Name: Melissa Masdea

Job title: Food Scientist – Specifications

Company: Kraft Heinz Company

IFT Division(s) to which you belong: Product Development Division

How did you go about finding your current job? While I was in college, I had an internship with Heinz working in R&D. After I graduated, I was offered a position with the company. I jumped at the opportunity! I worked on the bench for 8 years in R&D before moving to my current role on the Business Process team due to organizational changes.

What is your favorite perk and worst pitfall of your current job?            
My favorite part about my current job is the interaction I have with cross functional teams and different business units. I sit in an open office environment so there are a lot of face to face conversations. I get to meet new people and really develop close relationships with those I work with. While I enjoy my current role, I dislike having to rely on technology to do it. I work within one system all day so if there are glitches, it disrupts my productivity.

 What is your “Dream Job”? My dream job is to do what I’m currently doing but to do it while sitting on a beach somewhere! I would also like to have a team someday so I can provide guidance and help those under me excel in their careers.

What is a change you would like to see in your industry? I would like the average consumer to have a better understanding of the food science industry and all of the positives we impart on the world. There are negative connotations associated with what we do and in my opinion it stems from a lack of knowledge.

How did you make your first dollar?  Babysitting.

Why did you join an IFT Division?  I’m involved with the Pittsburgh Section of IFT however, we’re going through a transition period so there’s not much activity. Someone I work with suggested the Product Development Division, so I joined as a way to further my participation in IFT.

Click here to join the Product Development Division for free!

What is the best career advice you have gotten? The best advice I’ve received is 1.) Ask for feedback. Having a meeting with your manager about yourself may be difficult but it’s necessary in order to grow professionally and personally. 2.) To become comfortable doing something, you may have to put yourself in an uncomfortable situation!

Last but not least, what is your favorite food? I’m a HUGE fan of anything dairy – milk, cheese, ice cream, etc!

Reach Melissa at Melissa.Masdea@KraftHeinzCompany.com