Find out if you are a good fit for a career in Food Service Management by ECPI University

Food Service Management: Are You a Good Fit?

Determining the career that is just the right fit for you can be a daunting task. There are certainly many ways to approach coming to the right decision, but ultimately you want the work that you choose to challenge you to grow while simultaneously allowing you to flourish in your strengths and abilities. 

If you are one who enjoys working in food service, or who sees themselves working in a management position, here are some thoughts to help you determine whether you are a good fit for food service management and a good course of action to help you achieve that goal.

Basic Facts About Food Service Management Careers First

When it comes to food service management, it's truly necessary to understand yourself and to know how well you are going to fit in this often fast-paced, high energy job. A successful food service manager will include opportunities for many decisions to be made in a short amount of time, and can often come with hidden responsibilities and unexpected bumps. Considering how you would react in those situations is a critical component of your long-term success.

Knowing yourself is the most important factor in deciding whether a specific career is a good fit for you or not. This process should include some very pointed questions and honest answers that push you forward in your decision-making.

  • What is my personality type?
  • Can I multitask successfully?
  • Am I laid back or structured?
  • Am I a leader or a follower?
  • Would I rather work with machines, or am I a people person?
  • Do I work well under pressure, or is a calmer environment better for me?

Strength Assessment – Are You Ready for Food Service Management?

Once you have a better grasp on your personality type, the next part of your thought process should focus on your strengths and abilities. Creating a definite list of what you are best at and where you need to grow and develop can often make the direction you should take clear. 

  1. Make a List of Your Strengths. From punctuality to the ability to process large amounts of information at once to having an instant rapport with others, whatever your skill set be honest and complete in making this list.
    • Strengths that are helpful in food service management include: professionalism, strong code of ethics, effective communicator, and the ability to understand financial and economic trends.
  2. Consider Areas for Improvement: Everyone has places they can grow. Again, be honest; the only one you are hurting by pretending you're perfect is you!
    • Looking at areas for improvement is just as important as knowing your strengths; if there is an area of your personality or skillset that doesn't match this profession, food service management may not be the best fit for you. For example, if you are someone who is easily thrown off track by busy situations or who gets ruffled in confrontational situations, you will find the hospitality industry setting a challenge that may end up being more stressful than inspiring.
  3. Ask People you Trust for Feedback: Sometimes the best way to know yourself is to ask other people what they see in your actions and abilities. Take their feedback as constructive and allow it to push you toward true professional growth.
    • One fact about the food service industry is: you will always encounter people who have opinions about you and what you are doing. As a manager, this becomes even more amplified. Learning early how to receive feedback as constructive and not letting it destroy your day will help you maintain a balance in your job and an even tone in your work environment.

What Are the Rewards for a Career in Food Service Management?

Food Service Management Pay | Source: BLS | ECPI UniversityAs with any job, it's good to know the rewards for the work to be performed. The median salary in the United States for the field of food service manager is $48,690 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Beyond that, there is the satisfaction that you are a part of a vital service that is provided for the people in your community--vital for keeping the economy from becoming stagnant, in providing an environment of relaxation for those who need a break in their usual routine, and of course in employing up-and-coming workers in the field. What you will do as a food service manager could bring priceless rewards.

 

Interested in this Field? We can help!

If you are interested in a career as a food service manager, take a moment to invest in your future and contact ECPI University TODAY for more information about earning your Bachelor of Science in Food Service Management. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

Learn more about ECPI's College of Culinary Arts TODAY!

DISCLAIMER – ECPI University makes no claim, warranty, or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content.

Gainful Employment Information – Food Service Management - Bachelor’s

For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.