Most people eat out of need, but for a select few, food is more of a hobby than just a need. And if you too fall into the second category, wouldn't it be incredible if you could make that your profession and earn while doing something you love so much? Wondering what job opportunities you may have besides the obvious - being a chef? Then your search ends here.
There are several professions that let you indulge in your passion for eating while also making a comfortable career out of it. Read on to find out what’s suitable for you!
1. Food Critic
The smallest components of a dish, such as its texture, smell, look, quality, taste, etc., are examined by food critics who then express their thoughts in written articles or even through video broadcasts. They frequently publish articles in periodicals, newspapers, and internet food websites. As a food critic who has built up a reputation, you are going to be frequently invited to evaluate menu items at restaurants, cafes, and pubs. What you need to succeed here is a knowledge of cuisines, flavors, and other culinary components, in addition to a love of eating, and of course, a knack for creating content that appeals to your audience, be it in the form of writing or other forms. Having a degree in culinary arts or hotel management, or even a creative writing background is bound to be helpful.
2. Food Blogger
A food blogger is a self-employed individual who often does not work for a larger company but instead shares information on a variety of culinary themes. This could include tasting particular foods, trying recipes in their own kitchens, or visiting a specific kind of restaurant. They collaborate with various restaurants, brands, and agencies, sharing reviews or promotions of their work, and they are paid well for their efforts.
3. Nutritionist
By advising on what and how much to eat, nutritionists are professionals who assist people in making the right food decisions to stay healthy and fit. As a nutritionist or a dietician, you will be recommending appropriate food combinations and proportions to your clients according to their age, weight, gender, and nutritional needs. It is, however, necessary to complete a bachelor's degree in nutrition, food science, or home science before completing a postgraduate degree in nutrition and dietetics to follow this career path.
Nutritionists could work in pediatric nutrition centers, private clinics, slimming programmes, old age centers, sports clubs, gyms, etc., in addition to running their own practice.
4. Food Photographer
For cookbooks, publications, menus, advertising materials, and websites, food photographers and stylists capture photos of various items making them look irresistible. For the purpose of capturing the needs of their client, they mix their talent for art and passion for cuisine. In order to promote their work and increase their income, they may work independently or for advertising and marketing firms. Getting started is best done with a degree or diploma in photography. To master fundamental and advanced abilities, particularly in food photography, you can enrol in a variety of short-term courses and certification programs.
5. Food Technician
You can combine your passion for food with your interest in science and technology by working in the field of food technology. You'll spend time in labs researching the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of packaged food goods, such as frozen foods and dairy products. Your task will include creating procedures for treating, packaging, and storing food, checking the quality of the food, and enhancing the technology used to process it. You must complete 12th-grade studies in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology because this is a technologically driven field. Thereafter, there are a number of UG and PG specialization courses in food technology that you could pursue.
Food is an emotion for most people, but not everyone has the passion or the drive needed to make it big in a career in food. Now that you know the opportunities available, do you have what it takes to make it big?