Stepping Away: Isobel

Posted on: 30 August 2025 by Richard Finch in Class of 2024

Isobel Armitage graduated in 2024 with a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science and is now a Food Industry Graduate Trainee at Cranswick Country Foods.

How did you hear about your role and why did you decide to apply for it?

I wanted to apply to graduate programme that didn't require me to relocate from home. I've grown up in a countryside and farming community, and so Cranswick as a business was something I was aware of.

How did you get to where you are now?

I applied to the Cranswick graduate programme when applications opened in October and was invited to interview a few weeks later. Before the interview took place, I was approached by the Head of New Product Development at one of the Cranswick sites about a full-time opportunity within the NPD department. I interviewed for both roles within the same week—first for the graduate programme and then for the NPD position, which also included a site visit. Shortly before Christmas, I was offered the NPD role and began working as a Technologist in the first week of the new year.

This was an exciting opportunity to step into an industry—and specifically a role—that had always interested me, even though my degree was in an unrelated field. I hadn't expected to be able to pursue a career in new product development, so I was incredibly grateful for the chance to get started in this area.

My main motivation for applying to the graduate programme was the breadth of experience it offers. As someone with no prior experience in the food industry, the opportunity to rotate through a variety of departments and discover which role suited me best was particularly appealing.

Over the past nine months I’ve had the chance to learn and grow within the NPD team at Cranswick’s Preston, Hull site. The team has supported me with kindness, patience, and a willingness to share their knowledge, which I deeply appreciate. I feel very fortunate to have been able to immerse myself in the business during this time and will always be grateful to those who made that possible.

I’ll begin the two-year graduate programme at another Cranswick site in Hull from September, and I'm excited to continue developing my skills and exploring new areas of the business.

Your favourite experience as part of your current role?

One of my favourite parts of working in the NPD department is that every day brings new, exciting work and unexpected challenges. Being in a role that allows me to be creative, sociable, and hands-on has made the last nine months fly by. The variety in the day-to-day suits me really well, and I’ve found it both stimulating and rewarding.

A particular highlight has been taking part in food trawls—visiting different restaurants and vendors to sample a wide range of cuisines. These experiences not only fuel creativity but also help generate fresh ideas for new flavours and products, which is certainly an enjoyable aspect of the role.

The most challenging part of your graduate journey?

The most challenging part of my graduate journey came immediately after finishing university. I spent around six months at home, occasionally browsing job platforms, but I found the process of searching and applying for roles overwhelming. With such a wide range of industries and job types available, I felt uncertain about which direction to take—especially as I wasn’t sure if I wanted to pursue something directly related to my degree.

Another factor was my desire to stay close to home, as I’ve always loved the area. While that was important to me personally, I worried it might limit my opportunities professionally. Navigating these uncertainties made it difficult to build momentum, but ultimately, it helped clarify what I valued in a role and led me to where I am now.

What's your #1 piece of advice for future grads?

Take everything one step at a time. The job search process can feel overwhelming, so try focusing on one type of role at a time—such as graduate programmes or entry-level positions—to help make it more manageable.

Don’t limit your search to roles that feel directly related to your degree, especially if you’re unsure about what you want to do. Graduate programmes are a great way to explore different areas of a business and discover what suits you best. Often, the specific subject of your degree is less important than you might think—especially if your curriculum was broad or developed transferable skills.

Graduate+

Graduate+ is just for University of Liverpool finalists and graduates. It's a new way to stay connected, get career support, build the right skills and experiences, and hear about exclusive career opportunities in Liverpool, the UK, and beyond. Let us help you get the job that you deserve! 

Click here to find out more.

Graduate Outcomes Survey

The Graduate Outcomes survey exists to improve the experience of future students. All graduates are asked to share their perspectives 15 months after they finish their course, to build a national picture that UK universities and colleges use to innovate their services. League tables, Prospects and The Complete University Guide use our Graduate Outcomes data to help students make decisions about their future.