Gisela Pottlacher BSc
Gisela Pottlacher’s job requires her to be diligent and flexible and to have a love of cheese!
Key data
Job description: Quality management & marketing
Company: Weizer Schafbauern reg.Gen.m.b.H
I work in: Weiz, Austria
I’ve worked here since: September 2015
My contact
Me on the Web: Weizer Schafbauern
What I do:
I am responsible for quality management, which involves carrying out routine controls, taking samples, improving processes and conducting audits. On the other hand, I am also responsible for marketing and over the last few months have implemented projects such as an online shop, gourmet vouchers and various advertising events.
Why I love my job:
It is diverse, varied and nourishing :)
Important skills in my job:
- Conscientiousness
- Flexibility
- A love of cheese
My biggest accomplishment so far:
During the first month, I carried out my first routine control for the company and then analysed the results. During the second month, I ran my first hygiene training session and for the first time was able to use the knowledge I had gained as part of the Hygiene Manager certificate. The feedback from colleagues also confirmed to me that I had made the right choice after finishing my studies.
How I found my current job:
During the course of my studies, I had the chance to conduct a five-hour lecture with a course colleague as part of the ‘Food Science’ course. We chose to focus on the topic of ‘Dairy and dairy products’. We went in search of a company which could offer us insight into its work processes and would be interested in giving a guest talk. At Weizer Schafbauern, we were able to take some photos as well as help with the cheese production. Managing Director Josef Fuchs also agreed to give a guest talk. This lecture laid the foundations for an internship. I also went on to complete my Bachelor’s thesis in cooperation with Weizer Schafbauern before starting work here in September 2015.
What I learned for this job during my studies:
- Comprehensive expertise and how to apply this correctly
- Flexibility and teamwork
- Hygiene Manager certificate
- Various internships (goat farm, Chamber of Agriculture, Weizer Schafbauern)
Job prospects in my field:
Since a great deal of milk is processed in Austria and there are lots of small dairies in western Austria in particular, there are good job prospects in the dairy industry.
I am:
- Flexible
- Attentive
- Conscientious
About my job:
It is important for me to enjoy my work and look forward to going to work each day. This is made possible thanks to the pleasant working atmosphere, friendly colleagues at the company and wide range of tasks involved. I think it is important in a food producing company in particular to be able to identify with the products and be open to new products and innovations. I find products like cheese particularly fascinating because so much effort goes into developing the right delicious flavour. The next big step at Weizer Schafbauern will see the construction of a show cheese dairy in 2016-2017.
I would recommend that newcomers to the job market only apply to companies they are really interested in because only then can you be passionate about your job.