Food technologists: employers snatch them away from those who are still studying

What is this profession, why is it worth choosing it and where can you get a job after graduation? We are interviewing Assoc. Prof. Dr. Loreta Bašinskienė, Head of Food Technology Studies at the Faculty of Chemical Technology of Kaunas University of Technology (KTU).

– Recently, it has been noticed that fewer students choose food technology studies. Why?

– The main reason is the requirements of these studies. To get in, you need to have a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, mathematics. Unfortunately, exact and natural sciences are not very attractive to young people.

However, when students choose these studies, they are usually happy with their decision – although studies require effort, they provide a lot of valuable experience, and we ensure the support of lecturers and mentors every step of the way.

Our graduates find a job very quickly. Most of them receive job offers while still studying. The food sector is one of the most stable and promising areas, where good professionals will always be needed.

In Lithuania we have about 2 thousand. food production companies. Both their number and the number of employees are increasing, so the need for qualified technologists is constantly growing. After all, food is an essential human need – you will always need to eat, and in the face of global challenges such as climate change, growing population, food waste – without a modern food industry, it is impossible to ensure the well-being of society. It is becoming a strategic sector.

– What opportunities do food technology studies open up?

– It is a very broad area. University studies open up all paths in the profession of a food technologist, even those that applicants sometimes cannot even imagine.

Our graduates work and manage not only production, but also laboratories, quality, new product development departments, develop sustainability strategies and ensure their implementation. A food technologist must be able to adapt to changing raw materials, maintaining the taste, quality, safety and sustainability of the product.

The food industry is the third largest in Lithuania, employing tens of thousands of people. Therefore, those who have completed these studies are in demand both in our country and abroad. KTU food technology study programmes are internationally accredited, and our graduates also successfully work in international companies.

In addition, you can choose a convenient location: food industries are located not only in the capital, Kaunas, Klaipėda, but also in Telšiai, Utena, Rokiškis, Pasvalys and elsewhere. Moreover, food technologists are needed not only by them – our specialists work not only in the food or nutrition sectors, but also in the engineering, logistics, design sectors, and state institutions.

– What qualities are needed in this area?

– You need curiosity, diligence, and a desire to learn chemistry and biology. Food technology combines science, engineering and technology, creativity and team skills – after all, it is necessary not only to understand processes, but also to develop new products, evaluate their taste, composition, safety and sustainability. It is a work for people who want to combine analytics, science, critical thinking and creativity.

Some people do not understand that food is a science that combines knowledge about the composition of food, substances and their properties, and effects on health.

– How does the university encourage young people to choose food technology?

– We organize open door events, excursions, practical activities for students. The lecturers of the Department participate in science popularization events, fairs, and conferences. We also collaborate with creativity and entrepreneurship labs, where students can try out for themselves what it means to create new products.

Business involvement is also important – companies accept students for internships, establish scholarships, and consult on final theses. Such partnerships ensure that studies are as close as possible to the real working environment.

We prepare up to 20 bachelor's and 20 master's degrees every year, the need, of course, is much higher, and the market could accept at least twice as much. Colleges also prepare specialists in the field of food technology by awarding a professional bachelor's degree, but at the university, students receive more broader and deeper knowledge and the opportunity to earn a master's degree in this field.

– What is the future for food technologists?

– Very promising. The world's population is increasing, which means that food production will never stop. New, healthier, more sustainable products need to be developed, which only qualified food technologists can do.

Graduates can become corporate technologists, laboratory and quality specialists, product developers, managers, or scientists. KTU is the only university in Lithuania that awards both bachelor's and master's degrees in this field. In addition, Global Scholarships has included us in the list of the seven best universities in Europe that offer studies in the field of food technology. This proves that the specialists we train meet global standards. We have a number of graduates working in foreign markets.

– So those who choose to study food technology will remain in demand in the market?

– Unequivocally yes. Studying food technology is a great choice for those who want to combine science and creativity and seek a stable and promising career. It is a profession that will always be needed – after all, people eat bread and other foods every day. And their quality, safety and the development of new products are taken care of by food technologists. They grab them like hot buns.

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Also read the interview with our junior food production technologist Aurimas about his path from internship to career start. He is continuing his studies this September – he has enrolled in KTU Additional Studies, Food Technology and Innovation Programme.