Navigating Career Transitions: Staying Competitive, Connected and Future-Ready
Changing direction, returning to work, or just ready for what's next — AIFST Queensland's Careers Night brings market insights from Osborne Richardson, an expert panel including experienced food industry professionals and the recruiters' view from Evolve Scientific, and a full hour to network with people who get it.
What's on the agenda?
Understanding Your Market Value Natasha from Osborne Richardson on the current job market, salary benchmarking, negotiation, and positioning your experience to land.
Mid-Career Recalibration — Live Panel: Real talk from people who've done it and people who advise on it — a return-to-work story, 20+ years of industry perspective, a recruiter's view from Evolve Scientific, and a coach's take on rebuilding confidence and making the leap.
Future-Proofing Your Career: Personal branding, LinkedIn, AI tools, and why CPD matters more than ever.
Light Refreshments & Networking — 1 Full Hour . Where the conversations may lead to your next career move.
Meet the speakers:
Natasha Donaghy, Osborne Richardson, will provide a candid view of the current food industry employment market, with practical advice on salary benchmarking, negotiation, positioning your experience and presenting confidently in interviews.
Claire Smallman, an experienced product development professional who has worked across the Australian and UK food manufacturing industries, will explore how navigating a career pivot has changed over the past 10–15 years.
Ilona Manea, Recruitment Manager – Queensland at Evolve Scientific, will share a recruiter’s perspective on career transitions, returning to the workforce, transferable skills and the opportunities shaping the food industry.
Emily Ang, The Wellbeing Food Co., is an experienced food technologist with more than 10 years’ experience across product development, project management, manufacturing and quality assurance. Passionate about creating food for both enjoyment and lifelong nutrition, Emily will share her experience of navigating career transitions within the food industry.
Emma Kent, AIFST Queensland Branch Chair and Principal of Emma Kent Consulting, will highlight how continuing professional development can help you remain competitive, connected and ready for future opportunities.
Lata Masih, Integrity Compliance Solutions, will join the live panel discussion and share her insights from a consultant/mentor/coach perspective.
Following the presentations, our speakers will come together for a panel discussion and audience Q&A, before a full hour of networking with fellow food industry professionals.
Whether you’re planning your next move, returning after a career break or simply want to future-proof your career, this is a conversation worth joining.
