Food Science: What Can I Do With This Degree?

Business and Technology Quality assurance Food safety Quality inspection Process inspection Production management New food/Flavor chemistry Sensory evaluation Applied food research: preserving, processing, packaging, storing, delivering Sales Marketing Consumer education

Employers Food processing plants Food manufacturing plants Food ingredient suppliers Food equipment suppliers Container manufacturers Large retail chains such as Starbucks, Target Feed companies Dairy, beef, or hog farms Federal government including Food and Drug Administration, Department of Agriculture State governments

Information & Strategies Earn a minor in business or agribusiness. Become adept at using computers. Take courses in statistics. Gain relevant experience through internships. Participate in student professional organizations and seek leadership roles. Compete on a meat or dairy products judging team. Join the Institute of Food Technologists to learn more about the field and for networking opportunities. Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. Learn to work well in a team. Earn a graduate degree for advanced opportunities in research or management. Demonstrate creativity and curiosity for positions in product or flavor development.

Science Basic research Food microbiology/Food chemistry Product development Food engineering Food safety Quality inspection Quality assurance Process inspection

Employers Federal government including Food and Drug Administration, Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency State governments Food processing plants Food manufacturing plants Food ingredient suppliers Food equipment suppliers Quality-control laboratories Pharmaceutical companies Universities and colleges

Information & Strategies Join the Institute of Food Technologists to learn more about the field and for networking opportunities. Gain related experience through internships. Assist a professor with research to gain laboratory experience. Take additional courses in the sciences. Become highly detail oriented. Participate in research paper competitions sponsored by professional associations. Research apprentice membership in the Society of Flavor Chemists if that is an area of interest. Obtain a graduate degree to reach higher levels of research and administration. A doctoral degree is required for university teaching.

Pre-Professional Medicine Pharmacy Dentistry Veterinary sciences Other healthcare fields

Employers Hospitals Clinics Private or group practice Health networks Nursing homes Rehabilitation centers Mental health institutions Federal, state, and local health departments Government agencies Armed services Correctional facilities Colleges and universities Pharmaceutical companies Retail pharmacy chains Research laboratories Animal food companies Zoos

Information & Strategies Food science is good preparation for professional graduate programs in pharmacy, veterinary science, dentistry, or medicine because of the strong science background that is developed. Research admissions requirements for individual programs. Maintain a high GPA and prepare for required entrance exams. Secure strong personal recommendations from faculty. Gain exposure to field of interest through volunteering, part-time and summer jobs, or internships. Research accredited institutions. Check graduation rates, success rates on licensing exams, cost, location, etc. If possible, speak with current students. Develop backup career plans in case admission is denied.

General Information

• The food processing industry is one of the largest in the US and throughout the world, so many opportunities exist for students trained in food science.
• A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for some opportunities in applied research and in food processing. Earn a master’s or doctoral degree to conduct basic research.
• A PhD is required for university teaching.
• A high percentage of food scientists work for local, state, or federal government. Learn government application procedures.
• Learn to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Develop strong communication skills both written and oral. Also develop analytical skills and an attention to detail.
• Join professional associations and student organizations to stay abreast of current issues in the field and to develop networking contacts. Get involved with the Institute of Food Technologists.
• Talk to professionals already in your desired field regarding their backgrounds. Arrange a shadowing experience.

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