The Importance of the IFST's Student Launchpad in Supporting Emerging Food Industry Talent
Since 2011, I’ve had the privilege of being involved with the IFST Student Launchpad, both as a speaker and mentor. More often than not, in recent times, I have passed the baton to other colleagues (a good chance to hone presentation skills) but yesterday I was back at the coal-face, presenting at The Co-operative’s Angel Square headquarters, and it reminded me why this event remains so important both for our industry and for emerging talent.
Walking into Angel Square, one of the first things I noticed was the energy in the auditorium. A mix of eager students, lecturers, seasoned industry professionals, and the IFST’s Robin Leaper (Education and Careers Manager) focused on one thing: connecting the next generation of food science and food industry talent with meaningful insights and networks.
As I took the stage, I reflected on how my own career path has evolved since I first stood on a similar platform nearly fifteen years ago. Then, as now, the key questions from students were around “What do employers really look for?”, “Which skills are most relevant now?”, “What can I do to stand out?”, “How can I turn my placement or part-time job into something I can talk about with confidence?”
In my talk, I emphasised three things:
Be curious & bold: Ask questions, get in the room, meet people in the industry.
Fine evidence for your attributes: Whether you’ve worked part-time in retail, completed a summer internship, or helped on a university project, frame the transferable skills (teamwork, problem-solving, communication) so they speak to food-industry roles.
Keep your narrative authentic: interviewers are also looking for people who fit the culture and are candidates who they’d actually want to spend time with.
During the speed-networking session (a hallmark of the Launchpad format), I visited several tables and heard a thread of conversation around “What can I do to be proactive?” or “I haven’t done a placement, so will I be at a disadvantage?” My response: Everyone starts somewhere. What matters is how you use the opportunities you have and how you demonstrate your willingness to learn, adapt and contribute.
At Angel Square, the host venue, the thrum of possibility was palpable: students engaging, mentors sharing insight, a tangible connection between academia and industry. It confirmed that this event format remains one of the best ways to bring future talent face-to-face with industry people who’ve been there, done that, but still remember what it felt like to start out.
For me personally, this return as speaker/mentor felt like coming full circle. Having handed over some of the slots in recent years, I was reminded how energising it is to hear fresh voices, meet new students, and contribute again. It also reinforced why organisations should continue investing in these events. They’re not just “nice to have”, they’re vital for building our talent pipeline.
My key takeaways from yesterday:
The same core questions persist, but the context shifts. Students are more globally aware, perhaps more focused on sustainability, innovation, and digital / data in food.
Networking matters as much as CVs. Students told me they valued the table-hopping, informal chats just as much as the talks.
Industry involvement adds real value. Hearing first-hand from working professionals still makes a difference.
Mentors and speakers get as much out of it as the students. We leave inspired, challenged, and better connected.
Looking ahead, I’m committed to staying engaged with the IFST Student Launchpad, continuing to bring new colleagues into the fold, and ensuring our organisation plays its part in supporting emerging food-industry talent. If you’re reading this and you’re a student, early-career professional, or work within the food sector, I encourage you to get involved: attend the Launchpad, volunteer as a mentor, or simply connect with someone at a table and ask a question.
A huge thank-you to IFST for organising this brilliant platform; to The Co-operative for hosting at Angel Square; to all the students for your energy, questions and openness; and to my colleagues over the years who’ve stepped onto the stage, mentored, encouraged and lifted up the next generation.
Here’s to the next Launchpad, to the next cohort of students, and to all the possibilities ahead.
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