4 answers
Alina
Student
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
1
Question
Updated
453 views
i am so confused on what to do . i scored less and i am thinking either about psychology or food science? is there any other thing that can help me I am a science student
i scored 50 percent in science. i was really struggling with my health back then now I am okay so I can study . i just want to find rn a degree I can do and maybe if anyone has college suggestions. the thing is time is running out for me making it difficult. i am open to any suggestions for any degree.thank you
Login to comment
4 answers
Ed O'Neill
R&D, quality, food safety
3
Answers
Lincoln, Nebraska
Updated
Ed’s Answer
I can't speak with any degree of authority about psychology, as that is not my field. I'm a food scientist with both B.S. and M.S. in the field plus 50+ years of experience in a variety of food science sub-disciplines.
I was a mediocre science student in high school. I liked the subject but was rather lazy and unmotivated so did average to slightly above average work. I was attracted to food science because it had the science component but was practical and something I cold relate to and see utility in. Furthermore, when I started college the job market was tough, food science however was a field that didn't react to economic conditions; food production never stopped and there is always a need for trained people.
Once in college I was motivated to study more and work harder. I did well in both undergrad and grad work and was rewarded with a first job that gave me freedom to explore, opportunity to explore the technology, and provided the satisfaction of seeing my work used by the company. In the intervening years I've worked in a wide variety of technologies, product categories, disciplines. I've done blue sky creative work, new product development, research, line extensions, cost reductions, food quality control and quality assurance, and food safety in fields as diverse as consumer package goods, business to business, food service, and even some technical sales assistance. I've enjoyed and learned from every experience.
Bottom line to all of this is that food science offers a variety of sub-specialties that require a solid science background to excel in yet is practical with readily visible end results.
College is a time to really learn about the options and decide what career path is best for you. In the USA the average college student changes their major three times, certainly indicating that most students find alternative career paths more interesting and/or engaging than the one(s) they started on. I suggest that you not eliminate your options yet. Since you are unsure explore both majors by taking classes in each subject, get involved with the faculty and opportunities to discuss the profession and career opportunities, join the clubs for the majors (if they have any), and look for opportunities to intern or work in the field. If your school offers opportunities to interact with local professionals in those fields, jump at them.
You'll be able to make a more solid and informed decision about which field to focus on after you've completed some research and learned more about each field. Since the first two years of most programs is largely in the area of general academic requirements and introductory classes you will have time to make a decision before stepping into a class load in your chosen field during your junior and senior years.
Learn more about the sub-specialties in each field and where your interests lie.
Expect that you're focus and interests will shift as you get in college and explore options.
Introspection; what motivates you? Psychology may take years to see results, Food Science has options from a research focus where it may take years to see results to quality control where results are instantaneous.
I was a mediocre science student in high school. I liked the subject but was rather lazy and unmotivated so did average to slightly above average work. I was attracted to food science because it had the science component but was practical and something I cold relate to and see utility in. Furthermore, when I started college the job market was tough, food science however was a field that didn't react to economic conditions; food production never stopped and there is always a need for trained people.
Once in college I was motivated to study more and work harder. I did well in both undergrad and grad work and was rewarded with a first job that gave me freedom to explore, opportunity to explore the technology, and provided the satisfaction of seeing my work used by the company. In the intervening years I've worked in a wide variety of technologies, product categories, disciplines. I've done blue sky creative work, new product development, research, line extensions, cost reductions, food quality control and quality assurance, and food safety in fields as diverse as consumer package goods, business to business, food service, and even some technical sales assistance. I've enjoyed and learned from every experience.
Bottom line to all of this is that food science offers a variety of sub-specialties that require a solid science background to excel in yet is practical with readily visible end results.
College is a time to really learn about the options and decide what career path is best for you. In the USA the average college student changes their major three times, certainly indicating that most students find alternative career paths more interesting and/or engaging than the one(s) they started on. I suggest that you not eliminate your options yet. Since you are unsure explore both majors by taking classes in each subject, get involved with the faculty and opportunities to discuss the profession and career opportunities, join the clubs for the majors (if they have any), and look for opportunities to intern or work in the field. If your school offers opportunities to interact with local professionals in those fields, jump at them.
You'll be able to make a more solid and informed decision about which field to focus on after you've completed some research and learned more about each field. Since the first two years of most programs is largely in the area of general academic requirements and introductory classes you will have time to make a decision before stepping into a class load in your chosen field during your junior and senior years.
Ed recommends the following next steps:
CJ Kuo
Food Scientist
1
Answer
Marysville, Ohio
Updated
CJ’s Answer
Dear Alina,
Keep an open mind and take time to look within yourself. Think about your interests and the things you genuinely enjoy doing. For me, I was interested in psychology, engineering, and I have always loved food. As I explored different possibilities, I discovered that I enjoyed working in food-related fields the most.
I earned degrees in Hospitality and Nutrition, and later completed an advanced degree in Food Science. Today, I work as a Food Scientist, developing new products and improving existing ones. It is a career that I truly enjoy.
