Food Industry Management Co-op Student Information
About The Program
The Food Industry Management co-op major bridges food science and business. Combining business practice and industry and market analysis with the science of food safety, processing and food composition. Food industry management graduates ensure the success of food businesses. Professionals in food industry management have broad career options with the ability to focus on either the processing or business side of the industry. They understand the impact of changing a single ingredient on both a product’s flavour and the company’s bottom line. This program is offered and administered by both the Department of Food Science and the Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics.
Why Co-op?
As a co-op student, you will be able to gain relevant work experience, build professional networks, and develop essential transferable skills needed to succeed in the workplace, all while getting paid and earning your university degree. Guelph’s co-op program is unique due to the exceptional level of support provided to students, including a job search preparatory course, a personal connection with a Co-op Coordinator to assist you during the employment process, and targeted work term reports to help you develop relevant skills.
Course Sequencing
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| TWO | Academic | Academic | Work |
| THREE | Academic | Academic | Work |
| FOUR | Work | Work | Off |
| FIVE | Academic | Academic |
Acquired Knowledge & Skills
Engagement
Strong background in food science, economics and business, mixing theoretical and applied study.
Application
Advanced skills in presentation delivery.
Communication
Well-developed written and verbal communication and interpersonal competencies.
Sample Jobs
Quality Assurance Co-op Student
Students will be responsible for recommending and implementing changes within the production process to improve internal controls and departmental efficiencies, work with Quality Manager & Quality Systems Supervisor to develop methods and SOPs for the plant operations & cleaning practices, and provide compliance reports
Junior Project Analyst
Gain hands-on knowledge as to how the provincial government functions, including exposure to finance, program design and delivery, measurement and analysis, and individual ministry decision-making processes. This includes analyzing business proposals, reconciling financial data, and developing communications materials
Research and Development Intern
In this role, students will assist the R&D Manager in product development, developing specifications for all new and enhanced ingredients, products and packaging, conduct plant trials and first productions and subsequent formal product evaluations. Student will also develop specifications for all new and enhanced ingredients, products and packaging
Employer Sectors
- Maple Leaf Foods
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency
- Bunge Canada
- Mondelez International
- Agricorp
- Canadian Mist Distillers
- RBC
*This shows a sample of recent co-op employers and will vary depending on employer recruitment needs. During a job search, students are encouraged to be actively engaged and are supported in establishing and maintaining their own personal contacts.
Salary Information
Students receive compensation from their employer for co-op work terms. The rate of pay will vary depending on a number of factors including the industry, the student’s program of study, and work term level. For your reference, a Co-operative Education Salary Guide is available on our website, which provides hourly rates (averages and ranges) for each degree program.
About Us
The Experiential Learning Hub is home to experiential learning opportunities on and off-campus, co-op, career education and community engaged learning.