Alumni Spotlights
Kathy Sargent
Current Title: VP Baking Technology and Commercialization
Organization: Bimbo Bakeries USA
Major: B.S. Bakery Science and Management/ Cereal Chemistry '04, M.S. Food Science '06
Why did you chose your current role at this company?
My current role in Baking Technology and Commercialization allows me to bridge many aspects of the business and impact the success of new products. I sit in the Operations team, but work closely with our business and marketing partners on feasibility of new products and strategy, I get to stay closely connected with technology and the new developments with R&D, and ultimately, my team is responsible for scaling up technology and products to scale in operations. This role brings transforming ideas to life and allows me to stay connected with many working teams.
What is one thing you learned from your time in the department (at K-State) that you use in your job?
A key learning for me when I was at KSU was to think beyond how we work today and be innovative for new opportunities for the future. I was taught to learn from the past and dig into the data, but be open minded and creative. This holds true today for new ingredients, process and manufacturing changes, and how we work effectively as a team.
What would you say to student who want a job in this field?
Go for it! The food and baking industries are ever evolving. Consumers will always be looking for excitement and function for their foods, and the manufacturing environment will continue to evolve. The food industry allows for creativity, problem solving every day, and a close connection to consumers. Most of all, it is a very close industry full of talented professionals you can call friends!