Date: 18th September 2020
Time: 1pm (AEST)
Overview:
What is it like working in the Food Industry? Where do I start and where can I go? These are questions often asked by students studying food science and related disciplines. We want to expose students to the possible career paths in the food industry and to guide students in taking the initiative to start shaping their career.
In this career webinar, students will be introduced to two areas in the food industry: Product development and Sensory & Consumer Science. Students will also be given a chance to ask any burning questions they may have through an interactive Q&A with our guest speakers.
Host: Graduate Agriculture & Food Society (GAFS)
GAFS is a post-graduate society (est. 2015) at the University of Melbourne. They represent graduate students studying Food Science, Food Packaging and Innovation, and Agricultural Sciences. Their mission is to bridge the connection between students and industry and to build a passionate student community that is ready for the future.
Speakers:
Cassandra Budd, NPD and Commercialisation Manager Sweet Potatoes Australia
Cass graduated in 2007 from Charles Sturt University with B. Applied Science in Food Science.
Over the past 15 years, Cass has worked in primary industry and fast-moving consumer goods across a range of roles including Quality, Continuous Improvement, Operations, New Product Development.
She has spent the last 22 years working in the food industry. Starting out at 14 in a pie shop. Food certainly is a passion! But beyond that Cass has a vision for the world where no food is wasted, and no-one is hungry.
Her mission is to create and commercialise products that eliminate food waste and provide food for hungry people.
Cass believes it’s exciting times for Food Technologists globally. There is a big focus on fighting food waste and with primary production contributing to more than 30% of Australia’s food waste, it’s a terrific opportunity to make a difference – particularly in the agricultural sector.
Cass hopes are to engage the future leaders in food science though the AIFST and create a support platform to raise the profile of Australia’s talented food scientists.
Suz Allen, Sensecheck
A former CSIRO scientist and Research Supplier, Suz offers over 30 years’ experience in consumer and sensory product research. Throughout her career, Suz has consulted to a large number of FMCG companies as a sensory specialist, with her experience covering a wide range of products including fresh and processed foods, beverages, pet food and personal/home care.
Academically, Suz has completed a Science Degree in Physiology and Psychology, a Masters’ Degree in Cognitive Science, an MBA in Marketing, a Graduate Certificate in Gastronomy and more... and she continues to have an insatiable curiosity!
Suz is currently a Director of SenseCheck, which is a research co-operative of senior FMCG Innovation Market Researchers, specialising in Consumer Insights, Ideation and Sensory & R&D Innovation Process.
Key career achievements have included long-standing client partnerships at senior management level, peer-reviewed publications, successful food innovation launches, and tailor-making product and strategy to meet specific consumer segments.
Suz previously held the position of Board Director/Vice President at the Australian Market & Social Research Society, and in conjunction, has been a representative on the Research Industry Council of Australia (RICA). Suz is currently a Non Executive Director on the Board of the Australian Institute of Food Science & Technology (AIFST).
