What Qualifications Does a Head Chef Need?

Becoming a head chef is a lofty goal for anyone interested in the world of food, and it can be an incredibly rewarding career. It does require a certain type of person to be successful in this industry, though. Here's what you need to know to help you decide if becoming a head chef is the right career path for you.

Cool Head Under Pressure

The kitchen of a food-service operation is a fast-paced environment, so you'll need to thrive in stressful situations. In addition to preparing all of the incoming orders within a reasonable amount of time, you'll also have to be able to manage special requests and address any issues that arise as quickly as possible.

If you tend to get overwhelmed under stress, this may not be the best option for you. But if you perform at your best under pressure, you'll likely enjoy the professional kitchen environment.

Flexibility

Restaurants and other food-service establishments don't always follow normal business hours, so you'll need to be prepared to be at work when most people aren't. This includes nights, weekends, and holidays. Evaluate your lifestyle to determine whether you can accommodate an unpredictable schedule.

You'll often have to work overtime as well, so be sure to factor that into your final decision. While some people relish the opportunity to have a flexible schedule, for others, it simply isn't a possibility. Be honest with yourself about your lifestyle requirements.

Physical Stamina

The job of a head chef is physically demanding, so it helps to be in good health overall. You'll be on your feet for long hours throughout the day, and you won't always be able to take breaks at your preferred times.

Once you get into the breakfast, lunch or dinner rush, you'll have no choice but to stick it out until the orders stop flying in. You'll also need a healthy tolerance for heat and humidity, as kitchen environments are typically very warm.

Creativity

Being a head chef is about more than just preparing the dishes currently on the menu. You'll also have to come up with new dishes to keep your patrons coming back for more. In addition to having culinary skill, this also requires a fair bit of creativity. You don't want your restaurant to serve up the same exact food as other establishments in your area; you'll need to put your own unique spin on the classics or come up with entirely new dishes to keep your customers satisfied.

Leadership

As a head chef, you'll be responsible for managing the efforts of the entire kitchen, not just your own. You'll be running a team of cooks, and you'll need them to respond to your requests quickly and without question.

This requires you to become a true leader in the kitchen. While some people are natural leaders, for others, it will require a bit more work. As with just about any other skill, though, your leadership skills will improve with practice. Take every opportunity you can to hone your skills in this area.

Financial Acumen

In addition to managing the food production in your kitchen, you'll also have to keep your budget under control so that your establishment can turn a profit. This requires mathematical and financial skills. The prices of various food items are constantly changing to accommodate current trends in the market, so your costs will vary over time. You'll need to stay up-to-date on the latest developments to ensure you aren't overpaying or stretching your budget too thin.

Strong Culinary Background

No discussion of the qualities of a good head chef would be complete without a reference to your culinary skills. Of course, it helps to have a good palate and a natural skill in the kitchen, but you can take steps to improve your skills on your own. When you are cooking for your family or friends, don't shy away from experimenting. You never know when you might come up with something truly delicious.

Why Formal Education is Important in the Culinary Arts Industry

While it is entirely possible to learn to cook at your own pace, you could progress most quickly with an education in the culinary arts. This way, you'll learn all of the necessary techniques to prepare food successfully. You'll also learn the science behind the way different foods react to heat, helping you understand why some recipes work and others don't.

Are You Ready for the Heat of the Kitchen?

Are you interested in becoming a chef? If you want to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts Degree, ECPI University's Culinary Institute of Virginia offers this program at an accelerated pace. For more information regarding this exciting program, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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Gainful Employment Information – Culinary Arts - Associate’s

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