Caitlin McLoud

Responsibilities

I worked alongside the research and development technicians in order to learn how to operate the machinery used to create many of our products. I tested many of the ingredient samples sent to us from outside companies and created benchtop tests of new recipes. I assisted in many different tasting for a variety of our products, including many of our new plant-based protein options.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment during my internship experience was how many different new recipes and products that I was able to offer my own input on in order to create an overall better product. It was also really rewarding to see some of the changes and ideas that I suggested be used in so many products.

Learning experience

The greatest lesson that I learned was to never be afraid to ask your supervisor to try something new. I was able to learn so many different aspects of the research and development department at Burke just by asking if I could try a new area or by asking questions about areas that I didn't know much about before.

What advice would you give?

Keep an open mind about all experiences. I wasn't sure if I wanted to work for a company that specialized in meat products, however, I kept an open mind and found so many aspects of the industry that I really enjoy. I was also able to learn so much about plant-based proteins which I had never had much of an interest in, but I can now say that I really enjoyed that aspect of my internship.