For Grace, food has always been the centre of her universe.

“I grew up in a family where food was the centre of love, laughter and family time.

“There is no greater joy in life than having all the family sitting around the table enjoying one of my mums home cooked meals,” she said.

While she originally started a Bachelor of Business at another university, Grace eventually determined that food was her passion.

Taking on a Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Newcastle Ourimbah campus, Grace found a ‘happy medium’ between city life and the country life she had grown up experiencing.

She also found that the University had much to offer in terms of support, as well as access to prestigious academics in the field – specifically Dr Emma Beckett and Dr Chris Scarlett.

“Without a doubt, each and every academic in our discipline had a great impact on my growth.

“Dr Emma Beckett and Dr Chris Scarlett both showed me a practical application of science within food and nurtured my growth throughout my degree,” she said.

During her studies, Grace had the opportunity to take on additional experiences, including becoming a student ambassador, and becoming the president of the Blue Gum House Society while she lived on campus.

“Being a student ambassador was the best part of my university experience.

“As someone who grew up in regional NSW, access to information about universities was limited. But in my time in the Student Ambassador Role, I was able to give high school students the information I struggled to find to ensure they made the best choice for them.

“I also built friendships outside of my degree and found a second family in the Student Recruitment Team,” Grace said.

Grace undertook a 3-month summer internship with Mars Foods Australia, as well as another internship during the summer break of her second year of study, beginning her relationship with BE Campbell before she had finished her degree.

“These industry partnerships allowed me to confirm that the food industry is exactly where I wanted to be.

“This period was really a turning point as it gave me an opportunity to explore different roles within the industry and find my passion for quality products and ensuring people get joy out of the food they eat.

“It also gave me a unique skill set of hands-on industry knowledge that made me a more competitive applicant when applying for roles,” she said.

Finishing her degree at the end of 2019 and formally graduating in December 2020, Grace has continued working at meat supplier BE Campbell.

“I initially started as a Quality Assurance Officer before I was promoted to the Regulatory and Compliance Technologist.

“I am currently working as the Acting QA Manager at the Wetherill Park processing site.

“My role is responsible for ensuring quality, regulatory and customer standards are met and that our company is producing the highest quality product possible,” Grace said.

While the meat industry may not sound very glamourous, Grace has never looked back.

“The meat industry is the most diverse and exciting area to work within.

“There is so much growth and development around how we do things and how we can improve the simple task of serving up the best Australian meat on the plate of the nation,” she said.

Grace has also found amazing support from peers and mentors as a young woman in the workforce, and now works to ensure greater gender parity within her industry.

“I am lucky enough to have been supported by some very amazing women who have shown me how rewarding a career in the meat industry can be.

“There is a stigma that the meat industry is for men only, but it is great to see females stepping up and taking on senior roles within the industry.

“I now work within my company to promote the great things that women can do in our industry and ensure that all women are given the utmost support in their growth and development,” Grace said.

For the time being, Grace is very happy with her career progression and success.

“I am truly happy with where I am and I am lucky to work in a business that continually invests in my development and growth and has company values that directly align with my own personal values,” she said.

For those considering taking on a Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Grace’s advice is simple: “Just go for it!”

“Food is such an interesting and constantly developing science and you really can do so much with this degree.

“The opportunities are endless,” Grace said.

Study a Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Newcastle

Grace Motley `

Grace Motley

Now working in quality assurance at one of the largest meat suppliers in the country, Grace began her food science journey at the University of Newcastle.

I am truly happy with where I am, and I am lucky to work in a business that continually invests in my development and growth and has company values that directly align with my own personal values.