Nutrition Graduates share their career success stories
As part of the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences in 2025, a range of Nutrition graduates from recent years share reflections of their time at LJMU and how it has influenced their careers and personal growth.
Dunni Olorunshola graduated in 2025 and now works as a Medical Affairs Resource Centre Specialist at Danone
What are three key things you learned during your time at LJMU, and how have they helped shape what you do now?
During my time at LJMU, I learnt to think critically through research and assignments — to question rationale and conclusions, and to adopt an analytical approach when evaluating scientific information. I also had the opportunity to refine my collaboration skills, from group projects to working alongside staff. In addition, I learnt to manage my time effectively, balancing academic deadlines while still pursuing my activities outside of university.
What’s your standout memory from studying at LJMU?
Submitting my final-year project – seeing all the hard work come together and receiving positive feedback from staff on my planning and determination to complete it – was a proud and unforgettable moment.
How did your time at LJMU influence your career or personal growth?
LJMU gave me the confidence to chase ambitious career goals because I knew I had the knowledge and exposure through my course to the relevant skills required in those roles. I had instilled in me a professional mind-set that will continue to guide me in the future. More than that, it helped me grow into a resilient, independent individual ready to face challenges head-on.
Megan Kathro graduated in 2022 and works as a New Product Technologist at ABP Food Group
What are three key things you learned during your time at LJMU, and how have they helped shape what you do now?
Studying at LJMU has allowed me to develop the following skills that have been essential for me transitioning into the world of work:
- Working independently and as part of a team – I naturally became more confident with working independently but at the same time I learned how to adapt my style to others in my cohort at LJMU which is key in a working environment.
- Apply my critical thinking skills – this is something that I have carried through from LJMU to my role in the food industry. We deal with daily problem-solving, and critical thinking allows me to articulate my point of view clearly and directly.
- Adaptability, resilience and flexibility – these qualities are imperative in a place of work where there is constant change, so being able to adapt and show resilience helps to navigate these pressures.
What’s your standout memory from studying at LJMU?
Making friends for life and just enjoying the experience in general – I genuinely enjoyed my course and not only learnt a lot about nutrition, but also important life skills and experiences that I’ve carried through with me 3 years later.
How did your time at LJMU influence your career or personal growth?
Before studying at LJMU, I always knew that a degree in nutrition was the route I wanted to go down, but I wasn’t sure on what I wanted to do post-grad. Throughout my degree I realised nutrition opened a lot more career opportunities than I’d thought possible. I was then encouraged to explore food development which is what I have been doing for the last 3 years.
Sara Bulfield graduated in 2015 and works as a Sales Business Manager at Kellogg Company
What are three key things you learned during your time at LJMU, and how have they helped shape what you do now?
- How to work with others from all different backgrounds, interests and approaches - this really supported me heading into the workplace.
- Critical processes which are used in the Food Industry, this supported a smooth transition into the workplace allowing me to hit the ground running in my role.
- Varied topics essential to FMGC’s, including marketing, technology and nutrition. This allowed me to have a greater understanding of not only my role but how a wider business worked from the offset.
What’s your standout memory from studying at LJMU?
Winning the Young Scientist of the Year Award for my dissertation, this was presented at Manchester University.
How did your time at LJMU influence your career or personal growth?
Beyond my course my placement year at PepsiCo as a Food Technologist set me up for success into industry. I was very grateful my course and lecturers facilitated this. The placement gave me critical experience in industry but beyond this a key network of colleagues when graduating to ensure I entered a fulfilled and successful role.
Rebecca McGorty graduated in 2020 and works a Production Assistant at Boatyard Distillery
What are three key things you learned during your time at LJMU, and how have they helped shape what you do now?
- Product development and the quality and sensory analysis of our products. This has been a huge part in our company, designing new gin products, or testing batches to ensure consistency.
- Quality control - introducing technical practices such as HACCP. Working towards outside accreditation for example Salsa.
- Our shorter module of sustainability in the food industry. I’m currently covering some aspects on this, with more progress which will be seen this year (through funding and grants) to better our company.
What’s your standout memory from studying at LJMU?
Stand out memory would be working with Caldic to create a high protein product. Working as a group, having an insight into seeing how a product can go from an idea to a “launch”
How did your time at LJMU influence your career or personal growth?
