Foodservice Systems Management

<h2 id="section---IsFoodserviceSystemsManagementForMe">Is Foodservice Systems Management For Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---JobDescription">Job Description</h3> <p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/Food_Service_Management_Colleges_and_Degrees_FAQs.html">Foodservice systems managers</a> oversee the acquisition and production of foodstuffs served in cafeterias, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_Can_I_Become_an_Assistant_Catering_Manager.html">catering</a> organizations and other large-scale dining establishments. As a foodservice systems manager, you will likely need to take into consideration many factors, such as menu preparation, nutritional goals and sanitation, as well as food delivery, preparation and distribution. Your job may also include supervision of workers and human resources management. </p> <p>As a foodservice systems manager, you may find work in any organization or facility involved in volume <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_Can_I_Work_in_Food_Preparation.html">food preparation</a>. This may include jails, schools, hospitals, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Careers_in_Resort_Management_What_Are_My_Job_Options.html">resorts</a>, nursing homes or casinos, for example. </p> <h3 id="section---CareerAndEmploymentInformation">Career and Employment Information</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Food_Service_Manager_Your_Career_and_Salary_Questions_Answered.html">foodservice managers</a> is expected to change very little, if at all, from 2012-2022 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Individuals with plenty of practical experience, as well as those who hold a degree in foodservice management, may have the best opportunities. The BLS also reports that the median pay for food service managers was $48,080 as of 2013. </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInFoodserviceManagement">How Can I Work in Foodservice Management?</h2> <h3 id="section---Experience">Experience</h3> <p>Gaining experience in the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_Some_Jobs_in_the_Food_and_Beverage_Industry.html">food and beverage industry</a>, for example by working as a waiter or a cook, may be a good way for you to gain experience in the field. From those positions, you can work your way up to assistant manager, and eventually manager. According to the BLS, many employers prefer to hire managers with some postsecondary education. </p> <h3 id="section---Education">Education</h3> <p>You may choose to enroll in a either a certificate or an associate's degree program in foodservice systems management through a community college. Courses may include foodservice systems practicum, foodservice systems purchasing, computer applications, marketing, nutrition and food preparation. You may also choose to earn a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Food_Service_Management_Bachelors_Degree.html">bachelor's degree</a> in an area such as food or nutrition with a concentration in foodservice systems management. Courses in these programs may include convention and meeting management, business legal environment, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Entrepreneurship_Bachelors_Degree.html">entrepreneurship</a>, marketing, economics and accounting. </p> <h3 id="section---Certification">Certification</h3> <p>Although <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_Can_I_Earn_a_Food_Safety_Certification.html">certification</a> is not required in this field, it can help to vouch for your professionalism when you are seeking a new job. The National Restaurant Association oversees the Foodservice Management Professional credential. Eligibility requirements include experience and education, as well as earning the FoodProtection Manager Certification administrated by ServSafe.</p>