This blog post introduces how to effectively convey your major-specific competencies and field experience in a food industry resume, based on practical experience in food and nutrition studies, entrepreneurship, and recipe development.
Growth Background
“Don’t just live; live a life of value.”
During my school days, I never seriously pondered the meaning of that phrase. I was closer to what you might call a student who “just lived” each day without any particular purpose. I went to school mainly anticipating the delicious lunch menu, and I couldn’t find any particular reason to study. Studying was just one of the tasks assigned to me; I spent my time without any clear dreams or goals. I was used to spending my days hanging out with friends or playing games whenever I had a chance, letting time slip by without much thought.
However, things started to change a bit when I entered high school. People around me started saying it was time to decide on a career path, and those words brought me vague anxiety and pressure. At that time, my parents advised me, “Don’t just live; find your own value.” Those words became a turning point, making me rethink the direction of my life. I resolved to live not just passing time, but finding my own meaning, and from then on, I began to change little by little.
I didn’t have a clear goal from the start. However, I realized that dreams don’t come to those who sit idly waiting, so I decided to seek them out through diverse experiences. I participated in concerts and lectures for youth, and I never missed out on any career experience programs available to high school students. I also enjoyed cultural activities like performances and exhibitions, and whenever I had the chance, I traveled to try to engage more with the world. Among these, the lectures by prominent figures at youth concerts were a major inspiration. They all said, “Finding what you’re good at isn’t something far away; you can find it right nearby,” and those words stuck with me especially long.
That moment made me suddenly reflect on myself. What do I like? What interests me? Thinking about it, I realized I’d always had a strong interest in ‘food’. Beyond simply enjoying food, I had a habit of meticulously checking the ingredient list, nutritional information, and calories even for a single snack. My strong interest in dieting and health management led me to frequently seek out related information, and naturally, I developed a desire to learn more deeply about food and nutrition. That’s how I encountered the field of food and nutrition science, and I became convinced it was an area that matched both my interests and aptitude.
Once I had a goal, my attitude toward studying changed. What used to feel like vague, aimless studying now felt like preparation for my future. This motivation allowed me to focus more intently on my academics. Ultimately, I enrolled in a food and nutrition program. Initially, my goal was to become a nutritionist, but as my studies broadened my perspective, I came to see working as an expert in a food-related company as a perfectly valuable path too. My resolve to live a meaningful life doing what I love, rather than simply having a job, grew even stronger.
This journey of breaking free from ‘just existing’ and finding my own path is still ongoing. But one thing is clear: from the moment I took that first step, my life became far more vibrant and meaningful than before. Moving forward, I want to live a life not just of existing, but of creating meaning for myself.
School Life
“Finding My Own Specialized Field During College.”
When I think about what’s most important in life, ‘dreams’ and ‘goals’ come to mind first. I find people with clear dreams and goals enviable; they live wonderful lives. Therefore, during my college years, I devoted considerable thought and effort to clearly defining ‘my goals’ above all else. While my major in Food and Nutrition provided a broad framework, I still lacked a clear direction regarding what specific work I wanted to do within that field or what career path to choose. To establish a more distinct professional goal, I began accumulating diverse experiences.
The first field that captured my interest was biochemistry and dietetics. Based on this interest, I joined a related club. This club primarily focused on researching health foods and developing and sharing new food recipes. Through club activities, I was able to participate in practical problem-solving processes beyond just studying, and I naturally gained experience collaborating with friends. We held regular meetings to brainstorm recipe ideas and test them in practice, working together to refine these ideas into viable startup concepts.
Initially, we approached it as a simple startup practice run, but as meetings progressed, meaningful results began to emerge. Building on this potential, we decided to launch our own startup blog. Documenting and realizing our ideas through the blog became more than just an assignment; it was the accumulation of practical experience. This activity not only drove the club’s growth but also became an opportunity for me to confirm my interest and potential in food-related business. Unexpectedly, it even generated some side income, and I realized that my major, ‘Food and Nutrition,’ could connect my dreams and reality beyond being just an academic field.
