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Katrina Cariño

About Katrina

  • Field of study: Food Science and Technology        

  • Hometown: Dagupan City, Philippines

  • Fun fact: I can last in a hula hoop challenge for 20 minutes

Why did you choose to pursue a CALS MPS degree?

I’ve always wanted to work for the food industry. Food gives me joy and excitement. Going in to Cornell made it better since it has one of the best food science programs in the world.

What are your post-MPS plans?

I’m currently working for Cargill. It’s been such a pleasure working for a company that thrives to give the world a sustainable future.

What words would you use to describe the CALS MPS degree program?

CALS MPS program helps you to develop a passion for excellence. At Cornell, we are here to be the better version of ourselves and to be the better version for us to serve other people.

What have been some of your most rewarding moments while in your program?

One of the most rewarding moments for me would be joining a global product development competition and making it to the finals. All our hard work paid off.

What courses stand out as most helpful for your specific career goals? 

Project management and Concepts of Product Development would be the most helpful. Project management is a skill that everyone must have. Regardless of industry, once you know how to handle a project and communicate effectively with your team.

How has your MPS experience changed you, both personally and professionally?

It made me more open-minded and assertive. All the experiences and the encounters I’ve had with people from different backgrounds and races really honed me as a person. I’ve become a better person because of them.

How has participating in the program helped you achieve your career goals?

It has helped me tremendously. The food science department gave us all the resources that we need to grow. I was surrounded by the best people I can imagine. They pushed me to become the better version of myself.

In addition to helping you meet your career goals, what other goals has the MPS degree program helped you with?

It helped me with my personal goals. The program made me more proactive and organized. To add, doing research and participating in different competitions made me more skilled as a leader.

You’ve taken course across Cornell. Why was it important to you to take courses both in and out of your graduate field? 

Taking business classes from the Johnson School gave me a different lens to understand things. It made me understand how things work in a cross-functional way in the food industry. Knowing the technical side of food science is great but learning the soft skills would take us to places. We must remember that we always have the opportunity to grow and we must not stop we’re we are comfortable at. Always strive for the better.

You’ve established a strong network of friends among your fellow students at Cornell. How important is your network to you?

Very important. As cheesy as it may sound but they will always have a special place in my heart. They were my home away from home. They’ve helped me become a better person and I will eternally be grateful.

As an international student hailing from the Philippines, what advice would you give an international student considering the program?

A lot of people will be there to guide you. Don’t hesitate and jump into this wonderful opportunity. It’s a great investment for your future.

What are you most excited about as you embark on your career?

I’m most excited about the different projects that we are looking at and I can’t wait to contribute to a better food industry in the Philippines.