Virge’s Journey at St. Paul Began with a Leap of Faith. Originally from the Den Bosch and Tilburg area, Virge’s decision to take a job in Sint Jansteen wasn’t the most obvious one. But the moment she saw the vacancy, she knew this is what I want.
“I was specifically looking for a role in product development,” she explains. “During my studies, working with recipes or products was always my favorite part, so this was a real opportunity that made me very happy.”
The First Week: A Flood of Impressions
Fresh out of school, Virge transitioned straight from the classroom into the working world.
“That first week was intense. Everything was new to me – from the structure of a workweek to the entire production process.”
Still, it felt right. “I was beyond excited to finally put my knowledge into practice and to learn what product development looks like in the real world. It’s completely different from what you learn in school!”
What surprised her the most? “How big St. Paul is. When I first started, I had never heard of the company myself, since the brand isn’t that well known among consumers. But once you step into the world of product development, you realize how much impact the company has.”
The Craft: Piecing together flavors
As a member of the R&D team, Virge works on developing new products – from the very first recipe all the way to when the final product rolls off the production line.
“It feels a bit like piecing together a puzzle with ingredients and processes.” A typical workday doesn’t really exist, she says with a laugh. “It really depends on how many projects are running. There’s a lot of variety in the work, and that’s what makes it so much fun – the constant change.”
To be good at product development, Virge believes a few essential qualities are key. “You need to be able to switch quickly, think creatively, and keep an overview. Every project is different and requires a unique approach.”
Lefse with Brunost: A Surprising Flavor Adventure
Virge also loves to experiment outside of work. One of the most remarkable cheese combinations she’s ever tried?
“Lefse with brunost. Brunost is a kind of Norwegian ‘cheese’ made by slowly cooking down whey until it gets a caramel-like flavor. On lefse – a kind of flatbread – with cinnamon and butter… it was such a surprising combination!”
Teamwork and Atmosphere
Within the R&D team, Virge feels completely at home. “It’s a great balance between working independently and brainstorming together when you hit a roadblock. Everyone has a different background, which creates a great mix of knowledge.”
What makes working at St. Paul truly special for her is the atmosphere. “From day one, I felt like I was really part of the team. The vibe is warm and collegial – and that makes all the difference.”
Genuine Passion for Development
For Virge, a successful day is one where she’s been able to contribute – even in a small way.
“Whether it’s a sample we send to a client, a report I’ve written, or a good conversation during a meeting… as long as I feel like I’ve made an impact, I’m satisfied.”
With her fresh perspective, curiosity, and passion for development, Virge is a perfect fit in the world of St. Paul!
Would you also like to work at St. Paul? Take a look at our job openings on the vacancies page!