Graduate careers advice: you and your food science degree

Graduate careers advice for what career options you can pursue with your food science degree.

Related jobs include:

Work experience

If your course doesn’t offer an industrial placement, look for related experience over the holidays. Employers appreciate graduates with work experience so any role, paid or unpaid, in a food science related setting will make you stand out while developing your practical skills.

If you have the option, try to gain experience related to the specific role you’re seeking. Should you wish to pursue a career as a product developer, quality manager or food technologist, seek out a placement at a retailer or food manufacturer. More information on placements and experience opportunities can be found on gradireland here .

What sectors?

• Agricultural consultant/adviser
• Chemical Engineer
• Clinical research officer
• Compliance/Regulatory Affairs Manager
• Environmental consultant
• Environmental education officer
• Fisheries Officer
• Production manager/planner
• Quality assurance manager

The largest employers of food science graduates are those in the areas of food manufacturing, production and retail. Government departments involved in developing food policy and regulations are also large employers, along with food technical service providers.

Graduates with food science degrees also often find themselves working in agriculture and animal related sectors, as well as food service, retail and produce.

Those interested in roles in nutritional therapy can seek employment with the Health Service Executive (HSE) or with private healthcare facilities.

Your food science CV

A food science degree will equip you with a mix of subject-specific and technical skills, and a set of transferable skills such as the ability to analyse data critically and solve problems. Your practical work will develop your communication skills and your ability to work as part of a team or in a leadership capacity.

Preparing reports and completing assignments will enhance your ICT skills and familiarity with software packages, along with improving your research, statistical and numerical skills. Working to deadlines on projects will hone your time management.

Postgraduate study

Depending on your desired career path, a variety of relevant postgraduate courses are available. Food science graduates will often go on to complete a postgraduate diploma or masters in subjects like nutritional research or dietetics.

Postgraduate courses are also available in such relevant areas as food safety, biomedical science, food quality and environmental management.

You may decide to pursue a teaching career, in which case a postgraduate diploma in education or a professional masters in education can be availed of.

To find a course that suits you best, visit gradireland’s Further Study section.