Emma Robinson, a participant in Nestlé’s graduate program, emphasizes the creativity inherent in engineering, contrary to common perceptions. She highlights the thrill of conceptualizing and materializing innovative ideas, describing her role in designing specialized equipment for Nestlé’s confectionery factories, focused primarily on chocolate. Nestlé’s Product Technology Centre in York serves as her current workplace, where she contributes to product and process advancements for renowned brands like KitKat.

With a background in chemical engineering, Emma’s enthusiasm for exploring diverse product categories led her to Nestlé’s graduate initiative, which spans various sectors such as engineering, sales, and HR. This two-year program offers participants the opportunity to rotate through different roles within the company to gain a comprehensive understanding of the business. Emma shares her anticipation of transitioning to Nestlé’s Buxton facility to delve into water-related projects, aiming to enhance her engineering skills through exposure to various product lines.

Reflecting on her multifaceted responsibilities, Emma describes the dynamic nature of her routine, which involves activities ranging from conducting trials in the pilot plant to utilizing 3D modeling software for design tasks. She attributes her rapid skill development to the collaborative environment fostered by her colleagues and mentors, underscoring the significance of supportive leadership in her professional growth.

While Emma is focused on completing the program successfully and securing a permanent position at Nestlé, she also devotes time to inspiring young girls to pursue STEM fields, particularly through outreach programs in schools. Beyond the allure of working with chocolate, Emma finds fulfillment in the camaraderie and collective effort within the Nestlé team, highlighting the gratification of witnessing products she has contributed to on store shelves.