How can you land a food science internship or co-op?

1 Know your goals and interests

Before you start looking for food science internships or co-ops, you should have a clear idea of what kind of role and industry you want to work in. Food science is a broad discipline that encompasses many aspects of food production, processing, safety, quality, nutrition, and innovation. Do you want to work in research and development, quality assurance, food engineering, sensory analysis, or regulatory affairs? Do you want to work for a large corporation, a small start-up, a government agency, or a non-profit organization? Do you want to work with specific types of food, such as dairy, meat, bakery, or beverages? Knowing your goals and interests will help you narrow down your search and tailor your resume and cover letter accordingly.

2 Research and network

Once you have identified your preferred area of food science, you should research the potential employers and opportunities that match your criteria. You can use online platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, or IFT Career Center to find food science internships or co-ops. You can also check the websites of food companies, organizations, or institutions that you are interested in working for. Additionally, you should network with people who are already working in the field or have completed food science internships or co-ops before. You can reach out to your professors, mentors, alumni, peers, or industry contacts and ask them for advice, referrals, or recommendations. Networking can help you learn more about the industry, the expectations, and the application process, as well as increase your chances of getting noticed by potential employers.

3 Prepare your resume and cover letter

Your resume and cover letter are the first impressions that you make on the hiring managers, so you should make sure they are well-written, relevant, and professional. Your resume should highlight your education, skills, achievements, and experience related to food science. You should use keywords and phrases that match the job description and demonstrate your value and fit for the role. Your cover letter should complement your resume and explain why you are interested in the internship or co-op, what you can offer to the employer, and what you hope to learn from the experience. You should customize your resume and cover letter for each application and avoid generic or vague statements.

4 Ace the interview

If you are invited for an interview, you should prepare yourself by researching the employer, the role, and the industry. You should also review your resume and cover letter and anticipate the questions that you might be asked. You should practice your answers and showcase your enthusiasm, knowledge, and skills related to food science. You should also prepare some questions to ask the interviewer to show your interest and curiosity. During the interview, you should be confident, polite, and professional. You should also follow up with a thank-you note after the interview and express your appreciation and interest in the opportunity.

5 Make the most of your internship or co-op

If you are offered and accept an internship or co-op, you should make the most of your opportunity by being proactive, engaged, and eager to learn. You should set some goals and expectations with your supervisor and seek feedback and guidance regularly. You should also network with your colleagues, mentors, and other interns or co-ops and learn from their experiences and insights. You should also take advantage of any training, workshops, events, or projects that are available to you and expand your knowledge and skills in food science. Finally, you should document your achievements and contributions and update your resume and portfolio accordingly.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?