Of course, the food business isn't as affected as some others by economic slowdowns. No matter what, people still eat. That's the first time we've seen that kind of opportunity. Dr. Lynn Turner, professor, food science department, and undergraduate teaching coordinator at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C., adds to the positive picture by noting that several companies, including big names such as Pillsbury, General Mills and Nabisco, have been recruiting on campus. In addition to the major food companies that are really driving employment, there are some regionally based companies involved in meat and poultry processing, dairy processing companies and fruit and vegetable processing companies looking to hire as well.
Food safety is one area that's opening up job opportunities for new grads.
Other trends are contributing as well. The public's demand for minimally processed foods has created a challenge for food companies. So, too, has the growing consumption of convenience foods by a population perpetually on the go. That's new for us. Irradiation is another emerging technology we're teaching more and more.