LJMU influenced my personal growth by forcing a growth in independence and self-reliance, due to moving away from home (Northern Ireland). It opened up a broader view of life, experiencing a different city, different cultures etc. It definitely helped to increase my confidence through different presentations we had (although this still, & will always be, a trait I want to improve). In terms of professional growth, my time and experience at LJMU has shaped the Job role and responsibilities I currently have. It has given me a range of skills such as communication, time management, attention to detail, self-motivation. Most importantly - organisational skills, this is hugely important for my current job as my responsibilities include:
- Production
- Creating gins & a vodka
- Stock control
- Accreditations - e.g. B corp, organics, sustainability accreditations & certifications,
- Small amount of technical & quality work
- Managing HACCP, document control of stock movement etc.
Estelle Vella graduated in 2011 and works as a Product Development Manager at Sainsbury’s
What are three key things you learned during your time at LJMU, and how have they helped shape what you do now?
- Time Management & Multitasking - At LJMU, I had to juggle lectures, coursework, part-time work, and socialising. This taught me how to manage my time and multitask efficiently. In the food industry, where things move quickly and there’s constant pressure during peak seasonal events, this skill is essential to keep to timelines, supporting my team effectively and delivering innovative products for customers.
- Team Collaboration & Communication - Working on group projects especially in practical modules, helped me understand the importance of communication and role clarity. As a manager, I apply this by ensuring everyone on my team knows their responsibilities, feels heard, and works together toward shared goals this is especially critical during busy times or when resolving issues.
- Problem-Solving in High-Pressure Situations - University projects often required creativity under tight deadlines. This taught me how to stay calm, think quickly, and find practical solutions. These are all skills that are vital in the food industry especially when factory equipment fails, supply issues arise, or timings are challenging.
What’s your standout memory from studying at LJMU?
My standout memory from studying at LJMU was setting up a small business with a fellow student, selling homemade mince pies to staff and colleagues. We ran it as a partnership, handling everything from production and packaging to stock control and customer service. It took real resilience and determination to make it profitable. We worked long hours, often late into the night and early in the mornings, all while writing our dissertations and trying to make the most of the full university experience. It was intense, but worth it for the skills we gained. I learned first-hand about time management, teamwork, and staying focused under pressure, and it sparked a real passion for leadership and entrepreneurship.
How did your time at LJMU influence your career or personal growth?
University was a huge influence on both my career and personal development. It gave me a solid foundation in time management, organisation, and working under pressure, skills that have been essential in my role as a manager in the fast-paced food industry. Balancing academic deadlines with part-time work and the wider university experience taught me resilience, determination, and how to stay calm under pressure. These are all skills I rely on every day as a manager. University also helped me grow personally by pushing me out of my comfort zone, building my confidence, and showing me what I’m capable of when I fully commit to something.
Ian Bide graduated in 2018 from the Sport and Nutrition for Health programme and works as a Senior New Product Development manager at SNEAK Energy
What are three key things you learned during your time at LJMU, and how have they helped shape what you do now?
The three key areas that LJMU helped me develop that have helped shape what I do now are project management (working on individual and team deadlines), research and analysis (researching and breaking down chosen topics in order to achieve the best mark possible) and also working cross functionally with multiple teams (working with other students in team projects and working together towards a common goal). When it comes to new product development these are essential in order to land new products against deadlines that are business critical.
- Project management keeps development on track, ensures that timelines and resources are properly managed, identifies any associated risks and help keeps everyone involved aligned.
- Research and analysis helps to validate product-market fit by gathering customer insights, competitor data, and market trends to influence development. This helps to ensure that the produce launching is line with consumer expectations and helps identify how our product can be different to what's on the market, whether that be ingredients, dosages or a new format.
- Cross-functional collaboration helps to break down silos which ensures all teams are aligned on the project and deadlines. It helps improve problem-solving by getting multiple views on a situation. Most importantly it welcomes communication from all parties involved to run the project as smoothly as possible.
What’s your standout memory from studying at LJMU?
My standout memory from studying LJMU was the lifelong friends I have made from literally day one. The friends I made at LJMU not only supported me through my degree, but they also helped me land the career I am in today and I am ever so grateful for this. We had a small cohort compared to other courses and this definitely benefited me personally as I was able to learn from others and it helped expand the way I looked at topics during my degree. The lecturers I had were also great, extremely supportive and never shied away from helping or giving direction.
How did your time at LJMU influence your career or personal growth?
Studying at LJMU university laid a scientific foundation which sparked my interest in all things sports nutrition and the role supplements can play in overall wellness. My dissertation was on the effects of caffeine mouth rinsing on rate of perceived exertion and total rep count, whilst undertaking the bench press exercise. I thoroughly enjoyed my dissertation as it opened my eyes further in regard to how supplements can have an effect on the body. I now work for an energy drink company, and I am constantly highly caffeinated... rather fitting outcome really. However, working for SNEAK Energy, there is always a push to stand out, be different and go against the norm, studying at LJMU helped me think outside the box allowing me to become more open minded, embracing my curiosity and never shying away from a challenge.
