Here on the Oh For Food’s Sake podcast, we talk a lot about the need to find more graduates to fill roles in the UK food industry and what a fantastic industry it is to work in. But, let’s be honest, it’s been a little while since we got our first ever food industry jobs and a lot has changed since then! So in this episode, we’re handing the mike over to recent Harper Adams graduate and food industry worker Ellie Brook to get her take on starting out in the food industry!
Here on the Oh For Food’s Sake podcast, we talk a lot about the need to find more graduates to fill roles in the UK food industry and what a fantastic industry it is to work in. But, let’s be honest, it’s been a little while since we got our first ever food industry jobs and a lot has changed since then! So in this episode, we’re handing the mike over to recent Harper Adams graduate and food industry worker Ellie Brook to get her take on starting out in the food industry!
Ellie tells us about why she chose her degree programme and what she learnt that gave her such a good foundation in the food industry. We then talk about the weirdness that was graduating and starting a new job during the Covid era and how that’s impacted the Gen Z workforce. Listen out for our advice on avoiding falling into the comparison trap and for how Ellie dealt with the struggles of moving away from home and starting a brand new job as a recent graduate. Make sure to stay to the end to hear our life lessons for anyone looking to start a job in the food industry!
We always love to hear from our listeners just like Ellie! If you have a food industry story to share with us, head over to our Facebook or LinkedIn page and get in touch. You never know where it might lead!
Timestamps
[0:48] Welcome to the podcast, Ellie!
[4:30] Ellie walks us through her education from school to university via an industry placement
[6:58] What was it like to be at uni during Covid?
[10:11] Ellie’s post university life
[12:42] “It’s now or never”: Fitting travel in before a career
[15:35] Comparisonitis, working from home, lack of communication: The struggles of starting a new job in the Covid era
[20:48] What you get from attending networking events
[22:40] Are the Gen Z stereotypes accurate?
[29:03] Handling the pressure of meeting life milestones
[32:53] Ellie’s advice for new grads
[39:20] The struggles of making friends as an adult
[41:18] Why it’s important to be open in the workplace
[43:00] PSA: You DON’T need a 5-year plan!!
[47:47] How to get in touch with Ellie
Links and Resources
If you’d like to know more about today’s sponsor, find them online at:
Email: web@daymer.com
You can follow us here on instagram
If you would like further support with myself, Amy for food industry coaching and facilitation find me here on instagram or LinkedIn
For food industry Consulting from Lucy you can find her here on instagram or LinkedIn
See you next time!