In addition to being CFIN’s Regional Innovation Director for BC and Yukon, Lavina Gully is a food scientist and product developer with almost two decades of experience helping food and beverage companies innovate. In this series, Lavina answers questions from CFIN members on everything from product development, R&D, manufacturing best practices, and co-packing – just to name a few!
This month, Lavina discusses career paths in the food industry, and answers your question about working with a trade authority.
Lavina: I’m often asked by students and people in the early stages of their food science career what steps they can take to achieve a certain job title or other career goal. This month I thought it would be helpful for readers to hear about Anubhooti Joshi’s experience navigating a career pivot. Even through she approached me for ideas on how to make the job change smoother, Anubhooti already had some great ideas, and is happy to share them with other job seekers.
Anubhooti is part of the Vancouver, BC food community. She had been working in quality assurance and food safety, had done some client-based work, and was interested in finding a position in sales, marketing or account management. In our first meeting we discussed her career aspirations, work style, goals, and other details that really helped Anubhooti open up to other career paths and opportunities in the food industry, including project management. Two months later we spoke again after Anubhooti had successfully landed a job as an operations supervisor. Here are a few tips from both of us on changing careers, and some feedback from Anubhooti about what worked for her:
-
Before you begin your job search, ask yourself whether you’re really interested in a specific field, or are you just interested in the title? Or is it the style of work you’re interested in? Anubhooti said that our initial discussion really opened her eyes to other roles, whereas she was first intent on exploring account management.
-
If your current company has people in the role you’re interested in, start there. Talk to them, and see if you can shadow them to get a better sense of their duties and daily routine. Consider if your skills and abilities align with the job requirements and work.
-
Ask people for an informational interview to find out more about the type of work you’re interested in, or about the work culture of different companies. In hindsight Anubhooti says she would have spent more time networking and less time simply sending in applications.
-
Find out what experience, education or training is required for the role. Are there continuing education or part-time educational programs available to enhance your skills? Anubhooti found ways to apply her existing experience and food science background to bring technical knowledge to client-based roles.
-
Look for volunteer roles that can expand your skills. Network, join industry associations, and attend industry events. Anubhooti took on a marketing and communications role with the BC Food Technologists to become more involved in the local food community.
-
To help compete against more experienced job seekers, write a strong cover letter and customize your resume to the new type of role. Focus on emphasizing soft, transferable skills. Send your resume to people in that role for feedback, ask if they find it compelling and use the feedback to improve it.
Q: What can you tell me about working with trade authorities or participating in trade trips or promotions as a way to begin exporting?
A: Canada’s Trade Commission can provide valuable resources and support to food and beverage businesses looking to export. That includes offering programs and assistance navigating international trade regulations and customs procedures; providing valuable market research, expertise, resources; and facilitating connections in export markets. They can also help companies prepare with understanding cultural differences, regulatory requirements, and logistical considerations.
Participating in Team Canada Trade Missions or trade trips organized by industry associations or international trade organizations can be an effective way to explore new export opportunities, establish contacts, and build relationships in foreign markets. These trips often involve meetings with local businesses, government officials, local industry associations, and potential partners or customers. Trade fairs, exhibitions, and promotional events provide platforms for businesses to showcase your products and network, and can help generate leads and raise brand awareness. Physically being in your intended market will also help you better understand the retail landscape, and identify local competitors and market opportunities.
Canada will be participating in two events, SXSW Austin in Austin, TX March 8 to 16, and Future Food Tech in San Francisco, CA March 21 to 22.