Kelly Banner graduated in 2021 and now works as an NHS Dietician
What are three key things you learned during your time at LJMU, and how have they helped shape what you do now?
- My time at LJMU taught me to believe in myself (sounds cliché but it really did). If you’d have told me on day one of level 4 that I would graduate with a BSc honours in Nutrition, I would have not believed you and if you’d of said it would be first class I would have laughed. But you really do get out what you put in.
- Discipline/ Time management – It is a large jump in demand and workload progressing from A-level into higher education, when presented with a list of deadlines in advance as the team at LJMU provided it allowed me to think 1-step ahead and plan which was fundamental to managing my well-being as a student. This proved extremely beneficial when studying at MSc level and even now as a qualified Dietitian with an ever changing clinical caseload and additional commitments.
- It’s okay to ask for help and not to get it right every time. The Nutrition/Sport Nutrition team at LJMU were always approachable and supportive. There is no such thing as a silly question – which I still have as a life motto to this day and always encourage all of my student dietitians of this.
What’s your standout memory from studying at LJMU?
My first day. There are few times in your life you can walk into a room of ~30 individuals and all have at least one thing in common and that for us (my cohort) was our passion and interest in nutrition. From this, I formed great friendships that carried me through when times were tough, and I am still in contact with many of these people today. The lecturers were also very welcoming and made a very daunting day that had such a build-up an enjoyable experience. It also confirmed I had made the right decision re: which university/ course to choose and commit to for 3 years. This day filled me with excitement and that why I remember it so vividly.
How did your time at LJMU influence your career or personal growth?
It wasn’t until I completed the work-based learning module in the final year that I really started to look at my career options and how best to utilise the new knowledge and skill set that I had acquired over the last 3 years. I then began to explore the world of dietetics, and I have never looked back. I was able to contact Wendy (my personal tutor), who kindly agreed to support my application and provide an academic reference which enabled me to be accepted on the MSc Nutrition & Dietetics Course at the UoC. The mixed assessment methods, from academic writing, presentations, examinations, and group projects all provided me with crucial skills to develop not only into an MSc student but a qualified practitioner.
Jacob Wright graduated in 2018 with a degree in Community Nutrition and works as a Product Developer at Sainsbury's
What are three key things you learned during your time at LJMU, and how have they helped shape what you do now?
- The Fundamentals of Nutrition. The course also gave me a broad scope of clinical nutrition, sports nutrition and food product development. Having the opportunity to touch all of these subjects allowed me to make the best choice as to where I wanted to take my career moving forward.
- I also learnt the spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity around food. There are always boundaries to be pushed and opportunities for innovation within the culinary world, whether this be fine dining restaurants, retail or even street food!
- Good people make great universities. LJMU has this in abundance!
What’s your standout memory from studying at LJMU?
My standout memory of studying at LJMU was being given the opportunity to start my own business benefiting the experience for LJMU students. LJMU gave me the skills, knowledge and desire to explore running my own food business within the university. With the support of LJMU my fellow student & I opened up 'Jacob & Beau's MindFull Meals' - a cafe/vendor style food outlet within the university campus serving healthy accessible food to students and staff. Without the education, guidance and unwavering support of the University and it's staff we quite simply would not of had this amazing experience.
How did your time at LJMU influence your career or personal growth?
LJMU has had a massive influence on my career to date. The course affirmed my belief that I wanted a career in the food industry and gave me the necessary skillset to make this a reality. The extra-curricular activities such as the entrepreneurship society also gave me a foundational knowledge of business and start-ups. Blending these two skillsets together has allowed me to now be working with one of the biggest retailers in the UK in a product development role.
Thank you, LJMU! The best choice I ever made!
Paul Smith-Johnson graduated in 2017 with a Masters in Sport Nutrition and is now the Head of Product Innovation at THG
What are three key things you learned during your time at LJMU, and how have they helped shape what you do now?
- The importance of building relationships. From collaborating with other students or learning from lecturers, it taught me how valuable colleague rapport is. In my career today, I have benefited massively simply by investing time into my relationships with others.
- LJMU taught me to take accountability for myself and my responsibilities. University was my first exposure at being independent which was a steep learning curve after school. Today, I take pride in my work, ensuring I'm recognised as a reliable colleague who can make things happen.
What’s your standout memory from studying at LJMU?
