The Guardian on Saturday reminded us that there is a shortage of food science and food technology graduates leaving UK universities. Jobs in this field range from the scientific side of product development to marketing and getting products on to the shelves, and graduates can command salaries up to £25,000 plus benefits.
In the report, Dr Richard Frazier, head of food and bioprocessing sciences group at the University of Reading, said "There are many exciting challenges facing the food industry and there is a constant demand for food science and food technology graduates who possess a strong scientific and technical skill base, combined with an understanding of how to manage consumer issues concerning food safety, quality and nutrition. Graduate careers are among the most rewarding among professional groups in terms of salary and promotion prospects."
So why are students still shying away from food science degrees? Will the government's decision to introduce compulsory food technology lessons for 11 - 14 year olds in 2011 encourage more people to pursue a career in this highly rewarding field?
As a food science and technologist I feel that the proffession should be protected and encouraged, we should be classed amongst the highly paid professionals in the world. when I cast my mind back to the 0ver 900 million underfed people in the world, all I think is about how to provide food security through sustainablity and production of more food for all in the current century first, and the century to come. But it is not likely to be achieved with the undervaluing of the profession at the moment.
we need to do something about it. Even most food scientist now work in order sectors to earn more.
Lets reason.!!!!! now!!!!!! we need to
Oh there is a demand for graduates and people with several years of experience for £20K :-)
I recently noticed that at a careers fair for grammar schools in buckinghanshire (ie an audience of bright school kids who would be considering their moves to University) that the food industry was totally unrepresented.
I volunteered to run a stand that would at least allow me to explain what food science is and how studying this area at Uni/College could lead to jobs in the food industry.
I was busy from 7-9 pm with many students curious about both food science (in terms of University degree) and jobs in the food industry. Not a single student had any idea what food science was about and most had almost no understanding of the opportunities in the food industry.
The food-based universities and food industry have a mountain to climb if they are to get their act together in growing the pool of good people coming into the industry
Ya,It is very unfortunate that students are not doing food science degrees.Food industry is a an evergreen industry and there always ample of opportunities to move themselves forward.But in India any science graduate can fit in Food industry so Food Technologist are facing lots of competion.I am a Food Technologist + MBA(PROD)having 12+ years of experience in PROD/QA/QC and not getting good chance in reputed industries.If given an opportunity am ready to work anywhere in the world.