Interview
Why did you choose the QUSH degree programme at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences?
After completing my A-levels at the Liebfrauenschule vocational grammar school in Geldern, where I specialised in nutritional sciences, I realised that I have a knack for science subjects, but that I’d also like to gain knowledge in the field of management. I’ve always been interested in the food industry and food production too. The Kleve campus of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences isn’t far from where I’m from, so I thought I’d have a look at what’s on offer here. The course content really appealed to me, as it’s so wide-ranging and combines the natural sciences with management systems.
What was the topic of your Bachelor’s thesis?
I completed my Bachelor’s thesis in a practical setting at Dr Berns’ laboratory in Neukirchen-Vluyn. The topic of the thesis was the ‘Development of an HACCP concept for an ice cream manufacturing company’.
In short, an HACCP concept refers to a management system for controlling and monitoring critical processes in a food business.
Using the ice cream production facility as a case study, I adapted the company’s existing basic HACCP concept to the latest HACCP guidelines, thereby creating a template for many other types of businesses (e.g. butchers, kitchens, etc.).
What happened next in your career after graduating in 2021?
Thanks to various internships before and during my studies, and my Internship semester – including my Bachelor’s thesis – at Dr. Berns Laboratorium, I knew exactly what I wanted by then. After successfully completing my thesis, I was lucky that a position in the field was available and was offered to me. So I have now been working in the field for Dr. Berns Laboratorium for almost exactly three years and face new professional challenges every day.
What is your typical working day like?
People don’t really have a clear picture of what ‘HACCP project management’ or ‘field service’ entails, so I often have to explain what I actually do all day. That’s why I’m happy to go into it here as well.
I’ve already briefly explained what “HACCP” means above. Each of us in the field service looks after a wide variety of different business setups (kitchens, butchers, abattoirs, bakeries, etc.).
My day therefore begins with checking my emails. Two to three days a week (or sometimes more), I visit clients to verify their HACCP plans, conduct staff training, carry out hygiene inspections on site, take samples for water, food and cleaning checks, and offer advice on any food safety issues. We also act as intermediaries between the laboratory and the client, i.e. we explain the test reports produced by our laboratory to clients as required and coordinate sampling, for example.
After client appointments, there is of course also ‘traditional office work’ to be done – writing reports, making phone calls, writing emails, acquiring knowledge, preparing trend analyses, etc.
To sum up, I can say that a working week is characterised by a lot of driving, exciting site visits, discussions with customers (even in challenging situations) and office work. For me, that’s exactly the right mix.
What skills did you acquire during your studies that you can now put to good use in your job?
During my studies, I quickly realised that many challenges or problems can only be solved if you think in an interdisciplinary way and work as a team. Not everyone can know everything, and it doesn’t hurt to ask others for their opinions – you often get to know many other perspectives and can put them to good use for yourself.
The fundamentals of the wide range of subject areas covered during your studies help you understand many interconnections. For example, knowledge of microbiology is very helpful in explaining the laboratory’s test reports to clients. Conversely, during your studies you learnt how to acquire knowledge quickly. In some professional situations, it is therefore helpful to be able to quickly get an overview of various documents and requirements.
In conclusion, I can say that I often draw on my studies in many professional situations.
What advice would you give to current or future students?
Grit your teeth and persevere when things aren’t fun.
With such a wide-ranging degree programme, you’re bound to come across subjects you don’t enjoy, where you reach your limits, and which leave you feeling desperate – but – in the end, it’s worth it and you can be proud!
In three words, how would you describe Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences?
Warm, open, forward-looking
Date of interview: March 2023