How the Animal Science Major Prepares You for the Job Market
With a growing population, the state of the food supply is more important than ever. Animal science is the study of the meat products that are used for food consumption, such as pork, beef, and dairy products. Ensuring that the animals used for slaughter are treated humanely and are free of transmissible diseases is important, as thousands of people across the country consume meat products every day. Animal science majors take courses in biochemistry, animal diseases, infection and immunity, and other topics related to bettering the studentís understanding of animal health and food safety. Animal science majors can specialize in livestock, dairy, or biotechnology, giving them a range of interests they can pursue. Many animal science majors also must complete professional internships outside of the classroom. These skills, combined with a formal education, give animal science majors the foundation they need to successfully join the field upon graduation.
Best Career Paths for Animal Science Majors
With more people to feed and more animals to manage, animal science majors will have to work hard to ensure the quality and safety of the countryís meat products. The best career paths for animal science majors are:
- Animal Scientist. Animal scientists are responsible for looking after the production of meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. They research how to safely keep livestock and poultry in sanitary conditions in order to cut down on outbreaks of disease or illness that can contaminate the end meat product or result in excess animal fatalities. Animal scientists also look for ways to ensure the comfort of the livestock and poultry animals at the stock yards where they are kept. They can also work in food grading and grade livestock by quality, as well as work in marketing and technical sales. Animal scientists make an average salary of $61,640 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Nutritionist. Nutritionists promote healthy eating habits and oversee the food preparation, menu offerings, and dietary needs of an establishment, business, or individual. Many nutritionists work with hospitals and schools to plan the meals and dishes that will be served, ensuring that the menu is not too high in saturated fats, salt, or other unhealthy elements. Some nutritionists also work directly with patients who need dramatic diet supervision, such as overweight patients and patients with diabetes. Animal science majors are suited for nutritionist positions due to their background in food science and animal health, although additional courses and certification will be required. Nutritionists make an average salary of $50,590 annually, according to the Bureau.
How to Market Your Animal Science Degree
After spending years in the classroom and participating in internships and laboratories, you finally earned your animal science degree. Make certain that potential employers understand the value of your hard-earned education as you begin looking for work after graduation. Elaborate on all of the skills and knowledge you obtained from your college career, such as your research, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities. If you participated in internships or volunteer work related to your field, mention how your classroom knowledge helped you gain further insight into the field and what you took away from the experience. The best way to market your animal science degree is to prove to employers that you can take what you learned from your college education and apply that knowledge to real-world working situations.
