Emma Robinson, a member of Nestlé’s graduate scheme since last September, emphasizes the creativity in engineering, contrary to common beliefs. She highlights the excitement in conceptualizing ideas and bringing them to fruition, stating, “We’re the people who figure out how to make ‘that thing’ a reality.”
Currently stationed at Nestlé’s Product Technology Centre in York, which serves as the company’s global hub for confectionery research and development, Emma works on innovating new products and processes for brands like KitKat.
Specializing in designing and crafting custom equipment for Nestlé’s factories, particularly in chocolate production, the 24-year-old engineer mentions the delightful perk of ample chocolate tasting opportunities in her role.
Nestlé offers diverse graduate schemes spanning various sectors such as engineering, technical leadership, sales, and HR, spanning a two-year tenure to provide candidates exposure to different business functions.
Emma expresses her enthusiasm for transitioning to Nestlé’s Buxton center to focus on water-related projects post her current chocolate-centered role, aiming to enhance her engineering skills through diverse product experiences.
Driven by her passion for chemistry nurtured during her academic years, Emma pursued a master’s degree in chemical engineering before embarking on Nestlé’s graduate program, seeking a career path that fosters continuous growth and professional development.
Reflecting on her multifaceted workdays, Emma narrates engaging in tasks ranging from assisting in trial runs at the pilot plant to utilizing in-house 3D modeling software for equipment designs, underscoring the gratification of her progress within just ten months.
While acknowledging the rapid skill development facilitated by the challenging projects, Emma credits her supportive colleagues and mentors for her accelerated learning curve, emphasizing the importance of a nurturing work environment that encourages curiosity and continuous learning.
Beyond her personal career goals of completing the program and securing a permanent role at Nestlé, Emma actively engages in educational outreach programs to inspire young girls towards STEM fields, particularly showcasing the intriguing aspects of chocolate engineering.
Despite the allure of working with chocolate, Emma highlights the true essence of Nestlé’s work culture in the collaborative spirit among colleagues, emphasizing the thrill of contributing to diverse product developments and witnessing them on retail shelves.