There are many poignant moments from LJMU that have influenced who I am today. A standout is simply the pastoral care provided by the course team. Throughout the 3-year degree period, the lecturing team guided me through both personal and academic challenges. Regardless of the issue, I knew I could rely on them for support. I have taken this leadership approach into my own career and continues to be the backbone of personal ethos when supporting my team.
How did your time at LJMU influence your career or personal growth?
I have many memories and moments of influence but if I had to choose, it would be the ability to empathise with young people who were once in my position. As an undergraduate, it can be a nerve wracking envisioning what you are going to do afterwards. Since leaving, I've made a point to remain in contact with LJMU, going back once a year to present and talk about opportunities. Personally, this has been one of the most fulfilling endeavours, opening a door to many people I now work with professionally.
Ellie Webster graduated in 2025 and is now working as a New Product Development Executive at Roberts Bakery
What are three key things you learned during your time at LJMU, and how have they helped shape what you do now?
During my time at LJMU, I learned the importance of critical thinking, real time problem-solving and effective collaboration of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The emphasis on problem-solving from multiple perspectives has shaped how I approach challenges.
The emphasis on analysing problems and solving them within a real time frame has given me confidence and practice at quickly solving issues under time pressured moments.
Working on group projects has taught me the value of teamwork and effective communication, expressing ideas clearly. These are skills I now rely on daily in a professional setting.
Lastly managing my coursework deadlines instilled a strong sense of discipline and organisation and time management so I can stay organised and productive when going into my career.
What’s your standout memory from studying at LJMU?
One standout memory from studying at LJMU was my placement at Roberts Bakery. The hands-on experience gave me valuable insight into the food manufacturing industry which allowed me to apply my theoretical knowledge I have gained at LJMU into a real-world setting. Working with experienced professionals taught me the importance of adaptability, problem-solving and clear communication, skills that have been incredibly important. The placement at Roberts has really helped me solidify my career direction and it was a defining part of my university journey.
Another memory is the opportunity to have field trips to Kendal college and Baker and Baker factory, where valuable skills were gained in food preparation and cooking and understanding how industrial baking is produced on a large scale.
Finally, there was the hackathon event that took place in 3rd year where we had the opportunity to work with external food companies and produce new products. Working with Roberts I had the opportunity to produce 4 new products to a brief theme of Halloween and present the ideas back to industry professionals to gain valuable feedback and confidence in product pitching.
How did your time at LJMU influence your career or personal growth?
LJMU played a huge role in shaping my career and personal development and growth. The practical experience and academic knowledge I gained have given me a strong foundation to enter my chosen field with confidence. Having the chance to study modules including food technology and development, food chain and sustainability, principles of human nutrition and having a placement have allowed me to gain confidence and expand my knowledge even further.
The diverse environment and support from lecturers encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, develop resilience and continuously seek improvement. All this drives me forward to improving my skills and continuing to improve at my career at Roberts.
Gareth Griffiths graduated in 2012 from the Food Development and Nutrition programme and now works as a Site Technical Manager at AAK
What are three key things you learned during your time at LJMU, and how have they helped shape what you do now?
Leadership Skills, Food Science and Product Development. All 3 of these things led me into a technical role straight from university in 2012 by teaching me the skills required to hit the ground running in a Quality Assurance Role. I was further promoted to Quality Manager and then Technical Manager within 4 years as I had the knowledge, experience and determination from my time at LJMU to reach the top of my chosen career path.
What’s your standout memory from studying at LJMU?
The number of opportunities available to develop skills, confidence and practical skills throughout LJMU which included the freedom to deliver workshops, external work experience and practical skills to present and interact. This increased my confidence massively and this alongside the support and encouragement from the course leaders to take these opportunities ensured I was ready for industry when I graduated
How did your time at LJMU influence your career or personal growth?
Initially I started my degree with the intention of becoming a teacher but during my time at LJMU I developed strong leadership skills through various projects such as leading workshops and work experience opportunities. Discussing my career plans with faculty staff led me to go into the food manufacturing industry as I could always come back to teaching in the future if I still desired. Since graduating in 2012 I have worked for many large manufacturing businesses such as ADM, My Protein, Bakkavor, Greencore, ABP and AAK and have to say that the decision to go into industry was the right move for me.
Dr Tanja Harrison PhD (RNutr) studied Community Nutrition before embarking on a PhD in Nutrition, both at LJMU
She is the Founder and Director of her own business, The Menopause Larder
Three key things I learned at LJMU
- Applying theory to practice whether that is learning why air is so important in cake batter to make the best birthday sponge cake, or measuring the amounts of different types of fatty acids in a vegetable oil.
