Food Research and Careers
Food research is a practical science that deals with the assessment of the composition of nutritional products and changes that may occur during storage. The discipline combines various sciences in improving food processing. Several careers have been identified in the field of food research. Examples of such careers include food microbiologist, food engineers, and food chemists. Various writers make implications on the thought processes of individuals at different levels. In Twenge's iGen book, the collective identity of the iGeners is characterized in various aspects. The ideas on the factors that determine the student's decision-making form a major point of interest in this book. Shakespeare has also written stories such as The Tempest and Winter's Tale that can help to understand how students make decisions. This paper analyzes the food careers in relation to Shakespeare and Twenge's ideas.
Careers
Food chemists study the interactions of the organic and inorganic components of nutritional products. They work as part of the research teams in food processing and manufacturing organizations and contribute to ensuring that the food products manufactured by their organizations are fit for human consumption. They take responsibility for some of the work done by their assistants, hence they ensure that the assistants provide high quality work. Moreover, the specialists have moderate social contact and communicate frequently. Food chemists should have at least four years of training in food science.
Food engineering encompasses a range of activities in food processing plants such as instrumentation, packaging, food machinery checking and ingredient manufacturing. The food process engineers help in the research and development of both existing and new food products. Such professionals work in a field that overlaps the performance of food scientists and food technologists. However, it deals specifically with the mechanisms used in the manufacturing, processing, and storage of food before being delivered to the consumers. Food engineers are specifically trained in the field of food science. This is also my area of interest and it augurs well with my goals for the future. Lastly, food microbiologists deal with microorganisms in nutritional products.
Schools
One of the schools that offer the food engineering course in the United States is Michigan State University. Registering for the course at the university requires 120 credits. The elective courses are Fundamentals of Food Engineering and Food Processing-Unit Operations. The course costs $9,000 tuition fees on an annual basis. The other university which offers the food process engineering course is the University of Wisconsin. The minimum entry points to the university is 111 credits and students should have passed in mathematics, natural sciences, and social studies. The electives include fermented foods and beverage and Confectionery Science and Technology. The food engineering course is also available at the University of Minnesota. The requirements are slightly lower than those of the University of Wisconsin.
Expert Interaction
My interactions with the experts and advanced students in this field revealed that the food process engineering course is one of the best courses in food science since it enables individuals to understand the mechanisms through which food is processed. However, most of the experts warned that the field involves a lot of research, which will take up most of my time, thus "minimal social interaction". The course is one of the best in food sciences as the chances of employment are very high since the field is not flooded. However, "you have to give up your social life because a lot of research is involved", said the guidance counselor. This statement shows that the course is worth pursuing, especially for an indoors person like me.
Professional Quotes
In his analysis of the food engineering profession, Niranjan says that the course is found in, "food science and engineering departments" (5). This quote shows that several learning institutions still lack the fully-fledged food engineering departments. The combination of the two sectors under the same department undermines the independence of the food-engineering department. This notion implies a need to advocate for the separation of the food-engineering department to give it greater autonomy and authority in learning institutions.
In their analysis of food engineering, Pedersen, Frosch, Kulahci and Geoffrey Vining argue that food quality could be termed, "fitness for consumption" (9). The quote shows that when nutritional products are not safe for consumption, the quality is poor. Food scientists should ensure that they make food that does not affect the well-being of the consumers. Individuals should be nurtured by a fulfilling meal that enhances their health rather than being a cause of infections or poisoning. Food scientists and engineers should be concerned about the contribution of food through nutrients, lack of contamination, and their freshness. Food preparation and handling should be done to ensure the quality of the food is preserved.
Twenge's Quotes
One of the writers that offer career insights that I find encouraging in her works is Jean Twenge. In one of her quotes, she says that the iGeners are more practical and forward-looking and desist from, "You can be anything" or "Follow your dreams" attitudes of the Millenials (Twenge 180). This implies that the current generation follows more practical paths in their career choices as compared to the Millenials. Practicality in this regard should be seen from the returns one can get from following a given career path since passion does not always bear the expected return on investment. However, this does not undermine the role of passion and the need to follow one's talent. Rather it implies that individuals should be more deliberate in their choices rather than following their hearts impulsively and illogically. This informs my choice to undertake a career in food science. Besides my passion in this field, I chose this line deliberately because it gives me greater leeway in my future. For instance, I can be employed in various institutions as a food scientist once I graduate due to my qualifications. I can also penetrate the self-employment market with my skills and enhance my financial security while doing what I love. This is the most logical decision I have made in my life following lengthy deliberations and consultations.
