India has long been obsessed with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) as the ultimate destination for bright young minds. Every year, lakhs of students appear for the gruelling entrance exams, hoping to get admission to these prestigious institutions. However, it is important to realize that success in life is not limited to IIT graduates alone. There are many examples of individuals who have made it big in their respective fields without an IIT degree, particularly in the food industry.
The food industry in India has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with a rising middle class and changing consumer preferences. This has created opportunities for entrepreneurs and food enthusiasts to carve out their own niche in the market. From street vendors to high-end restaurants, there are many success stories in the food industry that do not involve an IIT degree.
Read More: The lessons every entrepreneur can learn from Jayaram Banan’s inspiring journey to success
Given that success in the food industry is often determined by customer satisfaction and loyalty, this is one area and industry where it’s all about creativity and innovation. Having a diverse range of experiences and perspectives can help individuals come up with unique ideas and flavors that set them apart from their competitors but success is not necessarily related to academic achievements. Furthermore, the food industry is not restricted to high-tech gadgets or advanced engineering. It is a field that involves a lot of hard work, dedication, and passion for food. These are qualities that cannot be taught in a classroom and are often developed through hands-on experience.
While an IIT degree may open doors in certain industries, it is not a prerequisite for success in the food industry. Many success stories across the world prove that passion, hard work, and a willingness to innovate can take individuals far in the culinary world. Aspiring food entrepreneurs should focus on developing their skills and knowledge through practical experience, networking, and staying up to date with the latest trends in the industry
Read More: 7 Smart Ways to Double Your Restaurant’s Revenue and Customer Base
Here are some of the key skills that they don’t teach you at IIT, that can help individuals succeed in the food industry:
- Culinary skills: The food industry is all about food, and having strong culinary skills is essential. This includes knowledge of different ingredients, techniques, and flavor profiles.
- Business acumen: To succeed in the food industry, individuals need to have a solid understanding of business principles such as marketing, finance, and operations. They should be able to develop and execute business strategies, manage finances, and make sound decisions.
- Ability to innovate: The food industry is constantly evolving, and successful individuals need to be able to innovate and adapt to changing trends and consumer preferences. This requires creativity and the ability to think outside the box.
- Mindset of customer service: In the food industry, customer satisfaction is key. Individuals need to have excellent customer service skills, be able to communicate effectively with customers, and respond to feedback in a timely and effective manner.
- Attention to detail: The food industry is highly regulated, and individuals need to pay close attention to details such as food safety, hygiene, and sanitation. This requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict standards.
- Teamwork: The food industry often involves working in teams, and individuals need to be able to collaborate effectively with others to achieve common goals. This requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well under pressure.
- Passion: Finally, passion is essential in the food industry. Successful individuals are often driven by a love of food and a desire to create high-quality products that satisfy their customers. This passion helps them to stay motivated, overcome challenges, and continually improve their products and services.
There are many examples of super successful Indian entrepreneurs in the food industry who did not come from leading education institutions, but with their grit and hard work created a very large name for themselves in the country.
Read More: 8 Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs and Leaders in India’s F&B Industry
Today, some of these founders are not only leading entrepreneurs but have also created very significant value for their stakeholders. They have also created an impact on the lives of many unskilled workers and helped them come into the mainstream ecosystem.