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When did you find out Food Science was the right career for you?
My name is Alexus and I am a food science major because I can’t see myself majoring in anything else besides it. What I lack is experience in food science and I feel that I am a visual and hands on learner, so I would love to get as much experience as possible, the only dilemma is that we’re in a pandemic. #food-science #major #career
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4 answers
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Emily’s Answer
Hi Alexus! I see you are in a difficult position. Luckily, you are not alone. Many college students are experiencing the same issues right now because of the pandemic! Thankfully, when you go to apply for positions, they will know that you are a new graduate and will understand that you were a student during the pandemic. Your college experience may be a little unique, but that is a positive thing; you will stand out!
My advice is to apply for internships and summer jobs relating to food science and the specializations you are interested in. Even if it is a virtual internship over the summer, it will still give you experience and help you "beef up" your resume! I hope this helps. Good luck!
My advice is to apply for internships and summer jobs relating to food science and the specializations you are interested in. Even if it is a virtual internship over the summer, it will still give you experience and help you "beef up" your resume! I hope this helps. Good luck!
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Hi Alexus,
I minored in Food Science in college, and it was some of the most interesting coursework of my academic career. Great choice!
I'm not sure which level of schooling you are in currently, but if you have begun your college courses, I would recommend reaching out to your professors for suggestions. I'd imagine in the current pandemic situation, you are not the first student who has been interested in finding ways to get hands-on experience, and they may be able to tell you what has worked for others. The good part about food science is that food is part of our everyday lives, so there may be some topics about which you can find some visual/hands-on exposure by using items already available in your home or easily obtained at the local grocery store. If your professors don't have ideas on this, I'm sure there are lots of online resources for real-life examples you could consider.
Best of luck, and enjoy learning about the food we eat. It's information that you will carry with you for the rest of your life, no matter where your career takes you!
I minored in Food Science in college, and it was some of the most interesting coursework of my academic career. Great choice!
I'm not sure which level of schooling you are in currently, but if you have begun your college courses, I would recommend reaching out to your professors for suggestions. I'd imagine in the current pandemic situation, you are not the first student who has been interested in finding ways to get hands-on experience, and they may be able to tell you what has worked for others. The good part about food science is that food is part of our everyday lives, so there may be some topics about which you can find some visual/hands-on exposure by using items already available in your home or easily obtained at the local grocery store. If your professors don't have ideas on this, I'm sure there are lots of online resources for real-life examples you could consider.
Best of luck, and enjoy learning about the food we eat. It's information that you will carry with you for the rest of your life, no matter where your career takes you!
Updated
Lorraine D.’s Answer
The good news is that there are very good Food Science Summer Scholar programs that will allow you to learn while working in this area. These programs usually pay you a stipend (salary) for the entire summer and you get to learn while getting paid. It is true that we are in a pandemic but you can also find opportunities in your university, look for faculty members that lead reasearch laboratories. Even though you may not know them, reach out and ask for opportunities to work in their labs. Many faculty members are very welcoming with students that would like to do undergraduate research. You get to travel to present your research most of the time. In addition, food companies have summer internships too, where you get to learn and it looks good in your resume. I found out I love this field because I participated in a summer scholar program which paved the path for me to do a graduate degree in Food Science. Remember Master's and PhD in many universities in the USA do not cost money out of your pocket, you get paid for attending to those programs. It is through grants and awards that the professors earn and they use them to pay students' research.
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Lyndsay’s Answer
Watch youtube videos and create the recipes at home, look for jobs hiring for a position you desire (places in my area are hiring like crazy right now, it; when things start opening back up in your area look for a job right away), and just practice. Not all experience needs to be formal.