Pros and Cons of Considering a career in Food Industry Quality Assurance

Let's be frank. Food revolves around us 24/7 because we need food to survive. If you are looking for a career in this industry, I would say it will be a good stepping stone.

After I graduated from High School, I completed my Bachelor's in Food and Nutrition in Toronto. The Food and Nutrition program helped me to select a career path that I wanted to pursue-Quality Assurance.

Usually, a Quality Assurance position requires you to have a perquisite degree in science. Additional experience is considered an asset. So if you are a fresh graduate from Uni, with no experience, this job will be a good start.

When I first started out as a QA tech, I learned a lot, and it has been an good experience to grow professionally.

If you are interested in a position like QA tech, research the company you are interested in, and look for these pointers

1. Company Vision, Mission
2. If the company provides follow up training
3. Turn over rate
4. Inquire if the company provides incentives, and bonuses for your hard work

Align your values with the companies you have researched, and pick the best one that represent you.

I have been working in food industry for about 3 years, with 2 different companies. Obviously, with time, I was able to see some disadvantages.

• Long hours

1. Yes, most of the time this is the case. Also, if people are short. Get ready to work during the weekends
2. Some companies do proper scheduling, and you may only have to work one weekend per month

• Shift Change

1. Depending on the industry, you may have to rotate between day, afternoon, or night shift
2. Some companies value seniority and provide morning shift for the most senior person
3. If someone get's sick on a working day, you may have to work 3-4 hours longer

• Peak Season

1. Some companies have their peak seasons, and depending on peak seasons, requesting time off can be somewhat of an impossible situation

Overall, a career in quality assurance can be a stepping stone for mass scale food production experience. QA manager, Supervisor, Director, and Lab Technicians are some of the other divergent paths you can look up for if you want to grow in QA department.

Also, keep in mind that with QA experience, you can also check out career options in R&D, regulatory affairs, or in marketing.

I myself is now looking to move from my QA position to a food sales marketing position. Wish me luck!

References
https://www.pexels.com/search/food%20industry/