11 September 2024 NZIFST mentoring evening a huge success

Students and mentors were so engaged in conversation that last night's NZIFST Student Industry Evening went on an hour longer than scheduled.

Hosted in collaboration with the New Zealand Institute of Food Science & Technology, the evening allowed Lincoln University students to meet with seasoned industry professionals and receive mentoring about their future careers.

The event was opened with food and drink sponsored by industry members, then presentations by Lincoln researchers.

Wine Food & Molecular Biosciences lecturer Chrystal O'Connor spoke to the audience about her research into Aotearoa New Zealand’s edible insects and how they could be introduced into the market.

Food & Sensory Science lecturer Dr Shaoyang Wang spoke about the role of food sensory science in the industry.

Then the floor was opened to the mentors, who were deeply engaged in conversation throughout the evening.

Wine Food & Molecular Biosciences lecturer Dr Keegan Burrow said the students and mentors were so engaged that the event carried on for an hour past its scheduled finish time.

“Students get the opportunity to meet a wide range of prospective employers, and critically meet people who in many cases have similar experiences to them.”

Many of the 16 mentors were Lincoln alumni, which gave students a chance to see the how their studies opened up pathways into the food industry.

Bachelor of Science (Food Science) student Krugar Giffith said talking to the mentors gave him an advantage heading into his career as now he knew what employers were looking for and the challenges they might face in the future.

“The night really opened my eyes for what to prepare for going into the industry and that a lot of hard work is required to be successful.”

Agriculture and Life Sciences lecturer Hannah Lee said it was valuable experience for students who may never have been able to meet industry professionals in senior positions otherwise.

Feedback had been positive and students were highly satisfied with the event.

Tegel Foods site manager and NZIFST Canterbury committee member Robyn Marshall said networking events like this ensured students could connect with local industry leaders, ask questions and develop their skills within their careers. 

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