Looking back, the efforts I made during college to find my own specialized field through various attempts became a crucial foundation that shaped who I am today. Through this process, I personally felt that goals are not vague wishes, but rather something that is refined and grows through concrete experiences. Moving forward, I intend to remember that mindset, put what I’ve learned into practice, and advance step by step.
Hobbies and Special Skills
“The Joy of Creating My Own Recipes”
I majored in Food and Nutrition, and since I’ve always loved cooking, ‘recipe development’ naturally became both my hobby and special skill. I’ve always loved eating, and I found great joy in the process of creating new dishes. This led me to take interest in creating my own cooking methods, rather than just following existing recipes. For instance, even when boiling ramen, I enjoyed experimenting by applying my own recipe instead of the conventional method to create new flavors. During this time, I stumbled upon a contest themed around ‘My Own Ramen Recipe’ and even participated using a cooking method I developed. Presenting my homemade ramen to an audience and receiving their feedback after tasting it gave me immense satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
Later, I broadened my interests beyond ramen to include side dish combinations that enhance rice dishes and various seasonal beverage recipes, deepening my understanding of food and nutrition along the way. As recipe development became more familiar and I even won awards in external contests based on my creative dishes, my interest naturally extended to the field of ‘food styling’. Food styling isn’t just about completing a dish; it involves thoughtful consideration and research into how to plate and visually present the food. In this process, I discovered another joy where cooking meets art. Capturing it through photography and completing it as a single work brought me deeper satisfaction. Later, I wanted to learn this field more professionally, so I obtained a certification in food styling. Now, it’s more than just a hobby; I also work as a freelancer in this field.
Cooking and recipe development mean more to me than just a hobby. It’s about making daily meals a little more enjoyable and creative, and it’s also a way to express my own senses and ideas. I want to continue this joy consistently and create opportunities to share it with more people.
Reason for Applying
“I will grow as a food nutrition expert alongside your company.”
I believe your company, as a specialized food enterprise that safely and swiftly delivers semi-prepared foods to consumers’ tables, is creating new value in food culture beyond simple distribution. I first learned about the company ‘Magic Table’ during my university years, and later, while working on a startup-related project, I gained a deeper understanding of your company’s operational methods and philosophy. I developed a particular interest in delivery services centered around semi-prepared foods, conducting related research. Based on this, I personally conceived and executed a startup idea. During that time, I actively promoted the idea externally and generated small but meaningful revenue, solidifying my conviction to build a career in the food startup sector.
Through these experiences, I resonated deeply with your company’s management philosophy and goals. My interest evolved beyond mere curiosity into a strong desire to become an active member of your organization. My decision to apply to your company stems not merely from seeking employment, but from recognizing that my dream of growing as a food and nutrition expert aligns perfectly with your company’s direction. I believe your company offers the optimal environment to realize this goal, and I am confident I can fully contribute my capabilities within it.
I possess a solid foundation of knowledge about diverse foods and ingredients. Unlike applicants who majored solely in business or economics, I built my academic foundation around the specialized field of food and nutrition science. Simultaneously, I completed business administration courses related to corporate operations, cultivating practical understanding. I believe this interdisciplinary approach will be a significant strength in the real corporate environment and will serve as a foundation for quickly adapting to and contributing to your company’s operations.
Specifically, rather than pursuing a broad understanding of all foods, I have focused my studies on my clear area of interest: ‘health management’. This has centered on developing health foods and planning startup ventures. I understand that your company also prioritizes more than just taste, aligning with wellness trends by providing menus that consider customer health. In this regard, my expertise and passion for healthy ingredients and foods align directly with your company’s vision, and I am confident I can make tangible contributions in practical operations. I am confident in my ability to propose creative and feasible ideas for product development and concept planning.
As a professional with expertise in food and nutrition combined with practical experience, I aspire to grow alongside your company and contribute to building a healthy food culture. I sincerely hope my knowledge, experience, and hands-on approach will be of value to your organization.
