Food Service Management: Is This the Career Where I Belong?
Are you passionate about food and people? Are you looking to change up your career and enjoy a position with plenty of mobility and excitement? If so, then you should consider enrolling in a food service management program and entering into the food service industry.
The food industry is a multi-billion dollar one, and that's only if what you are looking at are the places that serve up food. Add in farmers, food shipping companies, and similar side operations, and it's easy to see how the food industry is one of the largest industries in the world. It's also an industry that isn't going anywhere and so if you are on the hunt for a long-term career that offers plenty of room for advancement, then food service is it and obtaining a degree in food service management is an excellent first step.
The Basics of Food Service Management
Food service managers can be found in just about every dining establishment. These are the managers and leaders who are responsible for a variety of things according to what type of manager they are.
For example, a front of house manager is often in charge of hiring and managing the staff and processing purchase orders. A back of house food service manager is often in charge of ensuring everyone is trained on correct food preparation and kitchen safety standards. Sometimes there are multiple FSMs at one restaurant. At smaller establishments, there might be only one.
Desirable Job Skills For a Food Service Management Career
- Strong people-person personality. Food service management is not a good career choice for those who lack interpersonal skills. Rather, as a food service manager, you can expect to interact with employees, customers, and vendors on a daily basis. Being friendly, courteous, and responsive to customers' needs is essential to keep customers coming back to your establishment.
- Attention to detail and ability to multitask. As a food service manager, you can expect to be asked to multitask and complete a variety of tasks ranging from keeping the customers happy to ensuring chefs are following food standards. The ability to multitask and having a strong attention to detail are musts in this career.
- Strong organization skills. A successful kitchen knows the importance of meeting and keeping deadlines. Food service managers will need to often organize and maintain various shipments, work schedules, and similar items.
- Good problem-solving skills. The food service industry can be stressful as sometimes, especially for new kitchens and dining establishments, profit margins can be small. As a food service manager, you will be expected to solve issues effectively and efficiently. Additionally, issues may arise with irate customers and employee conflicts and it is often the food service manager who is tasked with troubleshooting and resolving such disagreements.
- Stamina and passion. While there are some 9-5 food service management gigs, when entering this field, you can expect to work days, nights, or sometimes both. Because so much of operating the day-to-day needs of a food establishment is your responsibility, this job will need you on your feet and passionate about the work.
Earning a Food Service Management Degree vs. Going Straight Into the Workforce
A career in food service management isn't for everyone. This is a fast-paced, people-oriented career and so it is important for people considering this career to experiment with it first. As such, it is a good idea to do some work in a restaurant or similar dining facility before enrolling in a bachelor's degree program to get an idea of what this industry entails.
However, while it's good to test the food service industry waters first, obtaining a degree is a great idea for anyone who wants to pursue the more advanced position of food service management. That's because a degree could you get the solid foundation necessary for success in this field.
For example, some of the coursework you will be expected to take as you pursue this degree program includes classes in financial management, strategic planning and leadership, and navigating the latest operations management software. When you graduate with a degree in food service management, you should enter the workforce with both the soft and hard skills necessary to succeed in this competitive industry.
The reality is, it is competitive. The restaurant industry is one of the most competitive industries in the country and as such it is important for those who want to advance to have a solid knowledge and credentials to do so.
Ready to Learn More About Food Service Management?
Are you ready to take the next big step in your career? Then contact our team today at ECPI University’s Culinary Institute of Virginia and talk to one of our friendly admissions representatives to learn how you can enroll in our Bachelor of Science in Food Service Management degree program.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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