Canadian Career Guide

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17 Ag & Food CAreer guide
ARE YOU SEEKING JOBS in the food
industry? Wonderful that is the first step.
For obvious reasons humans won’t ever
stop eating—this industry is unstoppable.
Food has been a part of our lives forever;
humans have been known as food
gatherers.
The food industry is one of the most
dynamic industries after electronics and
telecommunication and IT. The phrase
there’s always room for improvement
applies and is seen in the evolving
food industry. Due to the advent of
globalization, food travels fast.
Consumers have access to the world’s
different food commodities due to the
marvels in food processing. You can have
cuisines from around the world.
Therefore, you have made a great
decision by studying Food Science and
Technology—as there are many career
options open for you to choose from.
The food industry consists of agriculture,
meat, bakery, dairy, cereal-based
product, fruit and vegetable, novel food
processing, logistics, governing bodies,
auditors, marketing, retail, food safety
and quality management, nutraceutical
and functional food, flavours, and more.
In this article, we’ll review the
different job opportunities your degree
can offer you. Food industry jobs are not
limited to working in quality assurance,
production units and R&D facilities, it
goes beyond that.
Due to so many options, it can be
difficult to choose the path. This guide
will help you find a job that matches your
interests. The best way to know your
area of expertise is by either working (as
an intern) in the industry or entering the
research field during the four years of
undergraduate studies. You can also gain
perspective by talking to other students
Along the same lines, if you are
passionate about science venture into
the field of science (food) communication,
where you can either work for a
publishing house or edit scientific
manuscripts through a university/private
enterprise.
Talking about jobs in research—after
graduation, students can consider
research-based jobs like working as a
research associate, or pursue a doctoral
degree. These jobs are for those who
are highly determined, dynamic and
enduring. Research jobs are tough; you
need to possess good writing and
communication skills and the zeal to think
and innovate.
As for teaching, if you are passionate
to share your learning and give back to the
food science community, teaching jobs can
be very rewarding.
This is just a snapshot of the various
jobs a new graduate can choose from to
have a successful career in the food
industry. Explore different job profiles,
learn and speak to people that work in the
food industry to learn about their jobs
and what motivates them to work in the
industry. All the best on the journey to find
a job that meets your interests. AG
and mentors who are already employed
in the industry.
If you have interests in sales and
marketing you can choose to work as
a techno-commercial executive or key
accounts manager. These jobs need
solid technical knowledge and good
communication skills. If you are keen
on enterprising, there are opportunities
for starting a small food processing unit
or a consulting service. You could start a
food service unit.
FOODby Debomitra Dey & Soniya Katekar, FoodGrads
Careers in
THE FOOD SECTOR HAS
EVERYTHING! EVERY
TASTE HAS AN INDUSTRY
CATERED TO IT. EVERY
FOOD WE CRAVE, EVERY
MEAL HAS AN INDUSTRY
CATERED TO MEET THE
NEEDS.
“
”
Check out career options in Food Science on
The Career Profiles