Is Feed Technology a good career?

Also within my own family I am experiencing the same situation. My son is nearly finished with his MSc Mechanical Engineering at Twente University in the Netherlands. He has to do a three month internship in a foreign country. He wants to get hands-on experience in a commercial operation (instead of a university, which is also an option) in Australia. All in all he has sent out some 15 requests. So far he has received denials or simply no reply at all.

 

Why is it so difficult for (feed) technology graduates without previous experience and connections to penetrate the job market? Even common opportunities to get practical experience after graduation is becoming a terrible bore.

 

Many (feed) industries want highly qualified and experienced technologists while they are unable or unwilling to provide internships and work experience training. When at conferences or doing interviews at feed operations, many managers complain to me about the quality of the work force and the difficulties in attracting qualified people – especially today where high tech is becoming a standard in feed technology.

 

You have to invest in people before you can enjoy the benefits of their work. And of course there is always the risk that they move on after having gaining the experience, and another company benefits from your input. But that’s all part of the game, happens everywhere.

 

But the current attitude of feed industries towards new graduates will not motivate students into this field and that simply means shortage of future scientists in the animal feed industry.

 

Perhaps it is not like this all over the world. I am curious to know if Feed Technology is still a good career.