Food and Beverage Management (Co-op) FBM8

Holland Code: E (Enterprising)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Arts & Literacy Grade 12 English is required.  Speaking an additional language (preferably French) would be useful. High school courses in Hospitality and Tourism; Information and Communication Technology would be useful preparation for this program.

Math & Science Good math skills are needed (need grade 11 or grade 12 math course). High school courses in Financial Accounting would be useful preparation for this program.

Technology Basic computer skills recommended (Microsoft Office suite, Internet, checking student portal daily).

*Note: Students in Hospitality - Hotel and Resort Services Management and Food and Beverage Management share multiple common first year courses.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• A good memory for details
• Artistic and creative talent
• Passion for entertaining   guests like to have fun while serving /entertaining guests
• Take pride in ownership of work
• Excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills and team building skills
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment
• The ability to remain calm in stressful interactions with guest/employees
• The stamina and self-discipline required to work long hours when necessary

Useful background experience for this program would be

Part time work in the hospitality industry (restaurants, clubs, hotels); an interest in the art of mixology, wine, arts; an interest in foods and cooking.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Dining room supervisor; kitchen supervisor; food and beverage manager; cruise ship supervisor; catering and events planning supervisor; banquet managers; restaurants  ( Front or back of the house); hotel  food and beverage (part time  front desk learn at the property)l; private yacht server; or self-employed.

Places you may find yourself employed include

Restaurants, educational institutions, hospitals, nursing and personal care facilities, catering companies, railway or cruise lines, golf courses, or clubs/bars.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Hours vary (seasonal)– shift work, holiday, weekend work and overtime is common

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

Kitchen Supervisor

• Direct and co-ordinate the activities of workers operating kitchen equipment and preparing, portioning and serving food
• Estimate requirements and order food, equipment and supplies
• Supervise and direct the assembly of special diet and regular trays, and the delivery of food carts
• Ensure that food safety regulations are followed
• Maintain food and equipment inventories
• Develop equipment maintenance schedules, arrange for repairs as needed and evaluate new products
• Supervise cafeteria services and catered events
• Conduct audits regarding patient or client satisfaction, food wastage, sanitation and safety
• Set up work schedules and train food service worker

Servers, Bartender, Restaurant Manager or kitchen

• Discuss requirements with customers and take detailed notes about banquet requirements
• Develop banquet menus in consultation with caterers, chefs or cooks
• Prepare budgets
• Determine requirements for serving staff and supplies
• Supervise everything from the set up prior to the function to the clean up afterward
• Develop work schedules and supervise food services during the function
• Maintain proper liquor controls and monitor alcohol service
• Ensure that equipment is properly cleaned and maintained
• Maintain friendly contact with customers and resolve customer complaints

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Websites with good information for further research on the careers associated with this program

• Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals
• Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council
• emerit (A government website listing national occupational standards for the tourism industry)
• National Restaurant Association
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Exchange opportunities are available in Finland and Ireland. Find out more online.
• Graduates may apply for admission to the Guest Relations Management - Concierge Specialist and Retirement Residence Management graduate certificate programs.

Last Modified: June 4, 2024