Learn more about graduate careers, meet professionals working in the food sector and gain skills to improve your CV and interview techniques.
Events for 2024/25 Semester:
11 October 2024: Mondelēz International, Birmingham (Engineering specific)
5 November 2024: Arla UK, Leeds
20 November 2024: AFBI, Northern Ireland
27 November 2024: Teesside University, Middlesbrough
12 February 2025: Abertay University, Dundee
19 February 2025: Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield
20 February 2025: Tesco, Welwyn Garden City
Events for 2025/26 Semester:
13 November 2025: Arla UK, Leeds (event page launching soon)
19 February 2026: Tesco, Welwyn Garden City (event page launching soon)
20 February 2026: Campden BRI (event page launching soon)
How to register for an event:
If you'd like more information or to register for an event please contact education@ifst.org . Please provide your university, course studied, and which event you would like to attend.
What to Expect
A Student Launchpad typically begins with presentations from those working within the food and drink industry. These are designed to provide students with advice and help provide valuable insights into possible career paths in all aspects of the food chain. Students are then able to ask questions in an open discussion that follows.
A key feature of the Launchpad sessions is the lunch-time speed-networking sessions where students can move from table to table, each hosted by a 'mentor' from different areas of the food sector.
Past industry mentors have included representatives from organisations such as PepsiCo, Food Standards Agency, Asda, Premier Foods, McCain, Sainsbury's, Barfoots of Botley, Huel, MorePeople, Innocent, Waitrose and Finnebrogue.
Towards the end of the session, students get an opportunity to tour the facilities of the host venue.
"I really liked hearing about everyones careers and backgrounds. It’s really interesting and useful to hear about people’s journeys."
"The tour and Q&A session was incredibly informative. We recieved a large breadth of knowledge throughout the day."
"It was great to hear a wide range of experiences! Especially younger professionals who I found really relatable and inspiring."
Recent past events: