Early CDM, CFPP Career - July/August 2024

 

Name: Jay Harrison, CDM, CFPP

Job Title: Supervisor

Years as a CDM, CFPP: 3 years

 

Why do you embark on a career in foodservice as a CDM, CFPP?

I have always had a passion for food, and knowing what food can do as far as health and healing. Is there any more of a rewarding field to be a part of? In my role as a supervisor, it was a requirement within my first two years to complete the UND course. Even though getting the certification wasn’t required for my current role, I didn’t want to put in the work in completing the course without the certification to show for it. I also want to advance in my career, and within my facility, if I want to be a manager or higher then I would be required to have my CDM, CFPP certification.

What ANFP tools have helped you get acclimated in your career?

I utilize more of the Edge magazine and ANFPConnect. Although most of the ANFP resources are geared for Long Term Care, the articles in the Edge magazine are good for topics that are more general such as staffing, retention, recipes, allergies, and so much more. ANFPConnect is another great resource. As an example, looking for jobs. There was a company that was posting on the job board, but I didn’t know much about the company. I used ANFPConnect to see if anyone had worked or anything they could tell me of the company. There were a lot of not good feedback about the company from those that responded to the post.

What are you looking forward to most in your new career?

I am not new in the food service industry. However, after becoming a CDM, CFPP, the opportunities have become grander. I have worked in any hospital, correctional facility, school, or hospital with more confidence to have an understanding of what needs to happen to be successful. If I don’t know the information, then I know that I have the resources to figure it out.