Tahira Shiraz-Longden
Where is your home country?
Australia
Where do you live now?
Singapore
What languages do you speak?
English, Burmese
What was the name of your course?
Bachelor of Applied Science Food Technology, Graduate Diploma in Marketing
When did you graduate?
1987 (Western Sydney University) and 1993 (University of Technology Sydney)
What was the name of your education institution?
Western Sydney University (Bachelor of Applied Science, Food and Technology), University of Technology Sydney (Graduate Diploma in Marketing)
The food science degree from WSU provided me with a strong understanding of food processing conditions, equipment and manufacturing techniques, which are still useful in my work today when dealing with Operations and Technical teams from around the world.
Student life
Why did you choose to study in this field?
I'm a foodie who wanted to work in the food industry hence the science background to gain a deeper understanding about food science, followed by a marketing qualification to access various commercial roles.
What was the highlight of your experience living in NSW?
The Western Sydney University (WSU) Food Science campus was located in Richmond, surrounded by farms and nature. A long driveway leading into the campus gate was a real treat - where you can see farm animals on both side of the driveway as you enter the peaceful campus. Also some of our classes were conducted in the dairy sheds!
What opportunities has studying in NSW given to you?
The food science degree from WSU was 50% theory and 50% hands on practice in a small pilot plant facility. This 50% hands on pilot plant work has provided me with a strong understanding of food processing conditions, equipment and manufacturing techniques (canning, dairy, freezing, fermentation, etc) - which are still useful in my work today when dealing with Operations and Technical teams from around the world.
Did you work or undertake projects with employers or industry groups during your studies? If yes, how did this experience benefit your career?
The most useful assignments were working on the university site with a college professor on various projects including ultrafiltration of dairy whey, bee keeping and many others. I was extremely incompetent at the start but the hands on experience taught me a lot about basic laboratory skills; how to set up a basic lab, designing product tests and writing procedures. Later in my career, when I was put in charge of the R&D lab at a juice factory, I was fully equipment to handle the task.
Career goals and advice
What are you doing now in your career?
I'm head of food for Nestle Professional (B2B business) in Asia, Oceania and Africa regions. I'm responsible for the growth and profitability of the B2B food business in all the markets.
Why did you decide to follow your chosen career path?
I joined Nestle as a brand manager in a marketing role. During 28 years with Nestle, I've worked in various sales and marketing roles in Australia and in Oceania. I was fortunate enough to be given opportunities to live and lead global category teams in Switzerland and today I'm based in Singapore. I chose to be in the B2B business rather than working in the main retail business of Nestle because I love the culture, passion, energy and ethos of the hospitality industry.
Can you share any career advice for current students or graduates?
I loved my uni life, connecting with like-minded individuals who shared common interests. Enjoy the carefree time connecting, learning and collaborating. Short but truly memorable times.