(Alexandria, Va. – August 20, 2009) — As highlighted in the recent article posted on CNN.com, “10 Unusual Majors Can Get You These Jobs,” a degree in family and consumer sciences (FCS), formerly known as home economics, can lead to a wide range of fulfilling careers in areas such as human development, personal finance, food science and nutrition, consumer studies, housing and interior design, apparel design and manufacturing, hospitality services, and culinary arts.
With challenges such as high rates of unemployment, credit card debt, and obesity, there is a great need for FCS professionals in a variety of settings. FCS has evolved to meet the changing needs of individuals, families, and communities and provides relevant, research-based knowledge and strategies.
What are the potential career paths for FCS graduates? If you choose this sometimes overlooked major, the career possibilities are numerous. Here are a few examples:
FCS Secondary School Educator – If you want to use hands-on, real-life learning activities to prepare today’s youth for their future careers and to be successful and responsible citizens, this may be the path for you.
Susan Turgeson, CFCS, American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) 2009 National Teacher of the Year, was recently recognized for her innovative Food Science course. Her course is designed to stimulate students’ interest in science, increase the number of females studying in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, address the need for food science professionals, and integrate core academics with the FCS curriculum. For more information on Turgeson and her course, visit www.aafcs.org/press_kit_TOY_09/2009AAFCSnewsTOY.htm.
FCS Extension Specialist – If you want to use the knowledge gained through FCS university research to help improve your community, you may want to investigate a career in the Cooperative Extension Service.
Karen M. Ensle, CFCS, County Extension department head and educator, and Barbara O’Neill, CFCS, Extension specialist, Rutgers University, recently received the AAFCS 2009 Excellence in Extension Grant for their program, “Small Steps to Health and Wealth™ Challenge on the Web.” It is believed to be the first long-term program ever developed to motivate Americans to simultaneously improve their health and personal finances. For more information on their program, visit www.aafcs.org/newsroom/extensionpressrelease062209.htm.
Business Entrepreneur – If you want to create your own career path using knowledge and skills gained in family and consumer sciences, you may want to start your own business.
Luann Alemao, AAFCS 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year, was recently honored because of her passion and commitment to families and the enrichment of life skills that she offers in the business and educational arena. Alemao founded her own company, Luann Alemao and Associates, LLC, in 1990. Her range of experience and expertise allows her to produce a radio program “Insightful Living” for simple and intelligent living and “Get Fit” TV for cable access. She reaches out to youth by coordinating camps to teach children nutrition, culinary techniques, and basic etiquette and speaks to business employees, students, and the general public on the importance of table graces, etiquette, and healthy lifestyles. For more information on Alemao, visit www.aafcs.org/newsroom/entrepreneurpressrelease072209.htm.
If you’d like to see examples of more career paths in FCS and jobs in FCS fields that are currently available, please visit the AAFCS website at www.aafcs.org. For a list of accredited FCS university programs, visit www.aafcs.org/education/accreditation.html.
About AAFCS
Founded in 1909 as the American Home Economics Association, the American
Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) is the only national not-for-profit
501 (c)(3) organization providing leadership and support to FCS students and professionals
in multiple practice settings. FCS professionals help individuals, families, and
communities make informed decisions about their well-being, relationships, and
resources to achieve optimal quality of life. AAFCS’ more than 6,000 members are
elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educators, researchers, and administrators;
Cooperative Extension educators; and other professionals in business and industry,
not-for-profit organizations, and government. These professionals provide research and applied knowledge in the areas of personal finance, child development and parenting, family services, consumer education, housing and environment, apparel and textiles, health and wellness, culinary arts, and nutrition and food science. With national headquarters based in
Alexandria, Va., AAFCS has 52 affiliates located across the United States and Puerto Rico.
For Interviews/Quotes
Please contact Debra Bass, AAFCS media specialist, at 202-409-7974 or dbass@aafcs.org.