Nicholas Cosentino
Plainfield,IL
Summary
Aspiring Food Scientist with a strong interest in food product development and culinary experimentation. Hands-on experience conducting formulation trials, structured testing, and documenting results in both lab and kitchen environments. Highly organized and accountable, with the ability to translate creative food concepts into consistent, repeatable processes. Seeking a Food Research & Development internship to contribute to product innovation, sensory evaluation, and new product development within the food industry.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Chef Association Student Competition
Southwest Minnesota State University
Marshall, MN
08.2024 - 2026
- Engineered a premium Gold Standard recipe for a frozen entrée, combining chicken gnocchi basil sauce with a nutritious 8-grain salad that includes edamame and carrots.
- Worked collaboratively with the team while focusing on chicken components to ensure impactful flavor and juicy texture.
- Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
- Successfully met dietary requirements for diverse clientele by providing customized meal options upon request.
- Upheld stringent food safety regulations, ensuring compliance with all relevant health department guidelines.
- Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
Line Cook- (Summer and Winter Breaks)
Crusade Burger
Yorkville, IL
05.2023 - 08.2024
- Prepared high-quality ingredients for daily menu items, ensuring freshness and compliance with health standards.
- Operated kitchen equipment efficiently, maintaining cleanliness and organization in work areas.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline food preparation processes and enhance service delivery speed.
- Managed cooking timelines effectively to ensure timely meal service during peak hours.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
- Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
- Expedited service during peak hours by coordinating with fellow line cooks on timing of dish completion.
- Supported head chef during high-volume periods by efficiently executing complex tasks with precision under pressure.
Line Cook (College Internship)
Sovereign
Plainfield, IL
05.2022 - 08.2022
- Prepared and cooked high-quality dishes according to restaurant standards and recipes.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely meal preparation and service.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations for efficient workflow.
- Assisted in inventory management, tracking stock levels, and ordering supplies as needed.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
Cashier/Customer Services
Menards
Plainfield, IL
05.2020 - 09.2021
- Started out as a cashier and moved up to service desk after 5 months.
- Handled rentals and returnable items.
- Processed customer transactions accurately and efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
- Assisted customers with product inquiries, enhancing overall shopping experience.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally, fostering positive relationships and loyalty.
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Assisted customers with returns, refunds and resolving transaction issues.
Cashier/Bagger/Cart Pusher
Jewel Osco
Plainfield, IL
08.2018 - 05.2020
- Started as bagger/cart pusher; promoted to cashier after 5 months.
- Processed customer transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
- Maintained accurate cash drawer, ensuring compliance with company policies.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Maintained a balanced cash drawer, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Assisted customers with inquiries and provided exceptional service, resulting in positive feedback from shoppers.
Education
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Joliet Junior College
Joliet, IL12-2021
Bachelor of Science - Food Science (Culinology)
Southwest Minnesota State University
Marshall, MN05-2026
Skills
- Cooking techniques
- Kitchen operations
- Team collaboration
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Ingredient knowledge
- Recipes and menu planning
- Allergen awareness
- Recipe creation
- Nutrition
- Food presentation
- Food plating and presentation
- Workflow optimization
Timeline
Research Chef Association Student Competition
Southwest Minnesota State University
08.2024 - 2026
Line Cook- (Summer and Winter Breaks)
Crusade Burger
05.2023 - 08.2024
Line Cook (College Internship)
Sovereign
05.2022 - 08.2022
Cashier/Customer Services
Menards
05.2020 - 09.2021
Cashier/Bagger/Cart Pusher
Jewel Osco
08.2018 - 05.2020
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Joliet Junior College
Bachelor of Science - Food Science (Culinology)
Southwest Minnesota State University