How Clara went from a hands-on internship with RIS Fellowships to a broad role at international bakery products group Puratos. With ongoing involvement in the EIT Food Network, even as Mentor for other students and Jury Member for Food Solutions Programme
RIS Fellowships is designed for Master of Science students and graduates. As a participant, you get the chance to apply your academic knowledge during an internship in the food industry.
Clara Lledo Morell, from Spain, tells us about her experience.
Clara, what was your motivation to apply for a RIS Fellowship?
Clara Lledo Morell: 'After studying biotechnology and a Master's degree in Nutrigenomics, I realised that I still had a lot to learn. I was eager to develop my skills and continue learning as a young professional.
However, it is not easy to find such opportunities when you have just graduated and have no work experience yet.
That's why I applied for a paid internship in EIT Food's RIS Fellowship Programme.’
When and where did you start your internship?
‘In the summer of 2021, I moved to Belgium where I landed an internship at Puratos, an international group that provides a range of innovative products and solutions for the bakery, pastry and chocolate sector.
I spent six months in their R&D department working on a project on fats and oils and the improvement of nutritional profiles.’
What happened next, did the internship boost your career?
'Definitely! Actually, I'm still working for Puratos. While I was in Brussels, I got a position at Puratos in Spain, so I returned to my home country.
Since then, I have had various positions within the company. Today I am 'operational excellence lead', which means I am responsible for continuous improvement, helping the factory with quality matters, coordination and organisation.
It’s a very transversal role that requires me to have a broad view of processes and people. All my previous experience comes in useful.’
Are you still in touch with people from EIT Food?
‘Yes, I still have contact with my former colleagues at Puratos in Belgium and also with EIT Food.
In fact, I'm very involved as a mentor in Food Solutions, another EIT Food programme that guides students in tackling real industry challenges and developing sustainable solutions for the food system.
It's a great opportunity for them, but also very interesting for me. I help the students where I can, during online meetings, but I also learn from each group, as they are all very driven and have their own point of view.
As part of the Food Solutions jury, I have the chance to assess the projects in their final pitch.’
How do you look back on your experience? Would you recommend the programme to others?
‘Absolutely! The RIS Fellowship was a unique opportunity to apply my knowledge in real-life situations, develop my professional problem-solving skills and gain valuable experience in the food industry.
Moreover, EIT Food is a gateway to a very strong network with other participants and people from both industry and academia, who all share the same ambition to improve the food system.
These contacts and the exchange of ideas were very enriching. My advice to other participants: don't lose touch with this community after your programme! There are still many challenges, for example in sustainability, that require innovation. Therefore, we need to work together to develop new solutions.’
“The RIS Fellowship was a unique opportunity to apply my knowledge in real-life situations, develop my professional problem-solving skills and gain valuable experience in the food industry.Moreover, EIT Food is a gateway to a very strong network with other participants and people from both industry and academia, who all share the same ambition to improve the food system. ”