subject: Careers In The Food Industry [print this page] The most obvious career in food is becoming a chef. A chef is in complete control of the kitchen of whatever establishment the chef works for. He or she is in charge of recipes, menu creation, management, scheduling, food ordering, and plating. In a restaurant kitchen, especially in higher scale restaurants, there are several different chefs. The Executive Chef is in complete control of the kitchen, including all duties listed previously.
The sous-chef is the second in command. A sous-chef assists the executive chef and fills in when the executive chef is off duty. Another important position in the kitchen is the expediter. This person takes the orders from the dining room and relays them to the various stations of the kitchen. Another type of chef is a chef de partie or station chef. In larger kitchens there will be several of these, each in charge of their own station. Examples include the saute chef, fish chef, roast chef, grill chef, fry chef, and many others.
Catering
Catering may involve several positions, but unlike a regular restaurant chef, a catering chef brings the restaurant to the client. Other positions in catering might include events planners, food designers, servers, etc. In some cases, caterers use their own kitchen to prepare the food and then transport it to whatever client has hired the catering service. In other cases the food might be prepared at an on-site kitchen and provided to guests on location. It has also become common for the catering company to include other services besides food including event decorating and lighting.
Server
A server works directly with guests at the restaurant or event. They take orders, deliver orders to the kitchen, supply food, and are in charge of the guest's basic well-being and dining experience.
A career in food service can be exciting and rewarding. However, certifications for the food industry are required. In most states, anyone that may come in contact with food is required to obtain a food handler's card, certifying them as legally trained to handle food hygienically. Once the required certifications are obtained, a person may enjoy a rewarding career in the food industry.
