Working in the food service industry can be extremely rewarding, especially if you enjoy working with others and taking pride in your work. At the same time, if you’ve been working in the same role for some time and are ready to advance your career, you may be wondering what your next steps should look like.

The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities for advancement in the food service industry. The key is gaining the skills and knowledge needed to work your way up the proverbial ladder. No matter where you are now and where your career goals lie, there are some things to keep in mind as you forge your path forward.

Overview of the Food Service Industry

The food service industry is incredibly broad, with job opportunities ranging from entry-level positions as line cooks to management and corporate roles.

Importance of Career Advancement for Workers in This Sector

Whether you’re already working in food service or have plans to enter the field, having a trajectory in mind for your career advancement is always a good idea. Otherwise, it can become easy to stay in the same place for too long and become complacent.

Fortunately, because food service is such a massive industry, the possibilities for advancement are limited only by your willingness to develop and grow your own skill set.

Why Career Advancement Matters in Food Service

There are many reasons to create your own career advancement plan in the food service industry. By frequently setting and working toward new goals, you can maintain a positive outlook while increasing your earning potential in the process.

Breaking Stereotypes in the Industry

The food service industry is unique in that it’s rather easy to get into (with no minimum education requirements and very minimal on-the-job training for most entry-level positions). However, advancing into more prestigious positions, such as management and corporate roles, can be much more challenging.

For this reason, there’s somewhat of a negative stereotype that those working entry-level food service jobs are in “dead-end” positions. While that’s far from the truth, it may be easy to become complacent in an entry-level role if you don’t set goals for yourself.

Benefits of Growth Opportunities

By pursuing growth opportunities in food service, you can diversify your own knowledge and skills while increasing your earning potential in the process. Meanwhile, when you take advantage of professional development opportunities, you can learn new things that make your work more enjoyable.

Common Career Advancement Paths in Food Service

So, what exactly does career advancement even look like in the food service industry? It can be different for everybody, but here are some common career advancement paths to consider for yourself.

Moving Into Management

Many food service workers aspire to make their way into management roles. Restaurant managers, bar managers, and food service managers are responsible for overseeing entire operations while managing staff, scheduling, food presentation, and the like.

Transitioning to Corporate Roles

A step above management is the corporate position in food service, with examples of corporate job titles including food service director and chief financial officer. This type of work requires an in-depth knowledge not just of the food and beverage industry, but an advanced degree in business management or a related field of study (in most cases).

Becoming a Culinary Expert

Some food service professionals also become culinary experts regarded as thought leaders in the field. They may help restaurants write their menus, develop new recipes, or even oversee food preparation and cooking methods.

Starting Your Own Food Business

A dream for many food service professionals is to start a business. This may be anything from launching a food truck to opening a bar and restaurant of their own. Regardless, this level of entrepreneurship requires a lot of business acumen and a solid understanding of the industry.

Education and Certifications for Career Growth

The proper education and training can go a long way in helping you advance your career, especially if you’re willing to pursue in-demand industry certifications or other credentials.

Industry-Specific Certifications

There are many food service certifications you can pursue to set yourself apart from others and improve your chances of landing a more advanced role. Some popular options, for example, include:

• Certified Food ServiceProfessional (CFSP)
• Certified Professional – Food Safety (CP-FS)
• ServSafe Manager

Culinary School and Higher Education

Another option is to obtain a degree from a culinary school, such as a degree in culinary arts or a related field. Having a formal diploma or degree can be a great way to differentiate yourself while developing skills that can help you perform more advanced roles in the field.

Online Courses and Microcredentials

If you’re not ready to commit to a long culinary arts degree, consider online courses or microcredentials, like food service certificates. These options are often more affordable and time-efficient while helping you stand out.

Leveraging Transferable Skills for Career Diversification

Skills gained in entry-level food service roles, like serving or line cooking, can transfer to advanced positions in the field. Use these skills to advance your career:

Communication and Customer Service Skills

Being able to communicate effectively with other food service professionals and customers can go a long way in your career growth. Both verbal and written communication skills can be especially valuable in supervisory/management roles and beyond, so focus on these.

Leadership and Teamwork

Being able to inspire and lead a team while fostering collaboration is a must if you want to get into any kind of leadership or management position. Fortunately, these are skills that you can learn and develop on the job, even if you’re working in an entry-level position.

Tips for Advancing Your Career in Food Service

Even with the right certifications and education, there are some additional tips worth keeping in mind as you strive to advance your food service career.

Networking Within the Industry

First, take advantage of networking events whenever possible. These can be a great way to meet and connect with other professionals, which can open up new opportunities. Trade shows and other major events are a great place to start, but even maintaining an active LinkedIn page can be an effective way to network.

Seeking Internal Promotions

If you’re already working in a food service position, don’t hesitate to let your immediate supervisors and managers know you’re interested in internal promotions. This can be an excellent way to make yourself available for professional development and training opportunities.

Staying Updated With Industry Trends

Last but not least, remember that the food service industry is constantly changing and evolving. To remain relevant, you’ll need to grow and evolve right along with it. Find ways to stay on top of emerging trends, such as by reading the most reputable industry publications.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Still have questions? We’ve got answers!

What are the best certifications for advancing in food service?

The best certifications for advancing in food service will ultimately depend on your current role and your long-term career goals. However, some of the most in-demand certifications in this field include Certified Food Service Professional (CFSP), Certified Food Safety Professional (CP-FS), and ServSafe Manager.

Can I transition from food service into a corporate role?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to work your way from a basic food service position into a corporate role. The key is to gain enough practical experience while building your leadership and managerial skills. Many corporate professionals in the restaurant industry began as line cooks and in similar roles, gradually working their way into supervisory and management positions before qualifying for corporate positions.

What skills do I need to become a restaurant manager?

Restaurant managers need to possess a wide range of hard and soft skills, including strong leadership skills, time management skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage staff effectively. Likewise, restaurant managers need to have a solid understanding of food and beverage operations while maintaining basic business and financial acumen.

Are there affordable options for culinary education?

There are plenty of cost-effective options for formal education available today, including online programs that allow you to work towards a certificate or degree without having to attend classes on a physical campus. Medix College takes pride in its online program offerings in the food service industry, including its Food Services Worker Program, which costs less than $6,000 (with financial assistance available to those who qualify).

How can I start my own food service business?

Starting your own food service business requires an extensive knowledge of the industry and its nuances and basic business acumen. Typically, the first step is to build a business plan and obtain any required licenses/permits. From there, you need to find a location, connect with suppliers, and start building your menu as you recruit and train staff.

Learn More in an Online Program

As you can see, there are many directions in which you can take your career in the food service industry. Whether you dream of someday opening your own restaurant or aspire to move into a more corporate role in your current workplace, the right education and training can go a long way in advancing your career.

At Medix College, we offer a wide range of programs for busy professionals looking to learn new skills without putting their lives on hold. Specifically, our Food Service Worker Online Live (FSWO) program is designed to help students gain valuable skills essential for success in institutional food preparation environments. Plus, this 22-week program is available online (with the exception of a 150-hour externship), so you can complete your coursework while managing other responsibilities.

Reach out to learn more about our FWSO program or any other career-focused programs available at Medix College. Ready to take the next step? Connect with our admissions team to start your application today.

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