Quality       Daniel Moran BSc Industrial Microbiology, University College, Dublin MSc(Ag) Food Science University College, Dublin Product Assurance Manager, Nestlé         My first degree in Industrial Microbiology gave me an excellent grounding in many of the aspects of quality that I have to come to use. A Masters in Food Science gave me a greater understanding of many of the other technical and commercial aspects of the food industry which were not part of my firstdegree. When I started with Nestlé, I joined their Graduate Recruitment Programme. This was an ideal follow-on to my study as I was able to gain experience of the total food industry from Production and Distribution through to Marketing and Sales. It was in production that I found the most relevant use of my education, where it also allowed me to develop management skills. I felt a sense of achievement when I saw the product that I was responsible for manufacturing actually on the shelf in stores. I spent over two years in production, after which I moved into the Quality function where I am now the Product Assurance Manager. My role is not that of a Quality Manager in a factory, rather it is, in broad terms, providing quality and technical expertise to the business - food, beverage, and confectionery - ensuring that product quality is maintained at all times. My background in food science is an essential part of this, as it is imperative that I understand the make-up of the various products so that I can predict how they will perform throughout their life, from the factory to the retail outlet. It is a dynamic role, providing exposure to every aspect of business and has allowed me to continue to develop my technical knowledge. My advice would be that a technical degree should not be viewed as limiting, rather as an excellent platform from which it is possible to move into any aspect of business.