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Food Safety Specialist

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Posted 23 May 2017 - 04:36 PM

Hello all,

I have been a member of the IFSQN for over 4 years. Currently, I live in the Houston, TX area. I have been in the food safety and microbiology industry for over 5 years in roles including Quality Assurance Lead, Food Safety Specialist, and Food Safety Microbiologist. A few years ago, I took some time off to have kids and raise a family. During this time, I became an entrepreneur where I was able to leverage and improve on my leadership, analytical and decision making skills. Also, I attended several food safety webinars (including IFSQN webinars) to keep my knowledge and skills up to date. I am ready to re-enter the work force.

 

I am writing to you to seek advice/help in the following:

--Any certification or course I can take to enhance my career and enable me to get a job

--Any employment opportunities that are available.

 

Thank you in advance for your in advance for your time. 



GMO

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Posted 24 May 2017 - 10:53 AM

Some kind of HACCP course would be good in my opinion?  Good luck in your job search.



Charles.C

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Posted 24 May 2017 - 12:51 PM

Hello all,

I have been a member of the IFSQN for over 4 years. Currently, I live in the Houston, TX area. I have been in the food safety and microbiology industry for over 5 years in roles including Quality Assurance Lead, Food Safety Specialist, and Food Safety Microbiologist. A few years ago, I took some time off to have kids and raise a family. During this time, I became an entrepreneur where I was able to leverage and improve on my leadership, analytical and decision making skills. Also, I attended several food safety webinars (including IFSQN webinars) to keep my knowledge and skills up to date. I am ready to re-enter the work force.

 

I am writing to you to seek advice/help in the following:

--Any certification or course I can take to enhance my career and enable me to get a job

--Any employment opportunities that are available.

 

Thank you in advance for your in advance for your time. 

 

Hi FSS,

 

I deduce you have substantial marketable experience as stated in OP but lack formal certifications.

 

Assuming you hope to stay in the same knowledge area as before, i agree with GMO that a haccp qualification / course is a logical first step.

 

With a haccp cert./yr experience you might also consider Food Safety Standard auditing options in addition to the Manufacturing arena.


Kind Regards,

 

Charles.C


lentilheather

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Posted 24 May 2017 - 04:30 PM

With the new FSMA standards a PCQI course would be beneficial.



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GMO

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Posted 24 May 2017 - 06:45 PM

Good point, I'm not US based but intending to get myself on a PCQI course this year.



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lentilheather

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Posted 24 May 2017 - 06:49 PM

I think it would be hard to get a Food Safety job in the US without a PCQI certification. With the requirement to have at least 1 PCQI on staff, it only makes sense for someone looking for employment in the industry to have it.



YongYM

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Posted 25 May 2017 - 04:41 AM

Dear "Food Safety Specialist":

 

Besides PCQI (for FSMA), you may also consider to take the lead assessor courses for e.g. FSSC 22000, BRC, IFS, SQF etc to upgrade yourself.

 

 

 

 

Yong



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Food Safety Specialist

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Posted 25 May 2017 - 05:50 PM

Some kind of HACCP course would be good in my opinion?  Good luck in your job search.

Thanks for the advice. I agre HACCP is important. I am HACCP certified already. Also, I have a BS in Microbiology and a Masters in Food Safety.



Food Safety Specialist

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Posted 25 May 2017 - 05:52 PM

OK. Thank you. Will do

Dear "Food Safety Specialist":

 

Besides PCQI (for FSMA), you may also consider to take the lead assessor courses for e.g. FSSC 22000, BRC, IFS, SQF etc to upgrade yourself.

 

 

 

 

Yong



Food Safety Specialist

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Posted 25 May 2017 - 05:54 PM

I think it would be hard to get a Food Safety job in the US without a PCQI certification. With the requirement to have at least 1 PCQI on staff, it only makes sense for someone looking for employment in the industry to have it.

Thank you for the advice. I plan on taking the PCQI. Is it okay if I take the online version? How credible is the PCQI online training?



Food Safety Specialist

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Posted 25 May 2017 - 05:56 PM

Hi FSS,

 

I deduce you have substantial marketable experience as stated in OP but lack formal certifications.

 

Assuming you hope to stay in the same knowledge area as before, i agree with GMO that a haccp qualification / course is a logical first step.

 

With a haccp cert./yr experience you might also consider Food Safety Standard auditing options in addition to the Manufacturing arena.

Thank you Charles. I appreciate your advice



Charles.C

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Posted 25 May 2017 - 06:10 PM

Thank you Charles. I appreciate your advice

 

Hi FSS,

 

With the graduate/PG qualifications you mention (assumed to be ex USA), i would think many Audit Companies would be only too happy to hear from you if suitably auditor qualified.

Good Luck !


Kind Regards,

 

Charles.C


lentilheather

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Posted 25 May 2017 - 06:23 PM

Thank you for the advice. I plan on taking the PCQI. Is it okay if I take the online version? How credible is the PCQI online training?

As long as it is approved by FSPCA, online training would be fine. The class is intense but with your knowledge it will probably be a walk in the park. Although the food industry is moving more towards 3rd party audits the FSMA standards are still hanging over our head like a little storm cloud. 



Ryan M.

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Posted 07 June 2017 - 12:20 AM

HACCP, PCQI, and SQF.

 

If you have all of those you will be a much more attractive candidate.  An internal auditing course would be a nice addition as well.





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