Gen: Passion – Lizzie’s Story

I’ve always been fascinated by science, and for a long time, I thought I’d become a vet. But as I explored my options as I approached the end of my school career, I found a passion for food science and nutrition. It was at a university open day that I first learned about the field, and I was immediately captivated. The idea of combining my love for science with food - learning about how foods are made, the science behind the success of a recipe, and the intricate details of nutrition - just felt right.

My journey into the food industry was a natural progression from my studies, and the M&S Food Business Programme was the perfect next step. The innovation at M&S is unmatched, and the opportunity to be part of such a motivated team was too good to pass up.

Growing up, M&S Food was a treat in my family, and as I got older, I began to truly appreciate the quality and innovation behind those products. During my time at university, I was eager to gain hands on, industry experience. I was fortunate enough to join M&S as part of the Industrial Placement that included six months at the London support centre and six months working directly with a supplier. I learned so much from that year and I knew I wanted to come back to M&S on the Graduate scheme once I’d finished my studies.

A typical day on the Food Business Programme is so varied and gives you exposure to all sorts of projects. One minute, I could be discussing a project with someone from the wines team, and the next, I might be trialling sandwich ingredients.

As part of the programme, I’m encouraged to soak up and learn as much as possible. I’m given the freedom to guide my own learning and be curious about all aspects of the business. From structured personal development workshops to shadowing colleagues from across the Food team or our suppliers, I’m learning new things every day.

There are a few key skills that I think are essential for success on this programme. First, being adaptable is crucial because the food industry is fast-paced and ever-changing. Communication is also key, especially when working with suppliers and managing relationships. But most importantly, being curious is vital. Working in the food industry is demanding but if you love what you do, eat sleep and breathe food and want to learn more, this programme is for you.

One of the things I love most about working at M&S is the culture. It’s fast-paced, and everyone is passionate about what they do. That energy is contagious, and it motivates me to constantly push myself, drive projects forward and take on new challenges.

One of my proudest moments so far has been leading a sugar reduction project in chocolate. It was a complex initiative with significant investment, and seeing the final products rolled out across 100 products was incredibly rewarding. It was a unique opportunity to prove myself and make a real impact on the business.

The M&S Food Business Programme has given me a deep understanding of how a large company like M&S operates. From personal development workshops to deep dives into specific categories and exposure to different functions, the learning opportunities are endless. M&S is committed to investing in its graduates, and I’ve been encouraged to explore my interests, whether that’s becoming a specialist in dairy or diving into the world of chocolate.

Learn more about our Early Careers programmes here.