Careers
Related Skills
- Leadership skills and ability to manage groups
- Customer-service oriented
- Effective communication, writing and speaking skills
- Problem-solving and conflict management
- Ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances
Being Successful in the Field
- A high percentage of food scientists work for local, state or federal government. Learn government application procedures.
- One should enjoy helping people and working with healthcare professionals and have an interest in good health, nutrition, and fitness.
- Join professional associations and student organizations to stay abreast of current issues in the field and to develop networking contacts.
- Get involved with the Institute of Food Technologists.
- Talk to professionals already in your desired field regarding their backgrounds. Arrange a shadowing experience.
- Develop interviewing and counseling techniques.
Related Fields
The Food and Beverage Management sequence combines business and management principles with food service and hospitality skills. This sequence opens doors to a variety of careers in the food service and management industries including:
- Dietary Manager
- Restaurant Owner/Manager
- Catering and Event Manager
- Food and Beverage Sales Consultant
- Food Manufacturer
- Community Health Coordinator
- Health and Food Safety Inspector
Program Highlights
- Interdisciplinary opportunities in Agriculture, Business, Marketing, and Health Sciences
- Hands-on learning opportunities in newly renovated state-of-the-art foods lab
- Prepares graduates for multi-billion-dollar food and beverage industry
Being Successful in the Field
Get Experience Early
There are endless opportunities to get involved as you work toward a career in Food and Beverage Management. Begin by joining a student organization like Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics Club where you'll have the chance to network with faculty, alumni, and professionals as well as fellow students in the Food and Beverage Management program at ISU.
Complete an internship that relates to your career goals. Students in the Food and Beverage Management major will complete a required internship as part of their academic requirements, which typically takes place the summer between junior and senior year. As you engage yourself in your courses, start thinking early about your passions in the field, what you still want to learn, and what kind of internship will prepare you for the career you want after graduation.
Consider Earning a Minor
Some common minors that pair well with Food and Beverage Management include:
- Business Administration
- Business Environment and Sustainability
- Entrepreneurship
- Food Studies
- Health and Wellness Coaching
*Adding a minor is not required to graduate
Think about Graduate School
Although not required to be successful in the industry, a graduate degree can qualify you to enter the workforce at a higher level and make you a more competitive professional in the field overall. Illinois State University offers a unique accelerated master’s option for students who earn their bachelor’s degree through the Food and Beverage Management undergraduate program. More information can be found here.
Employers
- Corporate Food Service
- Restaurant Operations
- Catering and Event Management
- Food and Beverage Sales
- Food Service Management
- Beverage Operations
- Food Safety Inspection
Career Industry Liaison
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Radcliffe | 223 Bone Student Center | nrradcl@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2200 |
Internship Coordinator
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jenna Kirkwood | Turner Hall 106 | jlkirk6@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2517 |