A Recipe for Success: Why More People are Choosing a Career in Food Science

Article Summary

The world’s population is growing, and feeding everyone is a growing problem. Food science is the solution. Read on for  answers to these four questions:

• Who makes a good food scientist?  
• Why should I pursue a career in food science?  
• What jobs are available with a food science or food safety degree?  
• How can I break into the food science industry? 

As the world grapples with the challenges of feeding a growing global population, ensuring that food safety and food quality guidelines are adhered to is becoming a bigger concern every day. The multidisciplinary field of food science—combining biology, chemistry, physics, nutrition, and more—plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges.

With Earth’s population projected to surpass 10 billion by the end of the twenty-first century, better understanding the complex interactions between food, the environment, and human health has never been more important. Food scientists play a pivotal role in developing sustainable and efficient food systems to meet the world’s growing needs. 

Here’s what you should know if you’re interested in pursuing a career in food science:

Who makes a good food scientist?

As a broad field of study, there is no “best” path for a career in food science. Though those with a background in agriculture, biology, chemistry, or other sciences may have an early advantage, students from a wide range of backgrounds can set themselves up for a successful career in food science. If you possess some of these traits, a career in food science might be a good fit.

• Strong problem-solving skills
  • Food scientists analyze complex data and develop unique solutions. A penchant for problem solving goes a long way toward having success in the field.
• Good communication
  • Being able to effectively communicate with a broad range of stakeholders, including industry professionals, government regulators, and consumers is a requirement for food scientists. Finding better ways to convey complex information to these audiences is a constant challenge.
• Attention to detail
  • Food scientists must be meticulous in their work. Ensuring the safety and quality of the food supply requires a detail-oriented mentality. 

Why should I pursue a career in food science?

While the exact motivations for any food scientist vary, they tend to possess a few key values.  

• A passion for food and health
  • Food scientists play a critical role in ensuring the safety of the food supply. They help prevent foodborne illnesses, develop strategies for mitigating outbreaks, and protect public health.
• A desire to make a difference
  • If you want to make a positive impact on society, few fields are as wide-reaching as food science. Ensuring that people from all cultures around the globe have access to safe, nutritious food is a fundamental challenge that drives food scientists every day.
• A thirst for innovation
  • From developing new food technologies in the kitchen to creating better, healthier products, food scientists play a key role in improving food quality, safety, and sustainability.  

What jobs are available with a food science or food safety degree?

In short: a lot! According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of food science and food science and food technology is projected to expand by 8 percent between 2023–33, doubling the average growth rate for all occupations.  

Here are some of the roles you could pursue:  

• Food Safety Specialist
  • These professionals conduct inspections, oversee production, and ensure compliance with food safety standards. They also identify areas for improvement and implement actions to prevent foodborne illnesses.
• Quality Assurance Manager
  • These professionals coordinate and implement quality control processes, ensuring food products meet safety and quality standards. They also perform evaluations, investigate complaints, and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Food Technologist
  • These professionals develop new food products, improve existing ones, and ensure quality by conducting scientific research. Through experimentation in food technology, they also find ways to enhance taste, preservation, and nutritional value to bring better, healthier food to the world. 

How can I break into the food science industry?

While it may seem like a daunting task, preparing for a career in food safety is a possibility for anyone.  

• Dive into the current industry trends
  • What’s the easiest way to become familiar with any subject? Take the dive and start learning about it at your own pace. Read industry publications,  listen to food science podcasts, and check out the new work that universities and companies near you are doing. In a city such as Chicago,which is  a hub of the food industry, organizations such as the Institute of Food Technologists and online publications such as Eater Chicago and Chicago Food Magazine are a great place to start. You may not comprehend all the information right away, but that’s OK. Just being exposed to ideas within the industry will go a long way toward building a solid understanding of the field.
• Develop a global perspective
  • Food safety and food technology likely mean something very different to you compared to a person on the opposite side of the globe. By recognizing how interconnected the food science industry is, you can better understand why it’s such an important field of study.
• Consider advanced education
  • While an advanced degree isn’t always necessary to break into the food science industry, it can certainly provide a competitive edge and open career opportunities. If you already have a background in science, a master’s degree can provide a path toward specialization or create an opportunity to conduct groundbreaking research.

The M.S. in Food Safety and Technology at Illinois Tech prepares you to make significant impacts in the food science industry while providing opportunities for professional growth and industry exposure.

Ready to take the next step in your food safety career? Apply now to Illinois Tech's M.S. Food Safety and Technology program.