Careers

The Food and Nutrition 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 Nutrition 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 Nutrition Management program at ISU.

Complete an internship that relates to your career goals. Students in the Food and Nutrition 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 Nutrition 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 Nutrition 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