The food service industry is a vibrant and ever-growing sector, with more than 14 million people employed in the United States alone. From traditional positions such as chefs and bakers to emerging roles like food pickers and research chefs, there are plenty of opportunities for those looking to pursue a career in the food industry. One of the best benefits of careers in the food industry is diversity. The culinary industry offers a variety of professional options, ranging from traditional positions such as chefs and bakers to new and emerging jobs like food pickers and research chefs.
The manufacturing sector also presents opportunities for people seeking careers in food science and other positions related to food processing. When most people think about starting a career in food, they automatically come up with more traditional occupations such as chef, baker, and restaurant manager. However, there are plenty of other options available. For example, hospitality managers oversee all facilities that include both accommodations and food services, such as hotels and resorts.
They focus on overall guest experiences and ensure that the business is organized and profitable. Food pickers are also in high demand. Chefs don't usually have time to source ingredients such as locally grown produce or artisanal products, so they hire professional food pickers to do it for them. The pickers obtain the ingredients and sometimes even educate the chefs and restaurant staff about the origin of the items.
Research chefs create new foods and dishes for food manufacturing companies, restaurants, and other food-based businesses. They often have their hands in areas related to research, product development, marketing, and sales. Research chefs report that their days offer a lot of variety; they can be found doing anything from researching the latest food trends to developing ingredients or dishes in kitchens. If you're interested in becoming a chef or baker, it would be wise to start mastering your skills in a baking or pastry arts program. It can give you the foundation you need to attract attention in the baking world.
And if you're looking for a career that involves social interaction, then careers in food service may be worth considering. Jobs found at the front of a restaurant, such as waiter or restaurant manager, give you the opportunity to meet new and interesting people every day. No matter what type of career you choose within the food industry, it's important to remember that there are plenty of opportunities for advancement once you start working in the sector. Many well-known restaurant chefs actually started their careers as front-line cooks, while most restaurant managers and owners also started their careers from the bottom up. Whether you're an avid home cook or a culinary professional, there are plenty of options available when it comes to traditional and unique food jobs, as well as careers in food science and manufacturing. We hire employers, educational institutions, training providers, and other partners to design training programs that provide viable food services and hospitality career opportunities for New Yorkers.
