4 Great Careers In The Food Industry

Food is life.  If you enjoy eating or preparing food, or love to try new recipes, perhaps you should pursue a career in the food industry. Here are a few of the roles you may want to consider.

Chef

No job is more food-oriented than being a chef. If you qualify as a chef, you can work in a variety of different venues - restaurants, hotels, cruise ships, and armed forces barracks.

Although you do not need any formal qualifications to be a chef, it helps to attend a course on basic food preparation techniques and hygiene. You may also study at college or work as an apprentice in an established eatery. There are a few different levels to work through before you can become the Head Chef of a restaurant - if that's where you want to be. Entry-level is known as Commis Chef and then progresses to Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, and Head Chef.

If you wish to be a chef, you must be passionate about your craft and be prepared to work long, unsocial hours.

Caterer

Caterers provide food services for parties, meetings, and events. It is not just a case of preparing food as caterers need to liaise with clients, plan menus, set up dining areas, transport food, serve diners and clean up. It is basically like having a travelling restaurant.

You can start a catering company from home by delivering meals or buffet fayre to local clients. Start small and then build up a reputation and client base. You can complete different college courses such as Silver Service, Food and Beverage Service, Food Hygiene and Preparation, or Restaurant Marketing courses.

Food Scientist

If you have a scientific brain as well as a passion for food, you might want to consider becoming a Food Scientist. Food Scientists study the physical, chemical, and microbiological composition of food to ensure it is fit for human consumption.

To be a Food Scientist, you will need to gain a BSc in a relevant subject such as Food Technology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Nutrition. You will also need dexterity to perform scientific essays, excellent attention to detail, and an innovative mind to develop new products or investigate alternative methods of manufacturing foodstuffs.

Baker

If you are skilled at making cakes, bread or pastries, you could be a baker in a store or a factory. Also, if you have a specific talent, you could end up running your own business or supplying your creations to restaurants and cafes.

You can start your life as a baker by getting work experience in a local store, or you can attend a college course. You will find a variety of related courses such as Artisan Bread Making, Cake Decorating, and Patisserie Baking. If you are passionate about baking cakes and pastries, you could set up a business making birthday, christening, and wedding cakes. You could also start by baking products to sell at a local farmers market, supply a farm shop or deliver goods door-to-door.