Maisie Snyder is a 2017 International Gold & Silver Plate Society stipend recipient. She attends Michigan State University and is majoring in Food Science. Find out what she had to say when we asked her a few questions about her foodservice stipend and future career.
What is your major & what made you decide on it?
I am majoring in food science with a concentration in basic science. The basic science concentration will prepare me for grad school. Food science was a perfect fit for me because it combines my love of biology and chemistry with cooking and nutrition.
How has your scholarship enabled you to pursue a career in foodservice?
This stipend has given me extra compensation that is necessary for me to finish my degree in food science. The stipend takes a lot of the stress for paying for college off my shoulders, and I am very thankful for that.
What was your first job in foodservice?
Though not a typical foodservice job, my first job in foodservice was at a company called Kalsec last summer. I was a flavor chemistry intern. Though I didn’t provide food directly to individuals, I instead made flavors that would be put into food that many people enjoy.
What would you say is your "dream job" after you graduate?
My dream job would be working as a chocolate product development scientist at a company like Mars Chocolate.
What have you learned that you will apply to a career in foodservice?
Both in school and in life, I have learned a lot about being self-motivated and having perseverance. I will bring these two qualities into all that I do in the foodservice industry, in order to make the food the world eats better. I have also learned a lot of technical skills in school, which I will apply to making new food products.
What are some of the challenges students like you face in today's world of foodservice?
There are a lot of growing trends in health and diet that are greatly changing the food and food service industries as we know it. As an industry, we must accommodate these changes by inventing new products and adapting to healthier lifestyles. New students coming into the industry bring a fresh approach to making food and food service better, which I am excited for.
Do you have mentor? How have they helped you?
I do have a mentor. Last summer when I worked at Kalsec, I formed a very good relationship with my boss, Shane McDonald, a certified flavor chemist. Because he has been in the food industry for so long, he helped me with understanding the food industry and how I should go about reaching my professional goals.
What is your favorite meal?
It is very difficult to decide on one favorite meal, but I really enjoy Thai and Indian cuisines. I really like the spices used in their noodle, meat, and vegetable dishes. I often try to make these types of cuisines at home, but they are never as good as an authentic restaurant.
What companies have you worked at for internships?
I have worked at Kalsec Inc in Kalamazoo Michigan, and I plan to work at Mars Inc in New Jersey next summer.
About The IFMA Education Foundation
The IFMA Education Foundation promotes the next generation of foodservice leaders. The Foundation is committed to give qualified culinary, marketing or food science students support toward completion of education requirements. Over the years, we've accomplished our goal by providing scholarships, publications, educational programs, internships and stipends to accredited institutions and individuals enrolled in accredited institutions.
Do you want to support the next generation of foodservice by making a donation to IFMA's Education Foundation?
Contact us at ifma@ifmaworld.com.