developing Artificial Intelligence driven solutions for the medical and health care industries. Today he has sights sets on ag & food sector and innovated into the future. TIMESTAMPS Coming soon! LINKS FIND ONLINE: SHOWNOTES Website: https://foodgrads.com/foodgrads-podcast-ep-81/

On today's episode we are talking about millwrights that work in the food manufacturing industry, how to become one and career progession as a millwright. Our guest today is Nole Coutrouzas, VP & Business Representative UBC Millwright Local 1916. The Millwright Regional Council (MRC) is composed of thirteen affiliated Local Unions of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) across Canada. They represent thousands of woman and men working as progressive cross-trained construction and maintenance professionals with exceptional skills to install, maintain, diagnose, and repair precision machinery. UBC millwrights are vital partners in industries as diverse as energy, automotive, aerospace, food processing, pharmaceuticals and more. This podcast is supported by CareersNow! CareersNow! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNow.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. TIMESTAMPS [02:03] Noel introduction [5:40] Noel's Career Journey and the Path to Becoming a Millwright [9:49] Understanding the Term 'Millwright' [12:59] The Impact of Automation on Food Processing [15:58] Education and Training Requirements to Become a Millwright [20:31] The Role of the Millwright Union and the Importance of the 'Hall' [21:06] What is a journey person [24:13] The Importance of Attitude, Punctuality, Safety, and Effort in the Millwright Field [29:38] The Role of Millwrights in the Food Industry [37:42] The Impact of Emerging Technologies on Millwright Work [43:09] The Use of Augmented Reality in Diagnosing Machine Issues [45:54] Career Growth Opportunities in the Millwright Field [46:11] Advice for someone wanting to become a journey person [49:52] Final Thoughts and Contact Information Links UBC Millwright Local 1916 The Millwright Regional Council (MRC) Red Seal trade code called 433A. FIND NOLE ONLINE: SHOWNOTES Website: https://foodgrads.com/foodgrads-podcast-episode-80/

In today's episode, we discuss entrepreneurship, sharing your story on social media and perseverance.  Our guest today is Mitch Jacobson, Mitch Jacobsen, CEO of Rviita Energy Tea. Rviita Energy Tea is a clean pick-me-up drink made with caffeine from tea, organic honey, and vitamins, packed in a low carbon footprint, recyclable beverage pouches. Rviita is now a company centered around inspiring others and helping people become healthier and more productive. Rviita is a Calgary-based company that distributes energy teas in over 1000 stores across Canada, rapidly expanding in Canada and the USA. Mitch graduated from the University of Calgary with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. He got a job right out of school as a Water Strategist and Water Sustainability Engineer for an oil and gas company but during that time he witnessed a close friend have a heart attack which was attributed to unhealthy energy drinks - Mitch believed there had to be a better product which supplied energy and was also made of healthy ingredients. Mitch used his experience in sports combined with a lot of trial and error in the lab to create a low sugar energy tea made to give you a little energy when you need it most, without the crash and unhealthy ingredients. TIMESTAMPS  [2:36] Mitch introduces Rviita tea and himself  [5:59] Why Mitch and team decided release a mango flavour [6:44] Mitch sharing his career story [10:58] Caffeine and the CFIA drink recalls  [13:11] Things entrepreneurs should focus on [15:43] How do you get your product on supermarket shelves  [17:38] Building up your sales skills  [21:34] How small interactions make a big difference in someones day [22:50] Why Mitch has been so open with his journey on LinkedIn [29:33] Mitch's opinion on hiring individuals with a social media presence  [32:30] How has the transition been employing individuals  [35:19] What does career growth look like at Reviita  [39:56] Books and movies Veronica and Mitch have enjoyed  [45:57] Mitch's definition of success [50:33] Mitch's advice for students listening  [51:44] Where you can find Mitch Links Reviita Tea Mitch Jacobson LinkedIn Karly Jacobson LinkedIn Robert Wigg CFIA Caffeine Drink Recall Andy Frisella Erica Rankin The Millionaire Fastlane Relentless by Tim Grover The Alchemist Entrepreneur Roller Coaster by Darren Hardy Shawshank Redemption FIND MITCH ONLINE: Mitch Jacobson Reviita Tea SHOWNOTES Website: https://foodgrads.com/foodgrads-podcast-episode-79/

On today's episode, we are talking about what a food processing plant manager does, servant leadership and transitioning into leadership position as a young person.    Our guest is Gavin Johnston, Plant Manager at Veg Pro International Inc and Owner of Redpath Strategies. Vegpro International Inc. is a recognized leader in the innovative farming and processing of lettuce and vegetables. They are known under the "Attitude Fraîche" brand, and their pre-washed lettuces are available in major grocery chains.   Gavin is a manufacturing leader with success in servant leadership, business transformation, strategic planning and operational excellence. He has extensive segment experience in the hospitality industry, snack foods, high and low-acidic beverages, bakery ingredients and dairy manufacturing, pet food manufacturing and supply chain. He a firm believer in continuous improvement at all levels from C-suit executives to manufacturing operators.   Sponsors  This episode of the podcast is supported by CareersNow! CareersNow! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNow.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. This episode of the podcast is brought to you by our Education Partner Durham College. Durham College Durham College (DC) offers more than 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and part-time programs in a number of different disciplines, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today's job market. Timestamps [2:40] What is VegPro [4:15] What Gavin does as a plant manager at a food processing facility  [8:06] Gavin's journey to how he became a plant manager  [17:00] How Gavin decided that he wanted to become a plan manager  [20:59] How Gavin developed his skills to become a plant manager  [28:21] What to do if your supervisor isn't a good mentor or doesn't have the time?  [29:46] What is servant mentorship and how Gavin came to embrace it  [38:34] The skills and qualities essential for someone aspiring to be a plant manager  [44:53] Things that Gavin might consider if he wanted to perform continuous improvement on a food production line. Links CareersNow! VegPro International Scotland's Rural College Durham College Robert Greenleaf FIND GAVIN ONLINE: Gavin W. Johnston SHOWNOTES Website: https://foodgrads.com/foodgrads-podcast-episode-78/