Alumni profile – Professional Placement Year 

Graduating year: 2025
Course studied: BSc (Hons) Food with Nutrition with PPY

Ellis completed a placement at Saputo Dairy Company.

Why did you choose to undertake a PPY? 

I wanted to get more experience in the Food industry and understand the kind of careers available and what I might like to do after I graduate.

What did your role entail? 

I supported the delivery of product development projects, gaining an understanding of Saputo’s product development business process.

I learnt the necessary aspects of food safety and product governance, and was responsible for a business focused project, identifying potential solutions to real business problems and challenges.

I had to use creative thinking to help shape the future of products for Saputo’s Dairy product portfolio, supporting the development implementation process by conducting basic trials, research and documentation related to new products, and I was responsible for product shelf life and aspects of sensory evaluation for new product developments.

How did you find and secure your placements? 

My placement was advertised through the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (Ultra) as Saputo has Bath Spa alumni working for them.

The application process was straightforward and involved emailing over my CV, and then a two-stage interview process.

The first stage was in person, getting to know me and my experience. The second interview was competency based – creating a presentation based on the brief provided.

What have been the best and most challenging aspects of your placement? 

The best part of my placement was to see the 'farm to fork' aspect of the product development process – from seeing how the cheese is made, all the way to supermarkets receiving the products. 

I would say the most challenging part of my placement was how fast paced the role was. Plans would constantly change and tasks would come up that were more important than what I was doing at the time, which took priority. This meant I had to learn to adapt to being part of a fast-paced working environment.

How did the PPY support your career aspirations?

My placement year supported me in so many ways! I came back to my final year more confident in myself, but it had also reinforced the knowledge taught in the first and second years of my degree.

The placement helped confirm my career aspirations and even helped me secure a permanent job role after graduation in product development.

Do you have any advice for students considering a PPY? 

I would highly recommend the placement experience! The placement year really shows you a lot about yourself and your career aspirations. Even if you end up finding you don't want to do a certain job, you have learnt that now, rather than after graduating.