The restaurant industry has always been a vibrant hub for nontraditional career paths. Servers become general managers, young entrepreneurs open cafes, and line cooks—without formal culinary training—quickly move toward sous and head chef roles. In the food and beverage scene, real-world experience and skills often outshine the prestige of formal degrees.
Our recruitment data backs this point. In the second quarter of 2024, 36% of our restaurant management candidates did not have a college degree.
While hospitality education is a fast pass to management positions, a college diploma isn’t essential for higher-level roles. Here’s how you can meet key restaurant manager qualifications and employer expectations without investing in formal schooling.
Meeting Restaurant Manager Qualifications
Building out your resume with relevant job experience is key to landing a restaurant management job without a degree. As you rise through the ranks, you’ll naturally learn the ropes and gain confidence in various aspects of restaurant operations.
Getting the managerial role you want starts with determining the right path to leadership for you. Examples of feasible career trajectories include:
- Server > Shift Supervisor > Restaurant Manager > Director of Food and Beverage
- Prep Cook > Line Cook > Sous Chef > Executive Chef
- Inventory Specialist > Assistant Manager > Assistant General Manager > General Manager
Different restaurants have different hierarchies. If you want to build your career at the same establishment—at least until you’re prepared for high-level roles—discuss the next steps with your supervisor to formulate a career path.
Certifications can help you expedite your career journey or, at least, give employers confidence that you’ve met key restaurant manager qualifications. You can get general credentials—like ServSuccess’ Certified Restaurant Manager—or identify specific areas you want to strengthen. For example, becoming a ServSafe Food Protection Manager can demonstrate your knowledge of food safety.
Once you have garnered the experience you need to qualify for your desired job openings, use our free resume builder to effectively showcase your hospitality-specific experience.
Showcasing High-Demand Skills
Your work experience only tells one part of the story. When you start interviewing for restaurant manager positions, you’ll also be expected to demonstrate your leadership skills. While entry-level workers can get away with the basics—great customer service, attention to detail, teamwork—managers are often expected to be proficient in team management, budgeting, marketing, regulatory compliance, and operational strategy.
Most restaurant workers develop these skills throughout their career growth. However, it’s critical to prepare clear examples of your capabilities. For example, you can demonstrate your strategic adaptability by explaining how you overcame an unexpected challenge, like a supply chain delay.
Restaurants want leaders who take a holistic, business-minded approach—because running a company requires far more than cooking chops and people skills.
Expanding Your Hospitality Network
Your network is a valuable asset in your career journey. While filtering through online job postings can eventually land you a management role, the people you know can connect you directly to best-fit opportunities—including those at restaurants that haven’t publicly listed new openings quite yet.
Network with other hospitality professionals through professional organizations, LinkedIn, and community events. Your efforts, at the very least, can establish you as an active member of your local restaurant community.
A specialized restaurant executive and management recruiting firm can further accelerate your search. For over 24 years, Gecko Hospitality has built a nationwide network of hospitality recruiters and businesses—including world-leading establishments—to help professionals find leadership positions that perfectly align their goals. We provide the career advocacy and support that aspiring managers need to achieve their career dreams.