I am not saying that Food Science is better than Psychology. Both fields can lead to many rewarding professions, and success in either requires commitment, dedication, and hard work.
If you have a wide range of interests, do not feel that you have to give up one passion to pursue another. Even while focusing on a particular field, you can continue learning about other subjects through reading, talking with experienced professionals, and observing how others work. As you gain knowledge and develop new skills, you may even choose to change your profession later in life. Just be thoughtful and intentional about those changes rather than making them too frequently.
Most importantly, stay curious and keep learning. The more you explore your interests, the better prepared you will be to find a career that is both meaningful and enjoyable.
Keep an open mind and take time to look within yourself. Think about your interests and the things you genuinely enjoy doing. For me, I was interested in psychology, engineering, and I have always loved food. As I explored different possibilities, I discovered that I enjoyed working in food-related fields the most.
I earned degrees in Hospitality and Nutrition, and later completed an advanced degree in Food Science. Today, I work as a Food Scientist, developing new products and improving existing ones. It is a career that I truly enjoy.
I am not saying that Food Science is better than Psychology. Both fields can lead to many rewarding professions, and success in either requires commitment, dedication, and hard work.
If you have a wide range of interests, do not feel that you have to give up one passion to pursue another. Even while focusing on a particular field, you can continue learning about other subjects through reading, talking with experienced professionals, and observing how others work. As you gain knowledge and develop new skills, you may even choose to change your profession later in life. Just be thoughtful and intentional about those changes rather than making them too frequently.
Most importantly, stay curious and keep learning. The more you explore your interests, the better prepared you will be to find a career that is both meaningful and enjoyable.
Sanjeev Mehta
Consulting
15
Answers
McLean, Virginia
Updated
Sanjeev’s Answer
Hi Alina,
This is a great question. When I was in school, i barely passed Chemistry and Physics. My score was lower than yours. Don't let that bother you as these are just numbers. You have several options.
If your health, finances allow you to attend college then that's great. Please know that this is a commitment and would require dedicated effort for the next several years. If you go the psychology route then you have a few career choices. You could become a clinical psychologist, behavioral analyst, social worker etc. You could choose to go either 'people - heavy' or 'data and behavior heavy'. This does require you to complete your degree and get a license. You could also chose to do clinical / counseling work or plan for a higher degree. For research, focus on data analysis. This all requires commitment.
If you choose to go the second option which is food science, you could become food technologist, quality assurance/quality control analyst, food safety specialist , nutrition specialist etc. These are all promising careers but the key is commitment to study and follow your path.
You could also choose to get a diploma if it is offered and then start a job. A lot of companies pay employees to complete their degree. The benefit of this is that you get to work, gain experience and also complete your degree (paid for by the company). Explore all options and then decide. I hope that this helps.
This is a great question. When I was in school, i barely passed Chemistry and Physics. My score was lower than yours. Don't let that bother you as these are just numbers. You have several options.
If your health, finances allow you to attend college then that's great. Please know that this is a commitment and would require dedicated effort for the next several years. If you go the psychology route then you have a few career choices. You could become a clinical psychologist, behavioral analyst, social worker etc. You could choose to go either 'people - heavy' or 'data and behavior heavy'. This does require you to complete your degree and get a license. You could also chose to do clinical / counseling work or plan for a higher degree. For research, focus on data analysis. This all requires commitment.
If you choose to go the second option which is food science, you could become food technologist, quality assurance/quality control analyst, food safety specialist , nutrition specialist etc. These are all promising careers but the key is commitment to study and follow your path.
You could also choose to get a diploma if it is offered and then start a job. A lot of companies pay employees to complete their degree. The benefit of this is that you get to work, gain experience and also complete your degree (paid for by the company). Explore all options and then decide. I hope that this helps.
thank you seriously so much for taking the time to answer my question . is there a different career i can do other than what i said. and again thank you for your advice it really helped alot
Alina
Navneet Kashyap
Software Engineer
119
Answers
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
Updated
Navneet’s Answer
Step 1: Don’t choose only between psychology or food science
Those are just two options, not your whole life.
Since you’re a science student, you actually have more paths:
Health + Human science fields
Psychology (good if you like people, behavior, mental health)
Nutrition / Food Science (good if you like biology + health)
Physiotherapy (very practical, growing field)
Nursing / Allied health sciences (stable + job security)
Public health (big impact, less clinical pressure)
Other science-based options
Biotechnology
Environmental science
Forensic science
Biomedical science
Those are just two options, not your whole life.
Since you’re a science student, you actually have more paths:
Health + Human science fields
Psychology (good if you like people, behavior, mental health)
Nutrition / Food Science (good if you like biology + health)
Physiotherapy (very practical, growing field)
Nursing / Allied health sciences (stable + job security)
Public health (big impact, less clinical pressure)
Other science-based options
Biotechnology
Environmental science
Forensic science
Biomedical science