Hyewon Pak is a 2019 International Gold & Silver Plate Society stipend recipient. She attends Bringham Young University Hawaii and is majoring in Hospitality and Tourism management. 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?
My major is Hospitality and Tourism management. I decided to major this program because I have strong back ground with the restaurant industry, and wanted to become more knowledgeable on what I am doing.
How has your scholarship enabled you to pursue a career in foodservice?
This award gave me so much flexibility to study and focus on what I can prepare for my future career. As I study harder and prepared for my future career, I will have bigger potential to become strong candidate.
What was your first job in foodservice?
My first job in foodservice was a cook and server at the Korean restaurant in Melbourne, Australia.
What would you say is your "dream job" after you graduate?
My dream job would be work for a large restaurant company or hotel restaurant. If I can learn and grow together, I would love to work for them.
What have you learned that you will apply to a career in foodservice?
I learned that working at the food industry means carrying for people. Food industry is very labor intensive industry. We work with people and work for the people. Therefore, I become very sensitive for people. I learned to work for people and work with them. Truly learned how to serve for the people.
What are some of the challenges students like you face in today's world of foodservice?
Most concern will be sustainability. How our food industry can compromise with sustainability will determine how we can grow. Socially, people prefer the company who are sensitive and supp rot the environment. Thus, as we response to it, the food industry will thrive with community.
Do you have a mentor? How have they helped you?
My teachers at Bringham Young University Hawaii are all my mentors. They teach us practical and theoretical lessons. They inspire us to become true leaders of Hospitality industry, and they motivate us study and work hard.
What is your favorite meal?
I love Asian food. Especially Korean food.
About The IFMA Education Foundation
The IFMA Education Foundation promotes the next generation of foodservice leaders. The Foundation is committed to giving 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.
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.