Another important quote from chapter 7 of Twenge's work concerns emotional security. Haley says, "I think it is unwise to rely on someone emotionally, especially at that age when your brain is still developing" (Twenge 183). His view shows that iGeners are more concerned about their emotional security and focus much on their personal and career development rather than sexual relationships. This is especially significant in a time when the brain is developing and is unlikely to make lasting commitments. I appreciate this quote because it helps me to concentrate on building my career through attending classes, doing assignments, and researching to acquire the needful skills to enhance my qualifications.
The third quote concerns Darnell. When asked why he decided to major in business, he says, "I felt that I'd get a job. I did not want to major in something and then not get a job in the field I studied" (Twenge 170). Such claim reveals that getting a job is tricky in the current world and students must choose their course wisely. Although getting a job should not be the major motivation, it should be a considerable factor to avoid obtaining irrelevant qualifications. It would be sad to study and struggle to make ends meet once one graduates because of choosing an irrelevant career path. Thus, a study of the market to identify the most marketable set of skills should be a prerequisite to making the right career choice.
Twenge also feels that "many iGen students seem to see their schools as behind the times, irrelevant in a fast-paced world of constantly changing technology." This view shows how schools have not upgraded to embrace current technologies to enhance instruction and prepare the students for interaction with these technologies in their workplace. This is highly significant in the food science industry where practical learning took precedence over theory. In order to be better prepared to take on my career practically, I agree that schools need to reserve resources to acquire up-to-date technologies for instruction.
Lastly, Twenge talks of how iGen students "are obsessed with safety and fearful of their economic futures". I realize that my career choice is an expression of this fear. Economic stability is an important factor in the choices I make. While I love the food industry, I admit that I am attracted to the notion that the career allows me to meet my financial obligations thus securing my future.
Shakespeare's Quotes
One of the career quotes of Shakespeare in the Winter's Tale is: "The shelf was filled with books that were hard to read, that could devastate or remake one's soul and that when they were finished, had a kick like a mule" (Helprin 4). The quote shows the difficulties that people face while pursuing their careers. Granted, studies exert great pressure on the individual since they involve consistent class attendances handling assignments and projects, studying for examinations, and balancing all this work with the personal pressures. Sometimes, students find it hard to understand the content of their books. However, those that pass this hurdle are prepared to meet the challenges life throws at them in life.
The Winter's Tale also shows the value of personal choices. Shakespeare notes: "And yet, there is a wonderful anarchy, in that the milkman chooses when to arise, the rat picks the tunnel into which he will dive when the subway comes rushing down the track from Borough Hall, and the snowflake will fall as it will" (Helprin). This quote offers great insight in understanding the power of free will in making decisions. Choosing a career is one of the most significant decisions one has to make early in life that will influence the future. Although consultations should be made, this decision should be taken individually to follow the most suitable and logical path.
In Act 5 of the Tempest, Prospero talks of "the solemn temples, the great globe itself" (Sparknotes 3). This quote indicates the world he has created around him seem perfect.
Conclusion
In brief, choosing a career is one of the most important decisions I have made. My career path in the field of food science and engineering requires extensive engagement through in-depth studies, practical work, and research to meet its demands. Nevertheless, I love this career and hope to achieve the desirable qualifications and practice professionally. Twenge's book iGen offers several implications on how iGeners make their choices. I realize that safety and security are major factors in my thought processes. I am inclined to avoid risks in favor of a secure future economically. Thus, ideas from this book have influenced my career choice, although Twenge seems to criticize the choices iGeners make.
Works Cited
Helprin, Mark. “Winter’s Tale Quotes.”https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1965767-winter-s-tale. Accessed 7 Nov. 2018.
Niranjan, K. A Possible Reconceptualization of Food Engineering Discipline. Food and Bioproducts Processing, 2016, vol. 99, pp. 7889.
Pedersen, Søren J.,Stina Frosch, Murat Kulahci, and Geoffrey Vining, G.Design of Experiments for Food Engineering.National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2015.
Sparknotes. The Tempest Summary.https://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/tempest/section9/. Accessed 7 Nov. 2018.
Twenge, Jean. IGen. 2018. http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/iGen/Jean-M-Twenge/9781501152016. Accessed 7 Nov. 2018.
