Now working for the Arnott’s Group testing products before, during and after their production, Akela began her journey into food science at the University of Newcastle.

During her final year of high school in 2018, Akela experienced a lot of indecision about her future.

“I wasn’t sure what career path I wanted to take and then of course, what degree I wanted to apply for.

“I knew whichever path I chose, it needed to be a career where I was able to make a difference and help people,” she said.

As Akela always enjoyed studying science at school, she decided to combine this with her interest in food and nutrition and study a Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition.

“Looking at the course outline, the core subjects sounded interesting and there seemed to be a variety of career path opportunities.

Within her first year of study, Akela was unsure if her interests aligned better with Nutrition and Dietetics and the clinical side of nutrition.

“I thought that my passion to make a difference and help people could be fulfilled by assisting individuals with their diet and nutrition-related diseases in a clinical setting.

“It was only after many discussions and guidance from Emma Beckett, Program Convenor for the Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition, that I realised my passion was aligned to the science of food.

“I realised I could still make a difference and help people by following this path with the broad range of career options available, such as product development, nutrition education, food safety or even research,” she said.

Akela maintained her mentorship relationship with Emma Beckett throughout her studies, seeking support and guidance where needed.

“Emma’s enthusiasm for food science and nutrition is contagious and I soon realised my love and passion for food science as well.

“She has an ability to encourage her students to aim high and submit their best work, and I was no exception - I would not have been so successful without her guidance,” Akela said.

Akela was also supported by lecturers Professor Christopher Scarlett and Dr Quan Vuong.

“They were always available to clarify any questions and provide feedback on ways to improve my work prior to submission and I am grateful for their guidance, she said.

This guidance allowed Akela to develop her passion for food microbiology, food product development and food sensory analysis in the second and third years of her degree.

“Throughout my degree, I discovered I was passionate about food safety and microbiology and now working in FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods), I can make a difference by ensuring food safety procedures are in place and that the quality of our products meet consumer standards,” she said.

During this time, Akela also had the opportunity to gain casual employment as a Technical Assistant at Sanitarium where she worked in a microbiological laboratory.

“This was a fantastic opportunity for me to use the theoretical skills and knowledge I had learnt from my food microbiology classes and apply them in the workplace, while gaining valuable industry experience,” she said.

Graduating in November 2021, Akela has joined the Arnott’s Group 2022 Graduate Program at the Huntingwood Facility.

“As one of Australia’s most iconic FMCG businesses, I am honoured that I was accepted and can work alongside other graduates as a young leader.

“My graduate position is in the Quality team, specifically the Finished Goods team.

“This role involves working with the products before, during and after production, releasing product, carrying out investigations and working on projects that involve cross functions including product development,” Akela said.

Akela has had a fantastic experience in the program so far, connecting with like-minded people who also have a passion for food and product safety.

“Going to work every day, surrounded by individuals that have worked within the food industry for 10 + years is rewarding, as they are able to challenge my ideas and thoughts with real life scenarios,” she said.

For those thinking of study Food Science and Human Nutrition, Akela highly recommends it.

“The course content was engaging, and the mentors and teachers were extremely supportive throughout my degree. My time at University of Newcastle provided me with the knowledge, skills, and belief in myself to confidently embark on my career in the food science industry,” Akela said.

Learn more about studying a Bachelor of  Food Science and Human Nutrition

Akela Phillips `

Akela Phillips

Now working for the Arnott’s Group testing products before, during and after their production, Akela began her journey into food science at the University of Newcastle.

My time at University of Newcastle provided me with the knowledge, skills, and belief in myself to confidently embark on my career in the food science industry.