Sharon Dias

Name: Sharon Dias

Age: 26
Born: India
Lived in Scotland: since 2003

Sharon Dias is a new Product Development Technologist at Spicemanns Ltd in Glasgow. Sharon came to Scotland to study for an MSc in Food Science & Microbiology. She chose the country and the course for a number of reasons, as she explains:

“My initial reason to come to Scotland was the course that I did at university. The programmes and course content were interesting and I felt it would be a good boost to my career in the food industry.”

As with many people who come to Scotland for academic reasons, Sharon had a great time as a student and found that when it came time to graduate she had some big choices to make about whether to return home or look into the possibility of staying in the country she was enjoying living in. The Fresh Talent scheme meant that if she chose to, she could apply to stay in the UK after graduation and find employment.

Her decision to stay was helped in part by her experiences with the people she had met so far.

Sharon says: “I really liked the place and found the people very friendly and helpful, hence I decided to work here as well.”

With an MSc in Food Science and Microbiology, Sharon was able to find a suitable position that put her qualifications to good use and meant that she was able to gain valuable experience that would stand her in good stead for the future.

Sharon took a position at Spicemanns Ltd, a company that develops and supplies herb and spice products to the food industry, based in Glasgow for over fifty years. Her job in their product development laboratory is ideally suited to someone with her qualifications and food knowledge.

Sharon comments, “My job has been quite satisfying so far. I moved to Scotland for better career opportunities and enjoy living here.”

When it comes to her free time, Sharon likes to get out and enjoy what the country has to offer, and values the culture that encourages people to make the most of their weekends and spend them doing the things that they enjoy.

“I like the fact that life here is a bit more slow paced where you have time for leisure activities,” explains Sharon.

“There are lots of things I like about Scotland. Primarily the beauty of the region and the friendliness and warmth of the people. I love the Highlands and different islands around Scotland and the way that the local communities try and preserve their unique way of life. The beauty and charm of the place is what makes it even more special.”

Inevitably, there are things that Sharon misses about her home back in India, but she is glad to have experienced a different country and one that has been so welcoming to her.

Sharon says: “Life in Scotland has been good and I have enjoyed being here. I miss my family in India and the food, but on the whole living here has been a great experience and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it.

Related links

• Spicemanns Ltd: www.spicemannsltd.co.uk
• University of Strathclyde: www.strath.ac.uk