Stuck! Help!
 

Hi all,

I graduated with a Degree in Food Technology, however after working for 3 years i feel that this is not what i really like. I realise that i am not interested in any of the prospect for my related field. Currently, (from what I am aware of) the main primary job roles for this degree are:

- Food Technologist: in charge of developing new food products, doing product testing, tasting, formulation.
- Food Process Technologist: in charge of developing new processes for food manufacturing
- QA/QC executive: Quality checking/testing of food samples in food manufacturers.
- Research in nutrition related field, food technology etc

Currently, i am doing more of a food machine related that deal in automation machines and systems and managing these projects. My other side roles are installation and commissioning engineer and WSH safety rep for my department.

From my above roles, the food science and technology component for my job is actually very low as i do not deal directly with the food but rather on how the machines can handle the food products.

After working for 3 years, i realised that my main interests are in engineering and technical areas. The reason i feel stuck is that i can't find a clear career path where i can go on after i leave my current job.

Due to the circumstances of my job and company, it is almost impossible to get a promotion to a more senior position (dun ask me why, it is hard and too long to explain here). There will be pay rise every year but the increment is obviously not a lot.

While trying to look for another job, I try to look at my current skill set that i have accumulated in this job. These mainly include project management, WSH safety rep and also machine testing and commissioning (specialising more in electrical testing)

However, when i looked at the job market i realised that i have some dilemmas and concerns. I am ok with either of these 3 skillsets, BUT here are the reasons for my dilemma:

1. Project management
- Most project management /project managers (PMP) roles out there require at least a degree related to engineering (which i do not have). Most project manager's job are in the IT/developer/engineering/offshore/marine/construction etc. Even for a related field such as a food company project manager, they require engineering degrees.

- I know that there is a certification for project management, which is the PMP certificate. However, i realised that this certificate is just an add-on to demonstrate competency in project management. You still require a technical field/background. Therefore, for me, i won't be able to just take a PMP certification and become a project manager. (I can't find a suitable job scope in the industry too)

2. Safety Officer
- Similar to project management, this role are usually required in larger manufacturing fields (engineering and construction). Even though i can further value add in my role by taking a WSH specialist diploma, I don't think i can get a job to gain the relevant experience to be registered as a safety officer. My current work environment is mostly offices, labs and a workshop. These environments are not as hazardous as the usual construction sites where safety officers are highly sought after.
- Furthermore, i read a lot about FTs (from india, bangladesh) taking up a lot of safety officer jobs in Singapore, therefore creating a lot of competition for locals.

3. Installation and Commissioning (Electrical job)
- Currently, I am learning hands-on and gaining more knowledge about electrical testing and engineering. My ultimate aim is that i will be able to design circuitry for machines, install, design and test them. However, as my current company is not exactly an engineering company, I have limited exposures to these practices as well. Even though with skilsfuture, i can take certain courses to build up my knowledge (to get a part time diploma etc), I feel that i won't gain much experience to go into engineering companies.


Therefore, I feel rather stuck and unable to move on. Currently, i would say that my job is stable and i will be continually employed for at least another 3 years in this company. However, i don't want to stop here. I feel that if i stay on for too long, I will find it even harder to change job.

However, when i try to find a new job, i am unable to find a suitable one due to my education/degree qualification and inability to gain relevant experience.

I am currently in my mid-late twenties.

Thanks for taking your time to read this long post and for your valuable advices. Thank You very much.

This isn't about you, times are bad and jobs are hard to come by. For your case you are trying to do a career switch without much meaningful work experience which is just going to get harder.

In such tough times, the only thing to do is to apply for as many jobs as possible and be prepared to lower your expectations even if it means pay cut and long hours. Prepare to slug it out for 4-5 years to get the necessary industry experience and network.

Picky about environment, scared of FT or worried how you lack technical qualifications won't get you anywhere. It is an employer market now. If you are not willing to tough it out, then just stay in the current job.

Hey Jeremy,

Here's my 2 cents worth..

i. Try to keep your messages/emails etc concise, otherwise readers will lose their attention on your msg.

ii. If you are interested in engineering, you may want to consider studying part time diploma in engineering whilst working. This may take a few years, but u are still young and it is worth it to work towards your interests.

iii. Are you certain you are keen in engineering field and you will not vacillate again? This is for yourself to find out and cement within. This is not to beat u down, but to make u firm on ur career direction. We can only afford handful of career switches in ones lifetime..

iv. I personally have switched relevant industries to be where i want to be. Hence, never give up trying but always ensure u take the initiative to work towards ur goal.. e.g. apply for smaller companies with the role u like, take a pay cut for the experience, support this enthusiasm via diploma and self study..

"The day we stop striving for what we want, is the day where life starts to dull.."

I wish u the best, and pls have faith.. good luck bud!

hi 2cents worth may I know which industry are you previously from and which industry did you switch to? Thanks for the advice anyways

engineering not very attractive in terms of earnings. don't be fooled by government's advocates on increase engineers' pay, the market is gone. unless you really got passion in it, good luch then. maybe try another country with sizeable market, like US, EU.

If your background relates to chemical, biology, maybe get a master or phd in bioscience? at 26 it's not too late to get a higher education degree and move on from there.

Hi thanks for your views. Why do you think that the gov initiative on attracting more engineers not working? Why do you think that bioscience is a good industry? Thanks.