Step into a world of endless possibilities! The Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT) celebrated an inspiring day of learning and inspiration at the inaugural Industry Day event, held at McCormick Global Headquarters in Hunt Valley, on October 2, 2023. Under the banner of “Let’s Work: The Future of Flavor,” this event showcased MBRT’s unwavering dedication to equipping Maryland students with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration needed to excel in the world of work, reflecting the collective vision and dedication of the MBRT team.
At this event, 76 eager students embarked on an adventure to explore the diverse career opportunities that McCormick has to offer. They dived headfirst into a world of activities, learning from seasoned professionals, including sensory scientists, culinary development chefs, and flavorists. Students crafted their unique soda flavors, unlocked the secrets of a myriad of spices’ subtle aromas, and indulged in taste-testing an array of chocolates, providing them with a hands-on glimpse of the exciting world of work at McCormick. This approach perfectly aligns with MBRT’s mission to prepare Maryland’s youth for the dynamic and ever-evolving job market.
Immediately after Industry Day’s events, we gathered at our Annual Meeting to celebrate our successes, discuss future endeavors and strengthen bonds between Maryland’s business community and our students. The meeting featured the incredible insights of our Student Ambassadors, who shared their experiences and findings from Industry Day, offering valuable perspectives into the day’s events. Their interactions with the McCormick team were truly inspiring, extending beyond food science to explore various exciting dimensions within the company, such as culinary arts, marketing, and sensory roles.
But the excitement didn’t stop there! Guests were also treated to two other invigorating messages. The Honorable Lt. Governor Aruna Miller shared her personal journey and encouraged students to discover and pursue their passions, emphasizing the critical role MBRT plays in bridging the gap between education and industry. She also shared some words of advice directly to students.
“Whatever you choose to do in your life, whether you go on to become a great chef, an engineer, an educator – whatever it be – we ask that you make service a center part of your life,” Lt. Gov. Miller advised the students. “When we serve, we shift from a life of consumption to contribution.”
As the grand finale to the day, we had the privilege of welcoming Chef Stretch, a contestant on Season 2 of “Next Level Chef.” His keynote speech, filled with culinary expertise and motivational insights, left everyone inspired.
“Learn more about what you love every day and as often as you can.”
Thanks to the dedication of student ambassadors and the commitment of MBRT and our partners, these students were given a glimpse into the multifaceted world of flavors and the numerous career paths McCormick has to offer. This event, with its emphasis on hands-on learning, collaboration, and mentorship, embodies the vision of a brighter future for Maryland’s youth, fully equipped to excel in the world of work.
