After you qualified, did it take long to find a job?

During my final year of University, I started looking for graduate roles. I applied for the Food Safety and Quality Graduate role at Cardington at the start of December and by the 16th I had done my interview and was offered the job. It was a really nice position to be in completing my dissertation and final exams without the worry of trying to find a job on top like my housemates.

How did you end up in this job? 

I started my first year on the agriculture course at Harper Adams University, knowing that I was passionate about British Agriculture but not knowing what area of the industry I wanted to join. As part of my degree, I had to complete a placement year – I thought let’s do something completely new, if I hate then I will think of it as a good experience and only have to do it for a year but on the other hand I could love it. Fortunately for me after applying for a QA role at a beef manufacturer it was the latter. I loved learning about the industry and just knew that’s what I wanted to do. After looking for Dunbia sites near home I applied for the Graduate role in Cardington. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking of pursuing this career? 

My biggest piece of advice would be to say “Yes!” take any opportunity that is given to you, you will learn so much and it’s great experience! Get to know all parts of the business as part of your induction, so that when you are settled into your job role you can understand the process and why things need to happen as they do. 

What’s the best thing about your job? 

I enjoy the variety of the things that I get to do – from Animal Welfare to dealing with directly with customers, no two of my days are the same! 

How long have you been doing your job? 

I started on the on the Graduate programme in July 2023 and finished that in July 2025 where I got offered a full time role at site as Food Safety and Quality Coordinator.