If you've spent any time in food service, you know how challenging the work can be. For some people, that's just the kind of challenge that makes life worth living. Hearty souls who want to spend their lives in the food service industry are encouraged to enter the world of food service management.
If youâd like to begin a career in Food Service Management, here are just a few tips that can help you get your foot in the door:
Get Experience in the Kitchen
It goes without saying that most food service managers have spent some time either in front-of-house service, or behind the line in the kitchen. There really is no substitute for actual experience in the kitchen or dining room, so get as much as you can! An even better idea is to get experience in every aspect of food service, so spend some time not just as a chef, but also as a server, or a bartender, or even washing dishes. Successful managers understand the issues their staff members face.
Network with Others in the Culinary Industry
Food service workers have a tendency to flock to the same establishments after work, which creates a community of like-minded people with similar interests. Even if you're exhausted after a shift, it's to your advantage to meet up with some fellow workers at least once in a while. You'll get to know other people in the industry, as well as people who have the job you want - and who can let you in on hiring opportunities. Being well-connected can play an important part in getting almost any job, in food service or otherwise.
Get a Degree in Food Service Management
A fair amount of people working in the food service sector are doing so to raise enough money to get through college and enter other occupations. However, more and more, jobs in food service management require a degreeâin either business, management, or culinary arts.
Although this career may not make you wealthy, the work itself can be its own reward and the compensation is pretty good. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a food service manager is $47,960.
In this competitive field, it's not always enough to just have experienceâthereâs a lot more to managing a restaurant than just serving great food. You also need to be able to manage your employees, budget for supplies and staff, take care of customer wants and needs, and know how to market your business. Although some of that information is absorbed organically while you're working, the more complicated business tasks are best left to people specifically educated to understand them. Many universities - both online and on campus offer 2- or 4-year degrees in food service management. Best of all, many of the programs cater to busy adults who are working while attending school, and offer classes at night, as well as during the day.
Start Your Career in Food Service Management
The most important thing to remember while you're considering a becoming a food service manager is that everything you do now is preparing you for your future, so why wait? At ECPI Universityâs College of Culinary Arts, Culinary Institute of Virginia, you can earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Food Service Management in just 2.5 years through the schoolâs year-round program. Call today and learn how attending Culinary Institute of Virginia could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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