Chloe Moore – CAFRE Alumni
My name is Chloe Moore and I graduated from CAFRE, Loughry Campus in June 2016, with a BSc (Hons) in Food Technology.
As I was growing up, both of my parents worked in the food industry. This gave me some insight into the various roles available in the sector. While studying at Drumglass High School, I was first introduced to the food industry through my part-time job as a production operative at Moy Park’s Dungannon site.
Family and friends who studied at Loughry Campus had told me about the excellent opportunities on offer and the high success rates for graduate employment. The agri-food industry is the largest manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland offering job security and opportunities for career progression. These important factors in choosing to study for a degree qualification in food.
I first enrolled at Loughry on a Foundation Degree in Food, Nutrition and Health, before progressing on to the BSc (Hons) Degree in Food Technology, from which I graduated in 2016. I decided to further my studies by completing Master’s Degree in Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise. Whilst studying I worked in Linden Foods as part of the Quality team, which really helped transition the theory I was learning into the food industry.
After I graduated, I joined Dunbia as a Group Food Safety Supply Chain Technologist. In 2017, Dunbia and Dawn Meats entered into a joint venture, and I became responsible for supplier approval/management dealing with all suppliers across the entire Dawn Meats Ireland and Dunbia UK business. I have been in this varied and challenging role for the last five and a half years.
One of the most valuable aspects of completing my degree at Loughry Campus was an appreciation of its vital industry links. Many lecturing staff having vast experience in the agri-food and drink industry. We had multiple opportunities to visit food manufacturing sites across Northern Ireland, gaining an insight into production facilities in action. Alongside the exposure to many leading producers, Loughry Campus’ state of the art technical and manufacturing facilities gave me the chance to get ‘hands on’ experience whilst learning.
The Master’s Degree programme has highlighted the importance of effective communication and provided me with a deeper understanding of engagement, performance improvement and change management.
The mix of both practical and theoretical knowledge gained at Loughry Campus, allied to practical industry experience, has provided me with a thorough understanding of the technological aspects of food manufacture, thereby giving me confidence in my current role.
If you are interested in developing a career in the food and drink industry CAFRE – Loughry Campus is the place to study.