Internships and Careers
Prepare to Make an Impact
Equipped with the latest knowledge and expertise in food science, our students are poised to find innovative solutions for and continue the critical work of the ever-evolving food industry. Whether you're looking for an internship or ready to take the leap to your career, use the resources of our department and university to navigate the vast opportunities available.
Internships
Internships give you the opportunity to develop new skills and apply what you’ve learned in the classroom in a hands-on professional setting. They’re also a great way to network with industry professionals, build your resume, and try out different career paths.
The Department of Food Science and Technology is one of the first programs to pilot Virginia Tech’s Bridge Experience Program, which implements a place-based experiential learning requirement for all students, and internships are one of the many ways to satisfy this requirement.
Eva Arnade
Interned at Dsm-firmenich, the world’s largest privately owned flavor & fragrance company
"My internship at DSM-Firmenich working as a lab technician with beverages provided me with valuable experience in the flavor industry. I also enjoyed creating connections with professionals who had the same passion for food science."
Alessandra Klier
Interned at our department’s Food Producer Technical Assistance Network
"Interning with the Food Producer Technical Assistance Network gave me valuable experience in directly helping small businesses and food entrepreneurs ensure their unique products are safe for their customers. I gained both experience working in the food industry and knowledge about safety and production that I can use in my upcoming FST classes and future career."
Businesses Our Students Frequently Intern With
Find the right internship for you
To find an available internship, please refer to our database to search for opportunities. Be sure to also check out the resource links below.
- FST Undergraduate Advising Announcements
- Virginia Tech Career and Professional Development Internship Central
- Opus International Food Science Student Internships
An executive search firm specializing in food science industry jobs - Virginia Tech Career Resources for Students
Schedule an Advising Appointment
Job & internship search guide
Handshake
Resume & CV guide
Where to start looking
VT grads first jobs
Career Planning Guide
Careers
Food Science and Technology encompasses principles from science, business, engineering, health, and a wide variety of other disciplines. This diversity in experience opens up many different career paths to graduates. From studying infectious diseases at the FDA to overseeing quality assurance at a large chocolate company to engineering new food packaging methods, food science graduates find satisfying careers across industry, academia, and government.
100%
Job placement rate for FST students within six months of graduation
$92,000
Median salary for professionals working in food science
28%
Increase in median salary for food science bachelor’s degree holders from 2017 to 2022
16%
Increase in food science salaries between 2019 and 2022, which is the largest increase in over 20 years
6%
Expected job growth for food science occupations for the next 10 years, higher than average for all jobs
Sara Beth Davidson (‘23)
R&D Food Scientist in Product Development at McKee Foods Corporation
“Studying food science was a pivotal step in shaping my career. It equipped me with a profound understanding of the complexities of food production, safety, and innovation. This educational foundation has been instrumental in my professional journey, enabling me to navigate the dynamic field of the food industry and contribute effectively to its growth and development.”
Will Fontaine (‘24)
Assistant Brewer at Dynasty Brewing Company
"The food science fermentation program here at Virginia Tech helped me learn technical knowledge that I was able to apply in my seasonal work at Dynasty Brewing Company in Ashburn, Virginia. As soon as I graduate I'll be able to jump right into my career without too much adjustment, which is awesome."
Find your career
Please refer to the following resources for career opportunites and advice.
- Institute of Food Technologists “Careers in Food Science”
- Virginia Tech Career and Professional Development: First Destination after Undergraduate Degree
- Virginia Tech Career and Professional Development: Career Field Resources for Internships and Jobs
- USDA Careers
- Jobs and Training at FDA
- Careers In Food
- VT grads first jobs
- Virginia Tech Career Planning Guide
- Master Brewers Association of the Americas Jobs
Need advice?
Our undergraduate program advisor is here to help. Students interested in discussing internships and future career plans can contact Herbert Bruce to talk through questions with a trusted advisor.