- In a team everyone has different strengths and you can use that to your advantage in a group project to ace that assignment.
- Lecturers care. They are delighted if you show an interest and ask questions. Never be afraid to tell them what interests you in your field and what makes you tick. They are happy to show you how to develop those strengths.
Standout memory from studying at LJMU
Being a mature student in my second year, juggling full-time study and childcare, worrying whether I am good enough and then getting an amazing result on a lab report that I had been worried about. That was the moment where I felt in myself that I can really do this!
How LJMU influenced my career or personal growth
I have learned not to be afraid of taking opportunities when they present themselves. LJMU is where it a started for me when deciding on a new career as a mature student. Learning all these amazing things about nutrition with lecturers who each had their own topics they were passionate about. People showed me that they believed in me and supported me. When I decided that I wanted to do a PhD following on from my BSc, the team that would be supervising me took me seriously and they invested their own time to develop a proposal with me. Time and time again I was given opportunities within the department, the Doctoral Academy, the Start-up Hub and beyond. It was not only about specialising in an academic topic it was about becoming a more rounded person who was not afraid to take on a challenge. I still carry this feeling with me having recently founded my own business and taken the next steps in my profession as registered nutritionist.
Charlotte Hancock graduated in 2020 with a degree in Food Development and Nutrition, with an industrial sandwich placement year
She now works as a Technical Account Manager (frozen fish) for Princes Food
What are three key things you learned during your time at LJMU, and how have they helped shape what you do now?
- One of the most valuable modules for me was the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) module. It provided a strong foundation in food safety systems, which is a major part of the food industry. In my current role, I regularly audit companies’ HACCP plans, so having that knowledge from LJMU has been crucial.
- The microbiology in food module gave me a solid understanding of the basics of foodborne pathogens and spoilage organisms. This is critical in my day-to-day responsibilities, as a technical understanding of microbiological risks allows me to assess food safety procedures effectively.
- My placement year at Iceland Foods as part of the food technical team was instrumental in applying my academic knowledge to real-world scenarios. It helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, giving me hands-on experience in food safety and quality control that I now use every day.
What’s your standout memory from studying at LJMU?
One standout memory for me was the Product Development module, where I created a vegan soup concept. This project gave me valuable insights into the process of developing new products from idea to shelf, including ingredient sourcing, nutritional considerations, and consumer trends. It was a great hands-on experience that reflected how new product development works in the real world and deepened my understanding of innovation within the food industry.
How did your time at LJMU influence your career or personal growth?
LJMU gave me a strong technical foundation and practical experience that directly prepared me for my career in the food industry. The mix of academic learning and hands-on modules, along with my placement year, boosted my confidence, shaped my professional skills, and confirmed my passion for food safety and quality.
Matt Swain graduated in 2020 with a degree in Food Development and Nutrition with an industrial sandwich placement year, and now works as a NPD buyer for Greencore
What are three key things you learned during your time at LJMU, and how have they helped shape what you do now?
- Firstly, the connections you make with the industry you want to launch your career in are invaluable to make during your time at University, take as much time as you can to connect with employers, as this will help you jump start your graduate career when you complete your degree or move on to further learning and higher education! I found out that employers take greater value in how 'rounded' a candidate is, and not the letters or numbers that appear on an exam certificate!
- Make the most of your time studying and making friends in a new city - as 3 years of uni goes so fast! LJMU has such a diverse range of societies, clubs, groups and teams to get involved in, each of which brings new skills, thoughts, responsibilities and life experiences, in a city that is built on the energy and passion of its people, students included!
- The most I took away from my time at LJMU is how the application of hard work, mixed in with the fun and buzz of Uni life and the support of a passionate group of staff and educators helped me secure my first graduate role with world's second-biggest food company in the area I love.
What’s your standout memory from studying at LJMU?
LJMU are at the heart of life in the city, sponsoring major events, campaigns and projects. One key memory from my time at LJMU was supporting the city's River of Light event, in which the F.L Calder College was celebrated, paving the way for home economics teaching in the city, eventually developing into the Health and Nutrition courses now delivered by the university!
How did your time at LJMU influence your career or personal growth?
I truly enjoyed my time studying in Liverpool at LJMU, I feel I was encouraged to try everything out and learn in my own way and can attribute my career path to the guidance, skills and experiences offered to me throughout my studies, a strong, contemporary and valuable base to start my career and grow to the role I have today, as a Buyer for the leading convenience food manufacturer in the UK, within the FTSE 250.