Discovering the Versatility of Food Science: From the Lab to the Boardroom

Heather Struchen '12 never anticipated finding her niche in the world of technical sales, but her passion for food science and her willingness to explore new opportunities have led her to a fulfilling career that combines her technical expertise with her ability to connect with clients. Her journey serves as a testament to the diverse career paths available within the food science industry.

Unlocking the Potential of Food Science

Embracing the Science Behind What We Eat

Heather Struchen's journey into the world of food science began with a chance encounter in a nutrition course. Intrigued by the scientific principles underlying the food we consume, she decided to pursue an undergraduate degree in food science at the Texas A&M Department of Food Science and Technology. This decision would ultimately shape the trajectory of her career, leading her down an unexpected yet rewarding path.

Discovering the Breadth of Food Science Careers

As Struchen delved deeper into her studies, she realized that the field of food science offered far more than just research and development. The industry presented a wide array of career opportunities, from quality assurance to technical sales. Determined to explore these diverse options, Struchen kept an open mind and embraced the opportunity to gain valuable experience in various roles.

Transitioning to Technical Sales

After initially working as a quality assurance manager at a food packaging plant, Struchen found her true calling in technical sales. The vice president of Parker Food Group, a company specializing in value-added ingredients and products, recognized the value of Struchen's technical expertise and offered her a position as a national account manager. This transition allowed Struchen to leverage her deep understanding of food science to effectively communicate with clients and address their specific needs.

Leveraging Technical Expertise in Sales

Struchen's background in food science has proven to be a significant asset in her technical sales role. Her ability to comprehend and articulate the technical aspects of the industry, such as the use of ingredients, flavor enhancement, and product consistency, has enabled her to establish strong relationships with her clients. By serving as a liaison between food companies and internal teams, Struchen ensures that project needs are met effectively, demonstrating the importance of technical knowledge in the sales profession.

The Value of a Collaborative and Engaging Education

Reflecting on her time at Texas A&M, Struchen fondly remembers the small, collaborative classes and the passionate professors who brought the subject matter to life. Drs. Joseph Awika, Matt Taylor, Stephen Talcott, and Susanne Talcott in the Department of Food Science and Technology each left a lasting impression, inspiring Struchen with their enthusiasm and engaging teaching styles.

Embracing the Unexpected and Appreciating the Journey

Struchen's journey has been marked by unexpected turns and valuable lessons. While she never anticipated ending up in sales, she has embraced the opportunity and found it to be a rewarding and diverse field that allows her to continuously expand on the knowledge she gained at Texas A&M. Struchen's advice to others is to approach each experience with an open mind and view every outcome as a valuable lesson that contributes to personal and professional growth.