Career Compass: Food Science

The food science program explores how raw commodities are processed into healthy, safe and appealing foods, with a focus on either business or science. As a food science student, in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, you will learn about the physical, microbiological and chemical makeup of food in order to develop nutritious, delicious and innovative products that people will feed to themselves and their families everyday. You’ll study food safety, chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and sensory science, and learn how raw agricultural materials can be processed and formulated into consumer-ready food products. You can focus on the science of food production through lab-based research, or the business of food production through courses in business and management.

The B.Sc. degree program in food science (science option) is accredited by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).

Skills you will gain by studying FOOD SCIENCE

• The knowledge of the science and technology of food processing, packaging, and preservation of foods.
• The knowledge of the business and economics of food production, including marketing and finance.
• The ability to create products with commercial potential in the department’s food processing plant and test kitchen and to take these products to the market.
• The ability to critique and assess research findings and think critically using the best available scientific evidence.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
AGRI 1600, BIOL 1020, BIOL 1030, CHEM 1100, CHEM 1110 or CHEM 1130, ECON 1010, HNSC 1200, MATH 1300 or MATH 1210, MATH 1500 or MATH 1510 or MATH 1524

Science: HNSC 1210

Business: ECON 1020

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Science to help you plan your program.
2. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills. Gather career information and resources from the faculty job placement co-ordinator.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Explore your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including the University of Manitoba Dairy Club, the Faculty of Agriculture Students' Association (FASO) and the University of Manitoba Students' Union (UMSU).
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers and the Student Leadership Development Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre website to learn about international opportunities for UM students or ask your advisor about international exchange opportunities in France for food science students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: visit Migizii Agamik or the International Centre, take part in the Intercultural Retreat or learn about local agencies via  211 Manitoba.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
ABIZ 1000, AGRI 2030, AGRI 2400 or STAT 2000 (requires STAT 1000 as a free elective), CHEM 2730, CHEM 2740, FOOD 2500 

Business: ACC 1100, HNSC 1210, HRIR 2440, or ABIZ 2620, plus elective

Science: CHEM 1110 or CHEM 1130, MBIO 1010, plus electives

To do this year:

1. Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
2. Consider taking a minor and choose courses that will open opportunities.
3. Use UM Achieve to prepare for and plan for registration. 
4. Consider applying to the co-op option.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs, like the ASE Career Fair in October, to connect with employers.
3. Become a student member with the Canadian Institute of Food Science & Technology, the Institute of Food Technologists and others.
4. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for a research assistant positions, Undergraduate Research Award through NSERC. Check out other research opportunities in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences like the Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research, and Faculty's experiential learning spaces like the Dairy Pilot Plant, George Weston Ltd. Sensory and Food Research Laboratory, and Barbara Burns Food Innovation Laboratory.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre, and Agriculture in the Classroom.

Obtain certificates employers may require, including: Certified Food Handler, Smart Choices Responsible Service Certification, Good Manufacturing Practice, WHMIS and First Aid/CPR.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange or Summer School Agroecology in France, International Rural Exchange program, Community Engaged Learning, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out out a spring or summer Community Engaged Learning experience or consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: FOOD 3010, FOOD 4150, FOOD 4160 and MKT 2210

Science: BIOE 3530, FOOD 3210, FOOD 4250, plus electives

Business: ABIZ 2510, ECON 2010, ECON 2020, FOOD 4500, plus electives

To do this year:

1. Considering a professional program? Refer to the Admission Office's Applicant Information Bulletin to familiarize yourself with the pre-professional requirements.

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning such as Food and Beverage Manitoba, Yes! Winnipeg, the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other professional programs.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Consider FOOD 4230 - Food Research

Check out student job opportunities with: Mini U, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, personal care homes and food service industries, and charitable and/or non-profit organizations like Food Matters MB, Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba (CNCM), Harvest Manitoba, Immigrant Centre Manitoba (Nutrition Services).

Search for job opportunities online: Check out AgCareers.com, Job Bank, Indeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program or take part in the Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
FOOD 4100, FOOD 4200, FOOD 4510

Science: FOOD 4010, plus electives

Business: ABIZ 3510, plus electives

To do this year:

1. Pick your restricted electives, some courses are offered in alternating years
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation. Additional career information and resources are available from the faculty job placement coordinator.

If you are continuing on to a professional program or graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Attend a conference or participate in an international food science competition through the Canadian Institute of Food Science & Technology.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Post-Secondary Recruitment Program. Consider completing the Certified Food Scientist (CFS) credential and your Food Handlers Certificate.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Get access to LinkedIn Learning through the Winnipeg Public Library and take courses to develop your cross-cultural intelligence.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Business Development Manager
• Dairy Scientist
• Food Chemist 
• Food Development Specialist
• Food Flavourist
• Food Regulatory Specialist
• Food Safety Coordinator
• Food Scientist
• Food Technician
• Junior Flavour Chemist
• Marketing Specialist
• Product Development Scientist
• Production Technician
• Quality Assurance Technologist
• Quality Control Manager
• Regulatory and Policy Associate
• Research and Development Coordinator
• Research Assistant
• Sensory Product Researcher

Options requiring other education

• Chemist
• Dietitian
• Food/Public Health Inspectors
• Food/Process Engineer
• Lawyer
• Microbiologist
• Pharmacologist/Toxicologist
• Policy Analyst
• Research and Development Specialist
• Teacher
• University Professor

Industries such as agriculture, biotechnology, environmental, food and dairy, education, and government would value a food science degree in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Oral and written communication
• Critical thinking
• Industry specific knowledge
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Digital technology
• Numeracy and data use
• Continuous learning

Attain skills through your classroom education and take advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.

Details of that report can be found here.