Mahshid’s Chester Made Story: Finding my professional direction

When I look back at my time at the University of Chester, what stands out most is how transformative the experience was – both academically and personally. Studying the Food Science and Innovation MSc during 2022–2023 meant far more than just gaining a qualification; it was a period of discovery, confidence-building and finding my professional direction. 

Highlights of My Course

What I loved most about my course was how closely it connected science with real-world application. The programme struck a perfect balance between theory, innovation and industry relevance, encouraging critical thinking while constantly questioning how food science can solve practical challenges. The supportive teaching staff and collaborative learning environment made complex topics engaging and inspiring. 

Practical Experiences

Several experiences left a lasting impact on me, particularly the opportunity to visit Reaseheath College and my placement at HTC Health.

Visiting Reaseheath College brought learning to life; it allowed me to see sustainability, food production and innovation in action, bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and real agricultural and food systems.

My placement at HTC Health was equally influential. It gave me invaluable hands-on experience, exposed me to professional research and industry standards, and helped me understand how food science contributes directly to health and wellbeing. The placement not only strengthened my technical skills but also boosted my confidence in working within a professional setting. 

Chester’s Sense of Community

One of my favourite memories from my time as a student was the sense of belonging – working late on group projects, sharing ideas with classmates from around the world, and celebrating achievements together. Chester’s welcoming campus and close-knit academic community made it easy to feel supported and motivated throughout my studies. 

Being a Chester graduate means being part of a supportive, values-driven community that encourages ambition and integrity. The University of Chester helped shape my professional identity, gave me the confidence to pursue my career and equipped me with skills that continue to guide me today. I am proud to carry the Chester name with me as I progress in my career. 

 Beyond Chester

Since graduating from the University of Chester, my journey has been one of continuous learning and purposeful growth. Building on the strong academic and practical foundation from my Master’s, I progressed to my current role as a Food New Product Development (NPD) Technologist, where I turn scientific knowledge into real products that reach consumers. 

What I am most proud of since starting my career is successfully transitioning from postgraduate study into an industry-facing role, where my contributions genuinely matter. Being involved in the development and improvement of food products from concept through to launch has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing ideas evolve into finished products on shelves is a proud reminder of how far I have come since my time at Chester. 

What I love most about my work now is the blend of creativity combined with science. As a Food NPD Technologist, no two days are the same. I enjoy problem-solving, experimenting with ingredients, improving nutritional profiles and ensuring products meet safety, quality and regulatory standards. The role allows me to be innovative while still grounded in evidence-based science, which is exactly what drew me to food science in the first place. 

I feel my work makes a meaningful difference by contributing to safer, healthier and more sustainable food options. Whether it’s improving product quality, supporting consumer health or responding to changing dietary needs, the work I do plays a small but important role in shaping what people eat every day. Food impacts everyone, and being part of that process gives my work real purpose. 

My time at Chester played a crucial role in shaping who I am today. It taught me resilience, adaptability and the importance of lifelong learning. The University helped me recognise my strengths, refine my interests and believe in my potential. Through its emphasis on innovation and practical experience, Chester helped me discover my passion for applying food science to real-world challenges and health-focused solutions. 

Looking back now, I can confidently say that Chester didn’t just educate me – it helped me find my path. The knowledge, experiences and confidence I gained continue to influence my journey, and I am proud to be part of the Chester Made community. 

Advice for Current and Future Students

My advice to current and future students is to make the most of every opportunity, especially placements, industry projects and networking. The skills you build at university go far beyond the classroom; confidence, teamwork and adaptability are just as important as technical knowledge. Be curious, ask questions and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.