«I’m from Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. I studied at the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, where I earned my degree as Engineer in Food Industry.
One month before finishing my undergraduate studies, I received a scholarship offer from Universidad Panamericana, Campus Aguascalientes, to pursue a Master's degree in Food Development and Innovation, where I graduated with academic excellence». Speaking is Yunuén Almaguer Almaguer who is attending the Master in in Innovation in Food Science and Technology – Michele Ferrero.
What was the main reason you chose the Master Ferrero Programme?
The main reason I chose the Master Ferrero Program is its strong international approach, this helps me experience different cultures and see the food industry from a wider perspective. I think that experiencing different ways of thinking and working is important to grow both personally and professionally because it helps you be more flexible, creative, and have a greater perspective on the world.
Additionally the opportunity to do an internship at Ferrero, a prestigious international company is truly beneficial and exceptional. Being able to apply my knowledge in a real world setting while learning from industry experts will give me experience that is difficult to find elsewhere.
Besides that, the academic structure of the program aligns perfectly with my interests as it combines two of my main passions that are product development and nutrition. This unique combination allows me to dive deeper in both fields while preparing me for a flexible career in the food industry.
As you know, the approach involves teamwork, multitasking, and meeting tight deadlines. What do you think about these aspects? Which ones do you believe will be valuable for your professional career?
I believe that teamwork, multitasking, and meeting tight deadlines are essential skills that have helped me throughout my academic and professional journey. Balancing my studies with other responsibilities, such as working while completing my degree and managing various projects at the same time, has taught me how to manage my time efficiently, adapt quickly, and stay focused under pressure. These experiences have strengthened my ability to collaborate, prioritize tasks, and find solutions even in demanding situations. I am confident that these skills will be very important in my professional career, as they will allow me to work effectively in dynamic environments, contribute to innovative projects, and handle challenges with resilience and determination.
The Master Programme includes a close connection between university studies and company experience. What is your opinion of this?
This is a great opportunity that is not easy to find. During my undergraduate studies, I had the chance to be involved in the development process of a product for HEB, a regional supermarket chain, as part of my final project. This product is now on the market in Mexico and USA, and the experience gave me valuable insight into product development. However, the connection between university studies and company experience in this Master’s Program feels even stronger, as it provides amazing mentorship and deeper involvement in how things work within a company. This level of guidance and integration offers a unique learning experience that is hard to find nowadays.
Besides your studies, is there any other significant experience that has helped to shape your professional path and future expectations?
Besides my studies, several experiences have significantly shaped my professional path and future expectations.
One of the most important has been my journey as a high-performance athlete during my undergraduate studies while balancing my academic responsibilities. This experience helped me develop strong time management skills, the ability to carefully prioritize tasks, and a deep sense of teamwork.
Additionally, during my previous master's degree, I had the incredible opportunity to receive full university support to develop my final product. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of patents and the legal framework involved in patenting a product. Learning about intellectual property and innovation from a practical perspective was invaluable and has increased my interest in research and development.
Beyond that, I have worked in different areas, from teaching in schools to giving multi-level English classes. These opportunities have strengthened my communication skills, adaptability, and ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and structured way, valuable skills in any professional setting.
Lastly, constantly moving to different cities has made me highly adaptable, allowing me to face unexpected challenges with flexibility, interact with new people, and learn how to start over from scratch, something that is never easy. Now, I am facing an even greater challenge that is adapting to a new country, a different language, and even making my second language my primary one. This experience is undoubtedly shaping my character and resilience in ways that will benefit me in my professional career.
All these experiences have helped me develop a strong flexible skill set that will be important in my future career which will help me handle challenges, think critically, and make a real impact in my field.
Is there an agrifood topic, perhaps among those you are studying, that you find particularly interesting, and why?
I find food development focused on nutrition particularly interesting. I have always had a passion for nutrition, as it has fascinated me since my undergraduate studies, where I took courses in nutrition and nutrigenomics. Understanding how certain ingredients can positively impact a person’s health is something that truly interests me. I believe that developing foods with a strong nutritional focus is very important because it not only improves the quality of products but also has a direct and positive impact on consumers wellbeing. The idea of creating foods that can support health, prevent diseases, and contribute to a better quality of life motivates me to explore this field more.
What do you think your professional opportunities will be after completing the Master’s Programme?
After completing the Master’s Program I see myself working in a company in the field of development and innovation. This program will help me build strong skills that will make me an ideal candidate for this area. The opportunities will truly be limitless, as studying different fields opens new paths and perspectives. Even if it’s not directly in R&D, it prepares me to take on challenges that involve various areas. I am excited about the future and the endless possibilities that this journey will open for me.
What is your opinion of Cremona? Specifically, do you think Cremona supports your student life activities?
Cremona is a peaceful and quiet town where life starts early and slows down in the evening. It’s small enough to walk across in just 30 minutes, making it easy to explore and get to know. The atmosphere is very calm and silent, perfect for a quiet place to focus. The weather is usually cool, cloudy, and sometimes rainy, giving the town a cozy and relaxing feel. It’s the ideal place with no distractions where you can concentrate on your studies while enjoying a historic town.
Finally, what can you tell us about the Santa Monica campus?
The campus may be small, but it is really charming. From what I’ve seen, the laboratories are very well equipped for food analysis and research. It has everything we need for the program, giving us the perfect environment to develop our skills and knowledge as students.