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I've heard that there are plenty of job opportunities. Is this true?
What are some of the stresses encountered in this line of work?
When you just start out in this field, are you the only food scientist on the team/unit (whatever the right word is) or are there others as well? If they are, how closely do you work with them?
It really depends on where you live and the timing of the job market there.
In the early to late 90s, I knew someone with a degree in food sciences, switched to accounting; another one graduated in mechanical engineering, continues working in a supermarket chain till today.
I strongly suggest if you go to food science focus towards commercial and stay clear of food service like restaurants, cruise lines, casinos and such those business took a big black eye recently and will take awhile to recover.
Many of the big players are a 24/7 operation so there will be 3 shifts to cover. Often noisy, messy, and have a higher employee turnover on the production floors. No romance or anything sexy about the field but it is essential. Food Science supports QA/QC, food safety, and sustainable harvesting, all important and needed to keep sales flowing.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I actually know one relative in this field, he has been working while getting his PhD, and is well paid already with just the BS. Fortunately the university is located near several food processing plants (Central California). Unfortunately I don't know any details of his work, haven't seen him since his wedding, but just get information from his Mom.
I actually know one relative in this field, he has been working while getting his PhD, and is well paid already with just the BS. Fortunately the university is located near several food processing plants (Central California). Unfortunately I don't know any details of his work, haven't seen him since his wedding, but just get information from his Mom.
Would be really great if you were able to get some more info.
What state are you in? You've asked about both food science and textiles. I don't know about other states, but if you look at Clemson.edu, they have information about programs and degrees in both subjects. I'm sure the larger Ag & Engineering colleges in other states have similar information.
Here's what a food microbiologist said about it on another forum where I posted this question:
'I have a masters degree in food microbiology, and in twenty years have never had to spend time looking for a job. For the past ten I have been heavily recruited, as food safety is a very in demand field. I’m not sure what you consider to be moving up the ladder quickly, but the opportunities are absolutely there including the ability to move up, at least to certain levels. Because of my career, I have literally travelled the world on the company dollar, and earn a very nice living. Since people will always need to eat, there will always be jobs in food.
That said, one of the big stresses is related to the fact that mistakes in the food industry can literally kill people. Allergens are a huge risk as is microbial contamination or cross contamination. Compared to other manufacturing environments, food moves very fast and decisions have to be made quickly. If you are someone who doesn’t deal well with pressure or suffer from anxiety, it might not be a good choice. At an entry level, you would be expected to get to your assigned production line and perform evaluation tasks on a set frequency, usually hourly. The tasks themselves may not be particularly difficult, but they can take time, and the records you generate are legal documents that could end up in court someday. Also, the rules and regulations for food are constantly changing and evolving, so keeping current can be a challenge as well. The government is regulating the food industry more now than they ever have, which is another source of stress.
I love what I do, and am well paid for it, but it isn’t for everyone. Food science and technology is absolutely a career path, and there are a lot of different routes within it that you can take, depending on what you enjoy.'
I work in the food industry as a food/flavors analytical chemist. In most of the sciences, propsects are either mediocre to awful when one considers the intellectual rigor and work that is required to get such a degree vs the return on investment/salaries. I still have companies offering ~$20 an hour and tell them to get bent and a lot of companies, especially the large corps, don't feel they even have to hire their chemists and just p*ss through poorly paid contractors one after another. Contract jobs in the sciences aren't like those in IT, coding or engineering, they usually pay less often far less than a comparable direct position and with no benefits.
If you can find the right niche or right company it can be a half decent career (there is demand for flavorists in savory more than sweets for example). Otherwise I would advise against the sciences for a career.
I work in the food industry as a food/flavors analytical chemist. In most of the sciences, propsects are either mediocre to awful when one considers the intellectual rigor and work that is required to get such a degree vs the return on investment/salaries. I still have companies offering ~$20 an hour and tell them to get bent and a lot of companies, especially the large corps, don't feel they even have to hire their chemists and just p*ss through poorly paid contractors one after another. Contract jobs in the sciences aren't like those in IT, coding or engineering, they usually pay less often far less than a comparable direct position and with no benefits.
If you can find the right niche or right company it can be a half decent career (there is demand for flavorists in savory more than sweets for example). Otherwise I would advise against the sciences for a career.
Thanks for the answer. Any insights about my questions in my first post?
What state are you in? You've asked about both food science and textiles. I don't know about other states, but if you look at Clemson.edu, they have information about programs and degrees in both subjects. I'm sure the larger Ag & Engineering colleges in other states have similar information.
In another thread OP said they were in the UK. OP, you'd probably be better off starting one thread with all of your questions and giving your location, educational background, etc. You've started a bunch of threads that are all over the place.
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