Heather Struchen: A Journey from Food Science to Technical Sales
Heather Struchen, a Texas A&M University graduate from the Class of 2012, embarked on an unexpected yet fulfilling career path in technical sales within the food science industry. Her journey began with a simple nutrition course that ignited her passion for understanding the science behind what we consume. This initial spark led her to explore the field of food science, ultimately shaping her professional trajectory.
Discovering Food Science
Before her foray into food science, Struchen had little awareness of the discipline. However, her fascination with nutrition opened the door to a world of possibilities. She decided to pursue an undergraduate degree in food science at Texas A&M’s Department of Food Science and Technology. This decision proved pivotal, as it laid the groundwork for her future career.
Transitioning to Technical Sales
After earning her degree, Struchen began her career as a quality assurance manager at a food packaging plant. While the role provided her with valuable experience, it wasn’t the career path she had envisioned. A year later, an opportunity arose at Parker Food Group, a company specializing in value-added ingredients for baked goods, ice creams, snacks, and candies. The vice president of the company reached out to her regarding an opening in technical sales—a field she had not initially considered.
Struchen embraced the challenge, recognizing that her technical background in food science would be an asset in this new role. After a successful interview, she joined Parker Food Group as a national account manager. In this position, she collaborates with various research and development teams, requiring a deep understanding of technical concepts in nutrition.
The Importance of Technical Skills in Sales
Struchen emphasizes that her education at Texas A&M equipped her with the technical foundation necessary for effective communication with clients. “The technical foundation I developed in my food science classes greatly enhanced my ability to communicate effectively and address specific customer needs,” she explains. Her role involves discussing ingredient usage, flavor enhancement, product consistency, and recipe modifications—all of which require a solid grasp of food science principles.
In addition to her technical expertise, Struchen wears many hats in her sales role. She acts as a relationship-builder, project manager, and solutions provider, serving as a liaison between food companies and internal teams to ensure project needs are met. “All of the people in sales here at Parker Foods have a technical background because that is essential for adequately communicating with our clients and fully understanding their needs,” she notes.
Memorable Experiences at Texas A&M
Reflecting on her time at Texas A&M, Struchen recalls her food science classes fondly. She appreciated the small class sizes and collaborative atmosphere, where passionate professors like Dr. Joseph Awika, Dr. Matt Taylor, Dr. Stephen Talcott, and Dr. Susanne Talcott made learning engaging and enjoyable. Their unique teaching styles fostered a love for the subject matter that resonated with students.
Beyond academics, Struchen valued her involvement in campus activities, such as the freshman Fish Camp, which helped cultivate a sense of community. “I cherished the time spent living with some of my closest friends and the camaraderie we shared during that period,” she reflects. These experiences contributed to a memorable college life that she holds dear.
Embracing the Journey
Although Struchen never anticipated a career in sales, she finds it rewarding and appreciates the diverse skill set she has developed along the way. “You need to learn to appreciate every part of your journey,” she advises. “Every experience, whether positive or challenging, contributes to your growth. Approach each opportunity with an open mind and view every outcome as a valuable lesson.”
Struchen’s story exemplifies how a passion for food science can lead to unexpected and fulfilling career paths, demonstrating the versatility of a degree in this dynamic field. Her journey serves as an inspiration for those considering a career in food science, highlighting the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in achieving professional success.