Kathryn McMullan reflects on placement year with Finegan Food Consultancy

Date published: 14 August 2026

Completing her placement year has provided an invaluable opportunity to develop professionally while gaining first-hand experience across the food industry. As Kathryn prepares to return for her final year at CAFRE, she describes her placement year as both challenging and rewarding.

Kathryn joined Finegan Food Consultancy as a Technical Consultant.  Finegan Food Consultancy support food businesses with food safety, quality management, accreditation and compliance requirements. The business works with companies across the food supply chain, including bakeries, dairy processors, abattoirs, packaging manufacturers, warehousing and distribution companies. 

“My role as a consultant has been to provide companies with knowledge and support with accreditation standards and to develop solutions for food safety and quality issues,” explained Kathryn. “It is my responsibility to provide accurate information, support and solutions in a timely manner.”

Throughout the year, Kathryn has worked across sectors including storage and distribution, bakery production, dairy processing, packaging and printing operations, and meat processing facilities. Her responsibilities have included developing quality management systems, conducting internal audits, supporting external audits, completing traceability exercises, managing product recalls and reviewing HACCP plans.

“I have created and built quality management systems for several different certification bodies including Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards (BRCGS). These are important to show the company’s compliance with industry standards for manufacturing food and drinks. Working across so many different food businesses has allowed me to gain a broad understanding of the industry. I’ve worked with a range of different products from milk to crispy onions!”

Kathryn has also been heavily involved in supporting major retailer audit projects and accreditation successes. Among her proudest achievements was helping a storage and distribution company achieve a BRCGS AA grade after developing their quality management system. 

Kathryn believes the knowledge and practical skills developed at CAFRE have played an important role in her success during placement and credits the practical learning opportunities at Loughry Campus for preparing her to work confidently with food manufacturers.

“My prior knowledge and skills in microbiological analysis and the identification of pathogens came in very useful. This knowledge has helped me investigate microbiological results and understand what they indicate. The hands-on experience in the campus manufacturing facilities, gave me an understanding how different processes and equipment work. That foundation has allowed me to build on my knowledge and implement standards and records around those processes.”

Looking ahead, Kathryn is confident that the experience will benefit her both academically and professionally.

“This placement has confirmed that this is an industry I want to work in. I am excited to continue my role during my final year and after I graduate. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Finegan Food Consultancy team. The experience has been invaluable, and I am excited to see where my future in the industry will take me.”

Northern Ireland's food and drink industry generates approximately £7.3 billion in economic value, supports almost 109,000 jobs, and accounts for over one-third of all manufacturing sales in Northern Ireland. Despite Northern Ireland having less than 3% of the population of the UK, we produce more than 10% of the UK’s food output. 

Kathryn’s journey highlights the importance of completing work placements in companies, in shaping future food professionals and showcases how passion, practical learning and opportunity can combine to deliver tangible success. If you or someone you know thrives in a team environment, seeks a non-desk-bound career, enjoys practical problem-solving, values travel opportunities, and desires a challenging, yet rewarding career with promising job prospects, consider studying at Loughry Campus.

With a growing need for skilled and qualified professionals to drive innovation and promote sustainability CAFRE offer several food degree options. These include a BSc (Hons) Degree in Food Innovation Management with pathways in Technology and Nutrition, and a BSc (Hons) Degree in Sustainable Agri-Food Management. Applications for September 2026 are still open to find out more, visit the CAFRE website.