​At MorePeople, we spend every day talking to employers about the talent they need and to candidates about the careers they want to build. That gives us a unique perspective on what helps people stand out and succeed. It's one of the reasons we're delighted to be continuing our involvement with the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) Student Launchpad programme as both a contributor and sponsor this year.

Since pretty much the first year of this initiative (15 years ago maybe!), I've had the privilege of delivering a session called "Standing Out from the Crowd – A Recruitment Perspective" as part of the Launchpad events. The feedback has consistently reinforced something we already believe at MorePeople: there is a huge appetite amongst students and early-career professionals to learn how to bridge the gap between education and employment.

The IFST Student Launchpad programme brings together students, employers and industry professionals to showcase opportunities across the food sector. Through a combination of talks, networking, mentoring and practical advice, the events help attendees understand the breadth of careers available and the skills needed to succeed.

The food industry offers an incredible variety of careers. From technical and product development roles to operations, quality, sustainability, supply chain and commercial positions, there are countless pathways available. Yet many students tell us they worry about the same thing: "How do I make employers notice me?"

That's exactly the challenge we tackle in our session.

While qualifications matter, they're rarely the only thing that separates one candidate from another. Employers are looking for curiosity, enthusiasm, communication skills, commercial awareness and a genuine interest in the industry. We encourage students to think beyond their CV and consider the impression they create through networking, work experience, LinkedIn activity and the questions they ask during interviews.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Student Launchpad is the mentoring element. Throughout the day, students have the opportunity to speak directly with people working across the food sector, gaining honest insights into career journeys, challenges and opportunities. These conversations often prove just as valuable as the formal presentations.

As recruiters, we see first-hand the difference that confidence, preparation and industry engagement can make. Time and again, candidates who take the initiative to build relationships, seek advice and continually learn are the ones who create opportunities for themselves.

Our involvement in Student Launchpad aligns perfectly with MorePeople's purpose. We believe in helping people realise their potential and supporting the long-term success of the food, fresh produce, agriculture and horticulture sectors. Investing in future talent isn't just good for students; it's vital for the future of the industry as a whole.

We're therefore excited to continue our partnership with IFST as a sponsor, mentor and speaker. The programme has become an important platform for connecting the next generation of talent with the businesses and leaders shaping the future of food.

To any students considering attending a Launchpad event, our advice is simple: be curious, ask questions, build connections and don't be afraid to put yourself forward. The opportunities are there for those willing to engage.

We look forward to meeting the next generation of food industry talent and helping more people stand out from the crowd. It’s been cool to meet candidates way down the road on their career journeys – most have lived up to expectations and become the stars of today.

To learn more about IFST Student Launchpad events, visit the IFST website and explore upcoming opportunities across the UK

"The future of our industry depends on the talent coming through today. Student Launchpad is one of the best initiatives I've seen for helping students understand the breadth of opportunities available, while giving them practical advice and industry connections that can genuinely change the direction of their careers. It's a privilege for MorePeople to play a small part in that journey, and we're delighted to continue our support."