Wait staff positions offer great flexibility and pay for many people.
The food and drink industry offers a wide variety of career opportunities that range from entry-level bus-person jobs to executive-level positions. These jobs encompass the retail side of the industry, as well as positions with many food and drink manufacturers or distributors. While positions in the restaurant operation side of the industry are the most visible, jobs for salespeople, promotional representatives, truck drivers and even scientists also exist throughout the industry.
Types
Without distribution, the food and drink industry would not function.
While most people might think of restaurants or bars to describe the food and drink industry, many other types of businesses combine to make up the industry. Businesses such as food producers, dry goods manufacturers, drink bottlers, equipment manufacturers, distribution/supply chains and advertising companies make up much of the unseen part of the food and drink industry. Within each of these companies, opportunities exist for a variety of office, clerical, management and warehouse positions.
History
Fast food restaurants have long been a source of jobs for young people.
The food and drink industry has long provided entry-level and part-time jobs for young people, college students and many other members of the work force. Many of these positions exist within the retail restaurant side of the industry and include jobs such as wait staff, bus-person, cook, bartender or hostess. These jobs typically require little experience or education and can offer steady, full-time employment or the opportunity for additional income.
Misconceptions
Positions in food and drink distribution include truck drivers and warehouse workers.
The food and drink industry requires the same skills and talent as nearly any other type of business. Unfortunately, many jobs in the industry are not as visible or apparent as those in the retail end. For example, scientists are employed throughout the industry in the fields of development, research and safety. Engineers can find jobs working with industry specific software, equipment or computer systems. Those knowledgeable in finance can find jobs in accounting, payroll or business financing.
Income
Some restaurant chains offer store managers the opportunity for bonuses or even partial ownership.
Food and drink industry jobs offer a wide range of income levels which can range from minimum wage to multi-million dollar corporate salaries. At the entry-level end of the scale, hourly workers such as wait staff, bus-people, cooks and warehouse workers typically start at or near minimum wage. Skilled or experienced job seekers can often command a higher starting rate. Management-level or supervisory positions can offer a higher hourly rate or even a salaried income commensurate with experience or education. Sales positions may include commissions or bonuses in addition to a salary. Corporate or upper-level job income levels vary greatly, depending on the type of position and required skills.
Warning
Many retail food stores prefer that product be restocked during off peak hours.
Unlike many other industries, jobs in the food and drink industry can require odd work schedules. For example, most restaurants experience higher business volume in the evenings, weekends and holidays, when other industries are off work. This can leave restaurant workers with schedules that conflict with family or friends. Jobs in the food distribution field can also include overnight or off-hour schedules to keep up with demand.
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