Graduate Profile: Cathy Parke

This week we caught up with Foods Connected's Graduate Implementation Specialist, Cathy Parke to learn a bit about her experience with the company so far!

1. What course did you study and where?
   I studied Food Technology at CAFRE, Loughry Campus. I graduated July 2022
   
   
2. How did you hear about Foods Connected?
   I heard about Foods Connected through a 20-minute careers talk at Loughry, delivered by Andrew Nicell. I had never heard of the company before then, but the tools Foods Connected provided on traceability, and the concepts behind it and it's development related directly to my dissertation! So I made sure to take down contact details so I could ask a few more questions about it!
   
   
3. What attracted you to a career with Foods Connected?
   I have worked in the food industry across various production, quality, and technical roles since leaving school in 2015. Each job or placement opportunity was enjoyable and a great way to learn and develop food industry skills and knowledge. However, when I heard about Foods Connected (what the company offered, about their global reach, the products they offer and the benefits of them for food businesses, the company culture, the opportunity for progression internally, and an unending list of other examples) I knew Foods Connected was somewhere I could definitely see myself not just working, but enjoying.
   
   
4. What does a typical day look like for a Graduate Implementation Specialist?
   At present I would definitely still say I’m still in the learning phase, and each day is a little different. I assist my line manager with various tasks which involve problem solving and liaising with customers. I have also had to opportunity to travel to London a few times for meetings and conferences. As I build up my ability to work the system, I find myself completing more and more new tasks. The more I delve into what the company does, the more I find myself enjoying it!
   
   
5. What do you like most about working at Foods Connected?
   I love the people I work with; everyone is so friendly and approachable. Also, I get a mix of working from home and working in the office so it’s great socially but also great so I can knuckle down and get some work done.
   
   
6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
   Honestly, I see myself staying with Foods Connected. Hopefully in 5 years though, I’ll have taken on a lot more responsibilities and projects and climbed my way up the ladder a bit.
   
   
7. What advice would you give to recent graduates considering a career with Foods Connected?
   I would say go for it. The working environment here is second to none, progression is easy when you’re willing to work, and it’s great to be able to work with leading retailers and businesses across the Globe. Send that application!