"My first job after graduating was working with Aspire Diet – a web-based weight loss programme developed by Crown Research Institute Plant and Food. I really enjoyed applying my nutrition and research knowledge in a real life setting. From reviewing weight loss literature to coordinating IT, exercise or nutrition input, my role changed daily and it was great working with such a diverse team."
"After that I went on an OE and worked for the Food Standards Agency in the UK, as part of their Saturated Fat and Energy Intake Programme. This work was all about raising public awareness and working with industry partnership groups. We were supporting and funding work targeting minority groups for the UK government's wider obesity strategy."
Jenny is now working for Fonterra as Lead Regulatory Strategist for the Global Ingredients and Foodservices business. This section of Fonterra markets specialty dairy ingredients for functional nutrition, cultured products, paediatric nutrition and cheese applications around the world.
"As part of my role I look at the nutritional claims that can be made for a product, as well as additional safety or efficacy testing our ingredients may need to undergo. It's really dynamic, there is a lot of variety in working with both science and marketing teams, and a bit of travel involved."
Jenny says her MSc in Human Nutrition has given her the flexibility to explore different roles throughout her career. The breadth of the Masters with its research focus has meant that in each of her roles, different aspects of the MSc have come into play.