Madeline Sin is a 2018 IFMA Education Foundation scholarship recipient. She attends Cal Poly Pomona and is majoring in Hospitality Management. Find out what she had to say when we asked her a few questions about her foodservice scholarship and future career.
What is your major & what made you decide on it?
I am a hospitality management student with a focus in food & beverage, and a minor in marketing management. I happened to choose this major because I have always enjoyed cooking and I ended up competing in the ProStart Culinary Competition in Pasadena, CA my senior year of high school. I first heard about hospitality management because my mentor for the competition shared it with me and thought I would be interested. It was at the competition where I met some Collins College ambassadors when they were tabling, and I enjoyed hearing about their experience in the major. Once I was enrolled at Cal Poly Pomona, I changed my major from "undeclared" to
"hospitality management". What is great is that this experience has come full circle and I am now in my second year of being a Collins College ambassador!
How has your scholarship enabled you to pursue a career in foodservice?
IFMA has been so generous in contributing to the success and completion of my college career. I am excited to finish out the rest of my college courses strong, without worrying about financial burdens. I look forward to my career in the food and beverage industry, and to give back to future students.
What was your first job in foodservice?
I worked at Ohana Hawaiian Barbecue starting my junior year of high school. I took people's orders, made their shaved snow and boba drinks, packaged orders to-go, and served guests. I liked being around food, and I returned to work here seasonally a couple of times throughout college.
What would you say is your "dream job" after you graduate?
My dream job is to be in sales and marketing for an environmentally conscious, food & beverage company.
What have you learned that you will apply to a career in foodservice?
I learned that great work comes from organization. If you organize your life, you can manage your time so that you can dedicate as much effort as you want into a project. With this organization, it makes it easier for you to help others succeed as well.
What are some of the challenges students like you face in today's world of foodservice?
In foodservice, I think one of the hardest challenges is that some people do not see it as a serious career path. However, I think we combat that with our passion for food & beverages, our desire to bring pleasure to other people, and our confidence of wanting to be in this field.
Do you have a mentor? How have they helped you?
I have multiple mentors in my life. I would like to thank my high school mentor, my advisors at Cal Poly Pomona, and my family. My high school mentor guided me through my final year of high school and helped me find my path into the hospitality industry; I am so grateful that he continues to support me to this day. I have several advisors at Cal Poly Pomona who willingly listen to everything going on in my life and give me honest feedback and support. I am appreciative of their efforts to push me towards success. My parents and all three of my older siblings support me in every step of my life. Since they know me so well, they have the best advice and answers to all of my questions.
What is your favorite meal?
I love Japanese cuisine because it is light yet flavorful. I specifically love sushi and salmon teriyaki with rice.
What companies have you worked at for internships?
I have worked in foodservice operations and event planning on campus. My most recent internship was at Angels Stadium with Legends Hospitality for their premium restaurants.
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.
About People Future 2025
The IFMA Education Foundations new industry initiative, focused on attracting the best and brightest talent into the foodservice industry. Click here to learn more.
How to help the next generation of foodservice!
- Support the IFMA Education Foundation by making a donation
- Get involved in the People Future 2025 initiative
Contact us at IFMA@IFMAworld.com.