Learn more about graduate careers, meet professionals working in the food sector and gain skills to improve your CV and interview techniques.
For 2024 the list of events is below:
- South West England - 23 February
- Scotland - 6 March
- Midlands and North of England - 11 March
- Northern Ireland - 14 March
- South East England - 20 March
If you'd like more information, please contact education@ifst.org
What to Expect
A 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-dating 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, The Food Standards Agency, the Food and Drink Federation, Sainsbury's, Barfoots of Botley, Huel, MorePeople, Innocent, Waitrose and Leatherhead Food Research.
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."