At MorePeople, we’re always looking for ways to connect with emerging talent in the food industry. Our recent visit to the IFST Student LaunchPad at Campden BRI was a great opportunity to do just that. The event brought together students and industry professionals to share insights, ask questions, and explore career opportunities in the sector.
A Room Full of Passionate Future Talent
One thing that stood out immediately was the sheer level of talent in the room. The students attending were not only knowledgeable but also incredibly curious about the industry and how to take their first steps into it. A key theme that emerged from our conversations was CV advice—many students had questions following Alex’s presentation on what to include in their CVs as graduates.
The atmosphere at Campden BRI was buzzing with enthusiasm. There was a real sense of engagement, with students making the most of their opportunity to connect with industry professionals and ask meaningful questions.
A First-Time Perspective: Adam’s Take
For Adam, one of our team members who is new to both recruitment and the food industry, this was his first experience at an event like this. His biggest surprise? The number of attendees.
"I wasn’t expecting so many industry professionals and students to be there! It was great to see how engaged everyone was."
Key Takeaways from Student Conversations
Many of our conversations revolved around CV-building and work experience. Students were particularly keen to understand the value of part-time jobs and placements—should they be included in a CV? The answer was a resounding yes!Even non-industry roles offer transferable skills that can be applied to technical roles in food production, quality assurance, and product development.
Another common concern was how to secure placement opportunities—and whether not having one during a degree would negatively impact job prospects. The advice from industry professionals was clear:
"Throw yourself at any opportunity you can get. Any experience is good experience, and it shows willingness, desire, and passion for the industry."
The Value of Events Like This
For MorePeople, attending the IFST Student LaunchPad is about more than just giving advice—it’s about building connections with the next generation of food industry professionals. These events allow us to meet students face-to-face, understand their concerns, and demonstrate that we are committed to supporting the industry’s future talent.
By staying engaged, we ensure that we remain well-informed and positioned as industry experts, helping both businesses and job seekers make the best career matches.
Our Advice for Students Pursuing Technical Roles
If you’re a student looking to break into the food industry, our top piece of advice is simple:
Take every opportunity you can. Whether it’s attending industry events like the IFST Student LaunchPad or securing work placements, all experience adds value.
Use your experience to stand out. Even if your part-time job wasn’t in the food sector, think about the skills you gained—problem-solving, teamwork, communication—and how they apply to the roles you want.
Be proactive and get involved. Engaging with industry professionals, asking questions, and networking will give you a head start in your career.
We loved being part of the event, and we’re excited to see these students grow into the future leaders of the food industry. A big thank you to IFST and Campden BRI for hosting such a fantastic event!
