My six-month internship at Roquette has been such a meaningful experience. It gave me the chance to apply what I learnt in the classroom to real-world projects, while also discovering how much fun working in a lab can be.

As an Intern Scientist in the Food Customer Technical Service (CTS) team, I was entrusted with a variety of projects – from sauces, baked snacks to chewable candies and jellies. Through this, I developed practical skills in analytical, formulation, and data interpretation.

Beyond technical skills, the internship fostered my professional growth by strengthening problem-solving, critical thinking, and project planning abilities. I learnt how theoretical concepts in food chemistry and ingredient functionality translate directly to real-world product innovation.

I am grateful to be under the guidance of my supervisor, Ernest Oo. He patiently walked me through the technical side of ingredients and formulations, showing me how small changes can affect texture, stability, and sweetness. Additionally, I was able to acquire hands-on experience in the lab, such as preparing starch moulds for gummies and handling candy mass. This made the science behind confectionery feel tangible and exciting.

While my main focus was on confectionery, I was also given opportunities to explore beyond this area. I supported savoury projects and observed how the same functional ingredients behave across different food systems. This broadened my understanding of ingredient applications and gave me a more holistic view of the food industry.

Another part of the internship I really enjoyed was the exploratory project, where I conducted trials and presented my key findings to the team. It was challenging at first, but planning experiments, collecting analytical data, and communicating my results helped me build confidence in applying what I had learnt. More importantly, it became a valuable platform for team learning, where ideas were shared openly and feedback from the team helped guide reformulation decisions.

Beyond the technical experience, what truly made this internship special were the people. I had the privilege of working alongside other interns. We supported one another through challenges, shared plenty of laughs, and celebrated even the smallest wins together. Their warmth and companionship made each day more enjoyable, and before long, we felt less like colleagues and more like friends.

The wider CTS team, comprising scientists across savoury, dairy, and bakery applications, was equally welcoming. Everyone generously shared their expertise and knowledge, creating a collaborative and encouraging environment. Celebrating birthdays, company dinners, and small milestones with the team made this internship truly memorable.

Looking back, this experience was more than just a learning opportunity; it was a meaningful journey. I gained valuable technical knowledge, grew more confident in my problem-solving skills, and discovered how much I enjoy being part of a passionate and collaborative team.

I am deeply grateful for the lessons, laughter, and friendships I gained at Roquette. I look forward to carrying these experiences with me as I continue my journey in Food Science and related industries.