Jennifer Burris (Culinary Management 2003)

JOB TITLE: 
Sales Specialist, US Foodservice 
Kansas City/Topeka Division

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Part of the Street Sales team. Sells food, equipment and chemicals to restaurants and other hospitality-related businesses.

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS:
Pastry chef for Alex Brooks Catering Company (now Gourmet Catering) while in school. Worked as Dede Schuringa’s workstudy in the Career Services department. “It was that job that helped me see all the possibilities this field has to offer and where I learned the importance of networking.” After graduation, worked with HDS services and was transferred to Missouri as Executive Chef/Assistant Director. At that job, she ordered goods from US Foodservice which led to her current position.

ADVICE FOR STUDENTS:
“Network, network, network!...Never burn your bridges. This is a business in which every bit of experience counts and you never know who could be your next boss…Take advantage of every opportunity you have while you are in school. I promise you will need every bit of it somewhere down the road. Knowledge and experience are power.”