Fast food cooks work in local diners, bars, and restaurants, and in locations operated by national fast food chains. They prepare hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, French fries, fried chicken, deli sandwiches, and other basic menu items. The hours are long. The work is often part-time. The pay is not much above the minimum wage. And there are usually no benefits. Yet being a fast food cook has a lot to offer those with their eyes on a career in food services. Often filled by high school and college students, this front-line position offers observant workers an inside look at what it’s like to run a restaurant or food service operation. And that can be excellent preparation for a career as a chef, restaurant manager, or related occupation.