Food Service Management: How do I know if it's the Right Field for Me?

Food service management is an exciting career path that puts you front and center in the hospitality industry. Whether you are managing a standalone restaurant or taking control of the food service operations in a hotel, you'll have many opportunities to make your customers happy by serving them delicious meals throughout the day.

However, there is more to being a food service manager than just providing good food; you also need to have a strong background in business, among other important qualities. Ask yourself the following questions to determine if food service management is a good choice for you.

Do I Enjoy Fast-Paced Environments?

Food service management is not a job for someone who doesn't handle stress well. Restaurants and hotels can get quite busy at times, particularly during popular meal periods, so you need to be able to think and act quickly to ensure your customers are satisfied. Take the time to think about the types of environments in which you thrive. If you prefer to take your time when making decisions to minimize your stress levels, this might not be the best career path for you. On the other hand, if you find yourself feeling energized in busy environments, you would likely do well in food service management.

Am I Good with Numbers?

A big part of managing a food service operation is ensuring that the restaurant is profitable. You'll need to be able to evaluate which dishes are selling well and which aren't so that you can update the menu accordingly. You'll also need to carefully watch the costs of the various ingredients your chefs use. As prices fluctuate, you'll need to make adjustments to ensure you aren't overspending. You'll need to manage and control food waste as well to avoid throwing money away. If you enjoy working with numbers to get the information you need, this could be a good fit.

Am I Passionate About Customer Service?

Food service management is an industry where your customers' satisfaction is of the utmost importance. With so many dining options available to them, you need to do everything in your power to keep them coming back to your location and telling all their friends how great the experience was.

As a manager, a big part of your job will be handling customer complaints, so you need to be able to do so in a manner that is courteous and respectful. If you struggle with keeping your emotions in check in difficult situations, you may have difficulty as a food service manager. However, if you truly care about helping others and enjoy finding solutions to problems, you may find this role very fulfilling.

Can I Work Flexible Hours?

Food service outlets don't typically follow standard business hours. Depending on the restaurant or hotel, some operations may even run 24 hours a day. Because of this, you won't necessarily have a traditional 9-to-5 schedule. Before entering into the food service industry, think about how you will manage working odd hours.

If you are a single parent, for example, you may have difficulty working in the evenings and on weekends, as you'll have to find an alternate caregiver for your children. However, if your lifestyle allows you to be a bit more flexible in your schedule, food service management could work for you. Keep in mind that you'll often have to work on holidays as well, even if the rest of your family is free during that time.

Am I Ready to Commit to Formal Education?

Getting an education in food service management is a great way to get your foot in the door at restaurants and other dining establishments across the country and around the world. Having a degree demonstrates to employers that you have the business and finance background to help you be successful in this field.

Of course, it is possible to work your way up to a management position after being a server or bartender, but not all outlets offer this type of career path. It will also likely take much longer to reach your career goals. Getting a degree will provide you with the background knowledge you need to jump right into management straight away.

Earn Your Bachelor's Degree in Food Service Management

Are you interested in food service management? If you want the education needed to compete in the field, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Service Management could be the right step for you. ECPI University's Culinary Institute of Virginia offers this course at an accelerated schedule. For more information, connect with a helpful admissions representative today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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Gainful Employment Information – Food Service Management - Bachelor’s

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