Name: Kelsey McCarty
Hometown: Hartley, IA
Major and Graduation Date: BS Food Science & Minor: Food Safety; May 2015
Favorite ISU Class
Sensory Evaluation of Food
Title and Company: Distribution Center Food Safety Specialist; Casey’s General Stores
Major Job/Position Responsibilities:
As the food safety specialist, I maintain, advance, and implement the food safety plan and program for the distribution centers. I work on all different parts of the food safety plan to ensure our compliance and execution of regulation. I do this through continuous improvement with all appropriate departments and employee training.
What do you like most about your job/position?
My favorite part of my position is helping the distribution centers achieve and improve their food safety goals.
What advice would you give to current students?
One piece of advice I have for current students is to pursue multiple internships throughout your college career. Experiencing jobs that your major is preparing you for is essential for determining what career path you would like to take upon graduating. If your major is preparing you for different routes, it is beneficial to experience different internships. For example, food science prepares you for food safety/quality assurance and product development careers. I experienced internships in both of these areas, and it helped me to determine what route I wanted to take!
Another piece of advice is that the learning doesn’t stop! You’ve only just begun when you graduate. When starting your first full-time position, I encourage you to be a sponge, absorb everything and don’t be afraid to ask questions! You can gain a lot of knowledge and wisdom from your supervisors. You will have the opportunity to constantly learn at your new position, and if you take advantage of this, it will help you advance and stand out.
Lastly, in a new position, make sure to give yourself time to adapt and learn the ways of your new position. It takes an average of 2 years to master your job, so give yourself grace if there are some bumps in the road when starting in a new position.