Science and Technology Blogs
Welcome to our Science and Technology graduate blog page!
Feel free to post comments and come back to share more experiences with our science & technology graduates.
Getting started
Posted by Phil on 13 Aug 07
The GSC works on long term projects to discover and develop new technologies and processes for introduction throughout the business sectors of Gum, Candy and Chocolate. I have been assigned to work on four key projects related to chocolate and have already been given responsibility for completing work which will be integral to the direction of one in particular.
Expectations of graduates are high and I am well aware that I will have to work hard over the coming months to achieve the challenging goals that have been outlined, especially as I had no prior knowledge of the chocolate industry. To assist in the transition I have received fantastic support to help me settle in to my new role and inclusion in all of the team briefs, meetings and reviews has been invaluable. I really feel part of the team already.
At the end of my third week I have just returned from three days spent in Switzerland with the team working on large scale novel recipe production. It was immensely useful to help me understand the process, and work, required to take an idea from small scale laboratory trials to industrial size production.
Now that I have a solid foundation of the project objectives, status and goals, along with support from my graduate buddy and supervisor my next few weeks will revolve around planning and conducting research for which I am directly responsible. I am excited about not only being involved in such innovative projects but also the opportunity to lead and manage sections personally.
All change
Posted by Phil on 26 Jul 07
I am currently in my first week of the Science and Technology Graduate Scheme (S&TGS) based at the Global Science Centre (GSC) in Reading. After graduating in 2004 with a degree in Chemistry I spent several years working in general business & manufacturing but realised I wanted more from my day to day role and future career.
After applying for the Science & Technology Graduate Scheme I found the application process extremely useful as it allowed me the opportunity to talk openly and honestly with recent graduates, line managers and senior managers of the business throughout the interview and assessment centre process. This was vital in confirming not only that I was suited to the role, but also that Cadburys could supply the particular challenges and experience that I wanted from a career.
Since graduating I had missed involvement in several key areas I was interested in; innovation and development. The Science and Technology business area encompasses a global framework of which key strands are new product development (NPD), innovation and improvement of existing technologies.
I was excited at the opportunity of working at the cutting edge of a global company in an area that has great impact on driving business strategy and future goals. By discussing what roles and responsibilities I would hold (and those currently held by recent graduates) confirmed that Cadburys could offer everything I wanted for a stimulating and motivating career.
In my first week I have been assigned to several projects and already had hands on involvement in assisting to analyse an existing process used for chocolate manufacture to identify areas for improvement. This has been sandwiched between meeting the key members of the GSC to develop my knowledge and understanding of the business and organisational structure.
I am looking forward greatly to the next few weeks as I become immersed in the assigned projects and gain the experience necessary to accept more responsibility.
Innovation planning
Posted by Michelle on 01 Jun 07
Following on from 2 successful placements in Product Development, I decided that I wanted to get a bit of exposure to the commercial side of our business. Luckily for me a new area within Science and Technology function had been set up called Innovation Planning. So I put my lab coat into (temporary) retirement and moved myself down to our marketing office in London for a new life of immersing myself in everything to do with our consumers and our brands!
In essence our team is the first S&T interface with our commercial partners. We work with them as they define where there are gaps in the market and how we can compete and win in them. We then help them by scoping and advising what is possible technically for product ideas and we also plan our S&T resources to deliver these ideas.
This role is a million miles away from my last role and has really pushed me in ways I never even expected! It's been invaluable to start to get a grip on how the commercial teams work and has been a fascinating experience - I've loved learning about our consumers and understanding why they love our products so much. I have also learned a lot about the way I work and what my strengths are and can't wait to apply all that I have learned into my ongoing career.
A spoonful of sugar
Posted by Tom on 10 Nov 06
I'm now 2 months into my first placement and for the past two weeks I've been based up at our Sheffield site, where many of our sugar brand products are made. I've spent time with people in every product area of the factory, working with operators, team leaders and managers. I've found that the Trebor Extra Strong mints area is a great place to wake you up if you're in at 5am!
It's given me a really good knowledge base of how our products are made, from recipe to finished product. It's also been great to experience a different site and business area, which has broadened my perspective of what we're about.
In terms of the graduate programme, I am the first graduate to complete this placement, and part of my role has been to feedback the outcomes from it. The few small hiccups have meant that when someone starts this placement next year, it should be even smoother for them. This is a process that applies to a lot of the graduate training and placements and it enables things to improve and adapt all the time - so it could be you that benefits and feeds back next!
I've also recently spent a day at the Global Science Centre and RSSL in Reading. It was really interesting to see what happens down there, as it's often development work that is planning for a few years in the future.
The rest of my time recently has been taken up with my first project and other training. It's great to have involvement and responsibility so soon. It makes you feel like you're really contributing to making our brands even better.
Creative chemistry Cadbury style
Posted by Andy on 26 Oct 06
I have just completed my third week on the Science and Technology graduate scheme based at the Global Science Centre (GSC) at Reading. In such a short period of time I have learnt an enormous amount about the production of chocolate and the food industry. I joined this scheme with a degree in Chemistry and some work experience in the financial sector. I was hoping for a career that would allow me to use my science knowledge whilst having a strong link with the commercial world and I have not been disappointed!
Initially the job appeared quite daunting given my lack of experience in this sector. However the great thing about this scheme is the flexibility and I quickly found that my line manager was very supportive in terms of training needs. The emphasis is very much on you to drive your career and if you do so you will be supported every step of the way.
At the GSC we work on longer-term projects to improve the company's products and processes through the application of the latest technology and ingredients. From my first day I have been assigned to a selection of projects, keeping my job very varied, and been given responsibility for my own individual sections. I have been involved in all the key project meetings which has given me a great feel for the overall goals of each project, as well as raising my profile within the business. The working environment is very conducive to innovation and freethinking with people encouraging me to offer my own opinions on the best way to approach tasks and design my particular experiments, which makes me feel like a valued member of the team.
In terms of culture, the business is very welcoming and I have been assigned a line manager, mentor and buddy to help me settle in and manage my ambitions and expectations of the graduate scheme. Given this support and the wide variety of opportunities available to me, within S&T, other business functions and locations at home and abroad, the future looks very exciting.
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