Bastian Hörmann studied Food Science and Biotechnology at the University of Hohenheim and then completed a Master’s in Food Science and Food Technology. Today, he works in Product Management with the food producer ADM Wild.
His Tips
During the last years of school, figure out the direction for what you might want to study.
Take time to get oriented after graduating from high school.
Don't be afraid to reach out to students - social media makes it easy.
Integrate internships into your studies.
Keep an eye on the job market while studying and read job postings. That way you can see where you fit and continue to work toward that goal.
Food Science and Food Technology M.Sc. (today: Food Science and Engineering M.Sc.)
Job
What are typical activities for you in your job?
I am responsible for food innovations, mostly ice cream, baked goods, and sweets. To get new ideas for products and to adapt our products better to our clients’ needs, I talk to Sales and Product Development every day. I also always have an eye on the market: What’s new? Are there new trends, e.g. in sugar reduction? And then I develop strategies to put the right products on the market and offer our clients innovative solutions for their brands.
When did you decide on your career?
I already had a preference at the end of my Bachelor’s degree. I had attended lectures in marketing and business administration. I thought the content of the market courses was really interesting, and I quickly realized: that’s what I want to do - combine technological knowledge with the market conditions.
Studies
Why the University of Hohenheim? Why Food Science and Biotechnology?
In the final years of secondary school, we had mandatory career advising: There, I asked whether there wasn’t a degree program that combined natural sciences, especially biology, business administration, and the industrial sector. It was suggested that I look at Agricultural Sciences at the University of Hohenheim. When I got more information about the programs, I was told about Food Science and Biotechnology. I really liked the close links between theory and practical application.
What were your studies like?
In my Bachelor’s program, I concentrated on raw goods and food. That covered everything from cereal technology to brewing. My whole program included this broad variety of topics.
“My whole program included a broad variety of topics.”
What about experiences outside of the classroom?
During my Bachelor’s and Master’s, I did professional internships in the food industry and made use of the University’s F.I.T. continuing education courses. For example, I took a course on writing applications and a sensors course especially for food science. When I knew that I would also do my Master’s degree in Hohenheim, I started as a study coach and helped students in the Faculty of Natural Sciences with their day-to-day questions like how to plan an internship. I was also able to get involved in the student residence hall self-administration and worked together with other students to start a group to network after our studies.
What surprises and challenges were there during your studies?
The exams were challenging at the beginning - at first it felt like each one included as much information as an Abitur exam. You have to quickly learn to organize yourself. I was positively surprised by the familiar atmosphere at the University. At the start of your studies, you think you’re just going to be one student among many, but that wasn’t at all the case in Hohenheim.
“At the start of your studies you think that you’re just going to be one person among many, but that wasn’t the case in Hohenheim.”
What competences from your studies are important in your job today?
Working on interdisciplinary topics. I can quickly get into new topics and go in-depth enough that I understand the processes behind them. Especially in product management, where you work as a go-between to a lot of different areas, this basic skill helps me a lot.
“Especially the work on interdisciplinary topics is still very important for me today.”
