Driven by a genuine passion for food, Hannah was determined to pursue a career in the food industry. When Hannah discovered the University of Reading’s BSc Food Marketing and Business Economics with Placement Year course (now known as BSc Food Business and Marketing with Placement Year) which combined food marketing, business, and economics, she knew it was the ideal choice. Four years on, Hannah has recently graduated with a first-class degree and is ready to begin her professional journey with a job already secured.
Hannah shares:
“The combination of academic knowledge and practical experience I gained through my course and placement year, gave me the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to secure a food industry job straight after university.
My degree gave me a strong foundation on the commercial and consumer-facing side of the industry, while my placement year developed my ability to apply that knowledge in a real-world setting. Together, they helped me demonstrate both passion and capability to future employers, and I’m now starting my full-time career as a Commercial Executive at Flora Food Group, which feels like an amazing next step.”
A unique course and campus
Hannah’s reasons for choosing Reading were twofold:
“Firstly, this course enabled me to combine my love for food with the knowledge I’d gained through A levels in Business and Psychology. It offered the ideal blend tailored to my interests in food, business, and consumer behaviour, while setting me apart in a competitive job market. It’s a degree that clearly signals to employers my genuine passion for the food and drink industry, as well as my commitment to building a career within it."
Hannah adds:
“I also loved the University’s beautiful green campus, and its welcoming community stood out. I could genuinely picture myself living and studying at Reading, and I felt confident it would be the right place for me to grow academically and personally.”
Diverse opportunities
In her first year, Hannah achieved a Chancellor’s Award for academic performance and was keen to progress further. She particularly enjoyed the opportunities and flexibility that the course offered:
“I especially enjoyed the modules that explored how the food industry operates as they deepened my understanding of the complexities and challenges in the sector. But I appreciated the flexibility the course offered, such as the opportunity to complete an Applied Project in my final year instead of a traditional dissertation. This was a chance to apply what I’d learned in a more practical, real-world way and also allowed me to gain a Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) qualification."
"Another highlight for me was the option to study a language, which has been such a valuable addition to my skill set. It means I graduate not just with a degree, but with a new language under my belt too, which is something I’m really proud of.”
Putting theory into practice
Having opted to do a placement year, Hannah secured an internship with Zertus UK&I in their Kinnerton Confectionary business, working as a Brand Coordinator for NOMO, the UK’s number one vegan and free-from chocolate brand.
Hannah shares:
“The level of responsibility I was given really accelerated my learning and confidence. It gave me real insight into the pace and demands of the food industry, and I had the chance to be hands-on with exciting projects."
"I walked away with new skills, a stronger professional network, and a clearer sense of the career path I wanted to follow, all of which made me more employable and career-ready.”
What an experience!
Embracing university life has given Hannah new perspectives and confidence:
“My university experience as a whole has shaped who I am today. I’m incredibly proud of everything I’ve achieved."
"Living on campus in my first year created a strong sense of community and the beautiful campus environment made everyday life that much more enjoyable. I always felt safe and supported, with resources and people available whenever I needed help.”
Seeking career-relevant job opportunities while she studied, Hannah capitalised on Reading’s Campus Jobs scheme, securing part-time employment on her doorstep. Hannah shares:
“I worked part-time in my final year as a student commis chef on campus, which gave me both flexibility and practical experience in a professional kitchen environment."
"In addition, I worked as a student ambassador for my course, representing the Department of Agri-Food Economics and Marketing at open days and events. It was great to develop my communication and presentation skills while helping prospective students by sharing my experiences.”
Sporting excellence
Hannah’s time at Reading not only supported her academic development but also allowed her to thrive as a high-performing judo athlete, competing internationally while completing her degree:
“One of the things I appreciated most was the flexibility to fit my studies around other commitments, which allowed me to get the most out of all aspects of student life. I was proud to be a Reading Sporting Excellence Scholar throughout my four years, which supported me as a student athlete competing internationally in judo."
"The scholarship provided invaluable support, from financial assistance to regular mentoring and seminars focused on athlete wellbeing. Balancing elite sport with studies wasn’t always easy, but the support and encouragement from the scheme made it possible.”
Find out more about BSc Food Business and Marketing with Placement Year.