Food Science

• 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. The 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.

Area	Employer	Information/Strategies
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	Food processing plants Food manufacturing plants Food ingredient suppliers Food equipment suppliers Container manufacturers Large retail chains, e.g. Starbucks, Target Feed companies Dairy, beef, or hog farms Federal government including: Food and Drug Administration Department of Agriculture State governments	Earn a minor in business or agribusiness. Become adept 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.

Area	Employer	Information/Strategies
Basic Research Food Microbiology/Food Chemistry Product Development Food Engineering Food Safety Quality Inspection Quality Assurance Process Inspection	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	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.

Area	Employer	Information/Strategies
Medicine Pharmacy Dentistry Veterinary Sciences Other Healthcare Fields	Hospitals Clinics Private or group practice Health networks Nursing homes Rehabilitation centers Mental health institutions Federal, state, & local health departments Government agencies Armed services Correctional facilities Colleges and universities Pharmaceutical companies Retail pharmacy chains Research laboratories Animal food companies Zoos	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 grade point average 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 back-up career plans in case admission is denied.

Professional Associations

• Institute of Food Technologists
• International Union of Food Science and Technology
• Grocery Manufacturers Association
• American Association of Cereal Chemists
• American Meat Science Association
• American Oil Chemists' Society
• American Dairy Science Association

Occupational Outlook Information

• Agricultural and Food Scientists from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Scientific Research Industry Guide

Miscellaneous Career Information

• *Culinary Arts and Food Science Career Guide
• Food Scientist from florida-agriculture.com
• Food Scientists and Technologists from Career Zone
• Food Science Central
• World of Food Science
• United States Department of Agriculture

Job Postings

• The Society for Food Science and Technology - Career Center
• Careers in Food
• Jobs in Organic Food

* = Recommended Sites