By Katie Sudler, Community Education Director
Growing up, we all get asked that a million times! Most adults have a story of how they found their career, their passion, their employment. Some of us have known what career path we were destined for since we were 7, others of us have a bumpier (or curvier) path to find our destination in the working world. I think the bumpy ride is fun — full of adventure and exploration!
I have had plenty of bumps, quite a few curves and several hiccups along the way, to finding what I love to do. And if there’s one thing we can all be sure of, there’s always more valleys and hills around the corner.
I’ve worked with hundreds of students, teachers and food industry professionals in pretty much every role you can imagine. (I’m going to explain just a few of those roles in a moment.) But if there’s one thing I’ve learned is that when there is a bump, curve or mountain in front of you please remember it is there to test your wit, your character and your tenacity. The ones that succeed, particularly when it comes to the food industry or food science — are the ones who are tenacious! Reinvent yourself when you need to, but remain true to yourself in the end. These crossroads are in the road to help us find out what you are truly passionate about. If you love science (or food, or cars, or computers, or clothing, or wellness or beauty products), find a way to work in the industry or a related field. Just like the food industry, all industries need buyers & planners, manufacturers, inventors, developers, engineers, designers, marketeers, sales professionals, graphic designers, writers, accountants, IT, human resource gurus, janitors, and receptionists. Every industry is supported by a wide variety of careers, not just one path.
Find what you are passionate about, marry that with what you are good at and if you show up and work hard, you are successful!
My passion is food & people; I’m good at working with kids, talking, planning, and getting in touch with the human side of things. I have found success in my career because I am able to use my strengths in an industry I am passionate about – FLAVOR! I fell in love with flavors the second I smelled one for the first time. It really was ‘love at first smell!’ I knew I had to work in the flavor industry after my first ‘whiff.’
There are many careers that feed into the food/flavor industry. Here is a snapshot of some of the careers at FONA and what they entail. Not all jobs require a college degree, but a college degree or certificate programs will certainly help you advance in any field.
(College degree is typically required to do these jobs)
(College degree is typically required to do these jobs)
(A college degree is needed to do some of these jobs)
So, what do you want to be when you grow up? Maybe it’s in one of these areas! Either way, it helps to know the breadth and depth of roles in any kind of business. No matter your passion, there’s a place for you. The key is to stay persistent and true to what makes you, YOU!
Thanks for reading!
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