Food Animal Science and Marketing Careers

Business and Technology

• Food processing plants
• Food manufacturing plants
• Food ingredient suppliers
• Food equipment suppliers
• Container manufacturers
• Large retail chains, e.g. Starbucks, Target
• Feed companies
• Dairy, beef, or hog farms
• Federal government including:
  • Food and Drug Administration
  • Department of Agriculture
• State governments

• Earn a minor in business or agribusiness.
• Become adept using computers.
• Take courses in statistics.
• Gain relevant experience through internships.
• Participate in student professional organizations and seek leadership roles.
• Compete on a meat or dairy products judging team.
• Join the Institute of Food Technologists to learn more about the field and for networking opportunities.
• Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. Learn to work well in a team.
• Earn a graduate degree for advanced opportunities in research or management.
• Demonstrate creativity and curiosity for positions in product or flavor development.

Science

• Federal government including:
  • Food and Drug Administration
  • Department of Agriculture
  • Environmental Protection Agency
• State governments
• Food processing plants
• Food manufacturing plants
• Food ingredient suppliers
• Food equipment suppliers
• Quality-control laboratories
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Universities and colleges

• Join the Institute of Food Technologists to learn more about the field and for networking opportunities.
• Gain related experience through internships.
• Assist a professor with research to gain laboratory experience.
• Take additional courses in the sciences.
• Become highly detail oriented.
• Participate in research paper competitions sponsored by professional associations.
• Research apprentice membership in the Society of Flavor Chemists if that is an area of interest.
• Obtain a graduate degree to reach higher levels of research and administration. A doctoral degree is required for university teaching.

Pre-Professional

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Private or group practice
• Health networks
• Nursing homes
• Rehabilitation centers
• Mental health institutions
• Federal, state, & local health departments
• Government agencies
• Armed services
• Correctional facilities
• Colleges and universities
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Retail pharmacy chains
• Research laboratories
• Animal food companies
• Zoos

• Food science is good preparation for professional graduate programs in pharmacy, veterinary science, dentistry, or medicine because of the strong science background that is developed.
• Research admissions requirements for individual programs.
• Maintain a high grade point average and prepare for required entrance exams.
• Secure strong personal recommendations from faculty.
• Gain exposure to field of interest through volunteering, part-time and summer jobs, or internships.
• Research accredited institutions. Check graduation rates, success rates on licensing exams, cost, location, etc. If possible, speak with current students.
• Develop back-up career plans in case admission is denied.