Student profile

Suan Yean Ong

"My Professional Training placement helped improve my confidence and communication skills."

Course

Placement company

Sainsbury’s Own Brand Department

"For as long as I can remember, I have always had a passion for science – combine that with my love for food and that’s what led me to pursue a degree in food science.

Surrey was my first choice as it was one of the top universities in the country for food and nutrition programmes, with interesting modules covering a wide range of topics. Another deciding factor for me was that Surrey offered an optional Professional Training placement programme, which would help with future career prospects.

I enjoy being able to learn about both the nutritional side of food as well as the more technical aspects such as quality assurance and food processing. This has given me a broader understanding of how the two areas are interrelated and have the ability to influence one another. Also the academic staff are incredibly helpful and supportive. The personal tutor sessions are a great way to promote interaction between students and staff.

I undertook a Professional Training placement at Sainsbury’s Supermarkets - one of the largest retailers in the UK. I received lots of support from my placement tutor as well as the careers service when applying for my placement.

I would highly recommend a Professional Training placement to anyone choosing to study this course as I gained an unparalleled insight into the food industry.

As a placement trainee in Sainsbury’s Own Brand Department, I led two core projects – one on sugar reduction in juice drinks and the other on colour consistency on packaging. One of the great things about the scheme was that I was given real responsibility and I could understand how my projects contributed to the business.

In addition to completing my main projects, I also had other day-to-day tasks such as shadowing technologists and product developers on site visits, analysing complaints, checking product specifications, approving artwork and conducting sampling sessions. One of the highlights of my placement was having the opportunity to live in central London - one of the most exciting and advanced cities in the world."

Discover more about our food, nutrition and dietetics programmes, including our BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Food Science.