What was it like to study food and nutrition sciences?
Minttu: The studies were meaningful because I was already inherently interested in the themes covered in the courses. One might think that issues related to nutrition and food are simple, but that is not the case.
The studies included courses on the multifaceted effects of nutrition on health, starting from the perspectives of public health and food-related behavior, extending to the human body at the physiological and cellular levels. Not to mention the wide range of food science courses available, from which I gained fundamental knowledge for my current job. I particularly remember a comprehensive course on the relationships between nutrition and different diseases and its inspiring expert lectures.
I liked the diverse teaching methods and small group sizes that facilitated my learning.
What kind of work experiences have you had?
Minttu: During my studies, I completed a research group internship at the University in the Department of Food and Nutrition, where I also collected data for my thesis examining the use of phosphate additives. Additionally, I interned at the Finnish Heart Association as a nutrition specialist. There, I worked on several tasks, for example, I created online tests related to lifestyle and nutrition, and compared the Finnish Heart Symbol, which describes food quality, with the international NutriScore.
I started working part-time at Valio alongside my studies, responding to customer feedback from retail, which was an important steppingstone to my subsequent roles at Valio. Now I have worked for three years as an ESG (environment, social, governance) and quality specialist in Valio's sustainability team. At the beginning of this year, I transitioned to a manager role within the team. Our task is to respond to information requests from our domestic and international B2B customers regarding product information, quality, and food safety. Additionally, we provide information on Valio's operations from other sustainability perspectives, such as employee rights, animal welfare, and climate and environmental impacts. This information allows our customers to be assured that the products are of high quality and meet the promised standards. EU regulations are continuously tightening, so it is essential to stay up to date in this job!
Did you know from the start what you wanted to do after graduation?
Minttu: My plans and career path have not gone exactly as I originally thought. I became interested in nutrition while studying to become a sports instructor, which eventually led me to study at the Viikki Campus at the University of Helsinki.
After graduation, during the pandemic, finding a full-time job that matched my education was challenging. For a while, I considered pursuing a doctoral thesis and applied for research grants. Patience in job searching paid off, and fortunately, I got a permanent position at Valio, where I have been able to progress in interesting roles.
Who are the food and nutrition science studies and career opportunities suited for?
Minttu: If you are interested in working in the food industry, I highly recommend studying food and nutrition sciences! What fascinates me about food and nutrition is that everyone has a personal experience and opinion about it, and it affects each of us every day.
Currently food production and nutrition are undergoing significant changes. In this field, there is an opportunity to be at the forefront of observing and shaping the transition of the food system and the future direction of food production.
What kind of career paths have your fellow students had?
Minttu: Many fellow students have found employment in the food industry, some in the public sector as nutrition specialists in food services, or in research.
Have you experienced any surprises transitioning from student life to working life?
Minttu: There are many more opportunities in working life than I thought during my studies. You can have a significant influence on your own career progression. The degree is not a limitation; with this degree, all possibilities are open.
What part of your studies or student life has helped you the most in your career?
Minttu: University education has given me a strong foundation in critical thinking and information management. This is especially important in a specialist role, where you need to be able to filter essential information from a vast amount of irrelevant or incorrect data.
In food science studies, courses related to food safety and legislation have been crucial, as I deal with these topics constantly in my work. The networks I built during my studies have given me valuable insights into potential job opportunities and their various aspects, which has been very enlightening. I also participated in a mentoring program organized by the trade union, through which I gained additional insights into career opportunities.
Do you have any specific plans for the future?
Minttu: I haven't made many grand plans for myself because, in my experience, plans tend to change. Opportunities may arise that you couldn't have even imagined. I believe it is important to stay open to new opportunities and challenges.