Ekaterina Chekanova, a graduate of the Food from Plant-Based Materials programme of South Ural State University completed her studies in 2019. Ekaterina told us why she decided to connect her life with biotechnologies, what the educational process was like, and how she is building her career today.
– Why did you choose the Department of Food and Biotechnology?
– After graduating from school I could not actually decide on what I really needed and where I would like to study. My sister advised me to enrol at this department, since she completed her studies at the same department but in a different programme. And I’m happy with my choice.
– What was the educational process like?
– It was interesting. Of course, at the very beginning, there were many general subjects, such as Mathematics, the Russian Language, Physics, but I wanted more subjects in my speciality. One of the big advantages was that we mastered new technologies and recipes right in the classroom. It was always very interesting and tasty in the lab!
– What was the most memorable moment of your studies?
– I remember the laboratory classes during the last semesters, when we had a chance to cook various confectionery products. We also took master classes on how to make cakes and bakery products. I cannot forget how we were preparing for tests and exams, when our whole group became one big team, and everyone was interested to pass the tests.
– What do you do, and what are your professional responsibilities?
– Currently, I am working as an engineering technologist at the OOO "Mary" enterprise. My primary duties include working with documentation, namely with the preparation of technical specifications and technological instructions for products. I collaborate with third-party organisations that provide declaring services, as well as organize microbiological and physico-chemical research services and extend the certification of products.
– How did you get a job at the current workplace?
– My academic advisor from SUSU said that an engineering technologist was needed there and could be employed without working experience. Even not having received the diploma at that time, I already went to pass the interview with the chief technologist. I was asked to take an internship, try to work and understand, whether I liked this type of activity or not. I planned to continue my studies at the Master’s degree programme, that’s why the schedule and the type of work suited me perfectly in that period of time. Thus, after graduation, I was officially employed.
– What are the career prospects in your speciality?
– Every graduate has an opportunity to work as a technologist both with technical documentation and with products directly in the workshop. In both cases, there are prospects for career growth to the position of a chief technologist, production manager, as well as the head of the quality service - it all depends on the size of the enterprise.
– How would you describe your professional activity?
– Big responsibility for everything you are doing. Opportunity to work in a big team. Interesting work, where one can learn a lot of new and useful every day!