An Abertay University graduate has landed a dream role — as an ice cream taster for Mackies.
Lauren Stuart was offered the “sweet” role as a technical and quality technician after completing an internship with the company as part of her studies.
She overcame dyslexia and dyscalculia, which had remained undiagnosed until her second year at university, to earn her degree in food and consumer science.
She said: “When you go out on placement, you get to use the knowledge you’ve learned in class and see which areas are more important for the particular role you’re carrying out.
“My placement tutor, Kathryn Carnie-Lyall, was the biggest help and support, and because Abertay is relatively small we’re able to tailor our placements to almost exactly what we want.
“The placement allowed me to learn about two main areas of the food industry that I was extremely interested in but couldn’t decide between- quality and technical.
“I was allowed to create a hazard analysis and critical control points plan for Mackie’s new chocolate factory, which was an amazing experience.
“I carried out environmental sampling as well as reviewing labelling to ensure it complies with regulations. I also got to eat lots of ice cream – who can complain about that?”
