Emma Robinson, a recent addition to Nestlé’s graduate program, emphasizes the creativity involved in engineering, contrary to common perceptions. Working at the Nestlé Product Technology Centre in York, which serves as the company’s primary hub for confectionery research and development, Emma is part of the team responsible for conceptualizing and implementing new product and process innovations, particularly focusing on renowned brands like KitKat.
Specializing in designing and crafting custom equipment for Nestlé’s manufacturing facilities, Emma’s primary area of expertise lies within the realm of chocolate. The 24-year-old engineer acknowledges the abundance of chocolate-related opportunities in her role, adding a touch of sweetness to her professional endeavors.
Nestlé’s graduate schemes span various sectors, encompassing engineering, technical leadership, sales, and HR functions, lasting for a two-year tenure. This structure allows participants like Emma to gain exposure to diverse roles within the organization.
Emma shares her anticipation for her upcoming assignment at Nestlé’s Buxton facility, where she will transition to working on water-related projects, aiming to broaden her engineering proficiency through exposure to different product categories.
Driven by her passion for chemistry nurtured during her academic years, Emma pursued a master’s degree in chemical engineering, ultimately leading her to choose Nestlé’s graduate program for its promise of holistic professional growth and diverse career opportunities.
Reflecting on her daily activities, Emma describes a dynamic routine that includes tasks such as assisting in pilot plant operations, creating designs using proprietary 3D modeling software, and developing process and instrumentation diagrams. She finds motivation in her rapid skill development over the past ten months.
Despite the technical nature of her work, Emma credits her team members for facilitating her learning journey, emphasizing the supportive environment and mentorship culture at Nestlé. She appreciates the encouragement to ask questions and seek guidance, fostering a collaborative and inclusive workspace.
While Emma’s immediate goals involve completing the graduate scheme successfully and securing a permanent position at Nestlé, she also engages in outreach initiatives aimed at inspiring young girls to explore opportunities in STEM fields, particularly within the realm of chocolate innovation.
Highlighting the enriching collaborative dynamics within the Nestlé team, Emma finds fulfillment in witnessing the products she contributes to on the shelves, underscoring the excitement derived from working on diverse projects and the collective achievement of bringing them to market.
