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Will I be able to get a job?
Internship Possibilities Abound!
Although we can’t guarantee you a job, food scientists are employed around the world by large and small food processing companies, food ingredient suppliers, food quality assurance and testing labs, federal and state governmental agencies, and academia. There are more job openings for food scientists in the food industry than graduates to fill them. This trend is expected to continue well into the 21st century. Consequently, starting salaries for food scientists are highly competitive.
Career opportunities are excellent. Entry level jobs in the food industry include food product development, food process development, food quality assurance, food safety compliance, and technical sales. Food scientists work to enhance the quality of foods through biotechnology, as well as improve the microbial and chemical safety of foods. Food scientists develop new food flavors, extend the shelf life of foods, and devise new processing technologies. All of the food products in a grocery store and many foods offered on restaurant menus have been developed and tested by food scientists.
What’s it Worth?
The economic value of college majors.
Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce
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When considering the question of whether earning a college degree is worth the investment in these uncertain economic times, here is a number to keep in mind: 84 percent.
On average, that is how much more money a full-time, full-year worker with a Bachelor’s degree can expect to earn over a lifetime than a colleague who has no better than a high school diploma.
Clearly, for most students, when asked whether to go to college, the answer should be a resounding “yes.” And statistics show that Americans are drawing that conclusion in ever-growing numbers. Since 1992, the proportion of workers with Bachelor’s degrees in the U.S. labor force has grown from 28 percent to 34 percent.
full report (pdf)
This chart is from page 45 of this pdf.
Food Industry Growing Right Here in the Northwest
by Kristin Rodine of the Idaho Statesman, February 7, 2012
Lactalis Cheese Plant Near Nampa, ID Expanding
French accents, Italian cheese and Idaho jobs dominated the conversation Monday as Lactalis announced plans that will make the Canyon County plant the largest of its nearly 200 sites worldwide. The 61,300-square-foot plant will produce fresh mozzarella. Lactalis will build it this year behind the existing plant on its property at Franklin and Star roads just east of the Nampa city limits.
Food Production is a Bright Spot in a Gloomy Economy
by Dinesh Ramde of the Associated Press, November 22, 2010
MILWAUKEE – While the recession took a toll on manufacturing and other industries, one part of the economy has remained a bright spot over the past few years: food production. Across the nation, food producers are seeing enough growth that many are expanding and investing in new equipment. For cheesemakers, dairy farmers and vegetable growers, the slow economy has brought opportunities to expand while construction costs are low. Food makers have also benefited from having products that consumers still buy in hard times and from ongoing efforts to open up new markets overseas. The result is growth – both in sales and in facilities. The expansions include cheese-making operations in Wisconsin and Idaho and a sweet potato canning plant in Arkansas. Hershey Co. is spending $200 million to… (read full article)
Some of the Largest Food Companies
Some Washington and Idaho Food Companies