A Day in the Life as a Food Quality Intern in the Netherlands
By Devi Muralee Krishna
A Day in My Life as a Food Safety & Quality Intern in the Netherlands ☕🚲
Hi, I’m Devi, a Master’s student in Food Quality Management at Wageningen University, currently working as a Food Safety and Quality Intern at a big coffee company in the Netherlands.
Before you start reading, I have a little surprise waiting for you at the end of this blog, a quick guide to making the perfect cup of coffee. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Cycling My Way into the Day
My day begins the Dutch way, on a bicycle. No matter the weather (okay… maybe almost no matter), I cycle all the way to my workplace. There’s something incredibly calming about gliding past canals, waving at fellow cyclists, and breathing in that crisp morning air. It’s not just a commute; it’s a ritual that wakes me up better than any alarm ever could.
Coffee First (and Latte Art Experiments!)
The moment I reach the office, it’s straight to the coffee machine. Working in a coffee company has its perks, and I take them very seriously.
“Working on my latte art… still waiting for my heart shapes to not look like abstract art!”
Some days it’s a success, some days… let’s just say it’s a “creative interpretation.” But either way, the day officially begins with that first sip of coffee.
Did You Know?
“There are more than 60 different varieties of coffee, but Arabica and Robusta dominate the global market. Arabica is more aromatic and lower in caffeine. Robusta is stronger, more bitter, and has a higher caffeine content.”
Morning Meetings & Food Safety Check
Once caffeinated, it’s time for morning meetings. As a Food Safety and Quality intern, my role involves checking whether all safety parameters from the previous week were followed.
We go through reports, analyse deviations (if any), and ensure everything meets strict food safety standards. It might sound technical, but it’s incredibly fulfilling — knowing that our work directly impacts the quality and safety of products people consume every day.
Fruit Break: A Dutch Workplace Tradition
Mid-morning calls for a healthy break. One thing I love about working in the Netherlands? Free fruits at the office! 🍌🍏
It’s such a simple yet thoughtful concept, “a fruitful day begins with fruit.” I usually grab an apple or a banana, chat with colleagues, and recharge for the next tasks.
Planning & Preparing for a Factory Visit
The next chunk of my day involves planning my upcoming factory visit to Germany. From designing the itinerary to aligning schedules and objectives, it’s a mix of logistics and quality assurance planning.
It’s exciting because these visits give me a real-world understanding of how large-scale food production meets stringent safety standards.
Lunch with Friends
Lunch is never boring here. The company restaurant offers a wide variety of food — from salads to warm meals ,so picking what to eat is the hardest decision of the day.
I usually sit with my friends, and we talk about everything from work to weekend plans. It’s the perfect break that resets the day.
Post-Lunch Walk by the River
After lunch, I like to take a long walk by the river (especially when the weather is beautiful, which thankfully it often is lately).
This is one of my favourite parts of the day , a little moment of calm in between work. The sound of water, the greenery, and the fresh air help me come back refreshed and focused.
Back to Work (with an Iced Latte Break!)
Back at my desk, I dive into my afternoon tasks, documentation, quality checks, and coordinating things for upcoming activities.
And of course… coffee break #2! This time, it’s an iced latte.
Honestly, the best part of working in a coffee company is getting to try different brews and coffee-making styles. It turns every coffee break into a mini tasting session.
Ever wondered why coffee plants produce caffeine?
“It’s actually a natural defense mechanism! The bitter taste helps protect the plant from insects.”
Wrapping Up the Day
I finish my meetings and tasks, wrap up everything neatly, and head home sharp at 5.
One thing the Dutch culture has truly taught me is punctuality and work-life balance, your personal time matters just as much as your work.
And just like that, I hop back on my cycle, heading home with a sense of accomplishment (and maybe already thinking about tomorrow’s coffee).
Surprise: A Quick Guide for a Perfect Cup of Coffee
Here’s the little surprise I promised , your ultimate checklist for brewing the perfect cup:
- Clean equipment (regularly descaled).
- Use fresh, cold water rich in oxygen (hardness 7–14°dH).
- Always use fresh coffee (stored in an airtight container).
- Choose the correct grind size for your brewing system.
- Maintain the right coffee-to-water ratio.
- Brew at 88–92°C and serve at 85°C, immediately.
- Prepare only the quantity needed.
- Use clean, preheated cups.
- Consume immediately after preparation.
- And don’t forget to stir before drinking!
Final Thought
Want to see more behind-the-scenes moments from my 9-to-5 as a Food Safety & Quality intern?
You can follow my internship journey on Instagram here
Being a master’s student at Wageningen University and working as a Food Safety & Quality intern in the Netherlands is a blend of learning, discipline, and small everyday joys: cycling, coffee, good food, and meaningful work.
And honestly? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
See you around,
Devi
