Francine Bernabe

Francine Bernabé, Oxford Brookes alumna
Job Title: Research & Development Technician; Juice and Dairy company, Barbados

What do you do on a day to do basis?
I am responsible for the daily testing, modification and sensory evaluation of our
current line of products. Other aspects of my role include career showcases in
schools; assisting in consumer education and consumer feedback and training staff
in Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices. I am part of the HACCP Team
and Food Safety Team where I perform audits and help in the development and
implementation of new procedures.
What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
No day is the same. I come to work not knowing what the day will entail. If there are
any problems in product or formulation I get called, and it’s nice to know that I can be
a problem solver.
How did you decide on this career?
I always enjoyed my food and nutrition classes at school and loved biology and
chemistry as well. So I knew from the onset that I wanted a degree that would
combine all the above.
How did you end up in this role?
When I left Brookes, I worked as a receptionist then got a temporary job teaching
Integrated Science. I went on to work in a health food shop as an “all-rounder”,
where I helped with their marketing/educational campaign, and with accounts, as
well as providing customer service. I had a couple of interviews with laboratories, all
food manufacturing and food service companies, but they all wanted someone with
previous experience. I finally got my breakthrough a year after graduation. I started
out as a Senior Lab Technician, rotating in all 3 laboratories (Main Lab, UHT Lab
and Microbiology Lab) and one year later I was promoted to R&D Technician. Once
I moved into the industry, everything fell into place. Starting is the hardest part, as
employers want people with previous experience.
What qualifications and skills do you need?
Generally a BSc. in an applied science, preferably Food Science. You have to be
able to communicate clearly, have good analytical skills, and be organised, creative
and able to multi-task. You must be able to do your own individual research to keep
up-to-date with the latest technologies and developments, and importantly have the
determination to succeed!
What advice would you give students trying to break into a Research and
Development role in food and drink?
Definitely do a work placement if you can. It will give you a competitive advantage
and help you understand what field you want to work in. I didn’t do a placement and
I wish I had because it would have given me the work experience that employers are
looking for. Think positively, you may not get your “dream job” as soon as you leave
university, but with perseverance you will get there. Count every job as a learning
experience that will develop you more. Even if it’s unrelated to what you may have
studied, you can still gain knowledge and skills from it.