One of the most important steps in choosing the best jobs for yourself when considering a career in food science is to first consider what aspects of food technology and science most appeal to you. Second, look into various food science jobs by contacting professional organizations such as the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) in the United States or the European Federation of Food Science and Technology (EFFoST) in Europe for more information. Then make a shortlist of possible jobs and see which ones match your personal characteristics, skills, and preferences the best.
There are many different types of jobs in the field of food science. Biochemistry, human biology, chemical engineering, and microbiology are all fields in which many people have a background or an interest. All of these specialties are in high demand in the field of food science.
Consider your long-term career goals as well as the aspects of the job that you will enjoy the most on a daily basis when considering specific food science jobs. Product Development Manager, Quality Assurance Manager, or Laboratory Manager are some of the management positions available to food scientists. As these job titles for food scientists suggest, project or people management is an important part of the responsibilities of those who hold these positions. You should think about the job’s career advancement opportunities and whether you’ll enjoy this aspect of the job.
If you think you’ll enjoy your work more if you focus on the scientific details, a career in food science that emphasizes the application and development of your scientific skills might be for you. The majority of food science jobs are focused on research and development. In most cases, you’ll be working in a laboratory, though at higher levels of your career, you’ll be expected to deliver research reports and even present them to your coworkers.
If you enjoy interacting with a large number of people throughout the day, public facing work may be for you. There is a high demand for personnel in this field. Food safety inspection, food product consulting, and public health education are some of the food science jobs available in this field.
Working in the field of food science can be both interesting and rewarding. Because of the massive food industry that exists in almost every country on the planet, if you commit to a career in food science, you are likely to always have plenty of job options. Depending on your interests, you can choose from a wide range of jobs and careers.