Benefits of Learning Baking in a Formal Degree Program?

It seems anyone can learn to be a baker nowadays given how many resources are readily available online. If you're into baking just for fun, this is good news. But if you want to turn pro, you need to move from YouTube to the classroom, before stepping into a professional pastry kitchen.

How?

By getting formal education in baking and earning a degree. A degree serves as a certification of your skills as a pastry chef as well as your dedication to your craft. On top of that, you'll get to:

Develop technical skills

Though successful self-taught pastry chefs exist, they're more of an exception than the rule. You can always study the basics on your own -- thanks to the internet, that's easier to do now than ever before.

To master the basics and then learn advanced techniques after, you need to be under the tutelage of instructors who already have years of experience under their belt (or toque, in this case). They have the necessary qualifications to teach you, and they follow a detailed and structured curriculum that covers various topics. As a result, you'll acquire the knowledge you need in an organized, cohesive manner that only formal education can deliver.

Gain valuable soft skills

Aside from technical skills, employers also look for soft skills such as oral and written communication, adaptability, creativity, grace under pressure, tram player attitude, to name a few. These soft skills make interacting with people easier, whether they're colleagues in the kitchen or customers at the tables.

Pastry chefs deal with many people as part of the job, so it's important that you know how to. Fortunately, working with classmates on projects while earning your degree will help you prepare for the social aspect of being a pastry chef.

Get hands-on training

A big part of the degree program for hopeful pastry chefs involves spending time in the kitchen and getting actual work done. Thus, you can expect to have access to all the tools and equipment needed for you to learn all relevant baking skills.

You can't do the same on your own, especially if your kitchen isn't as well-equipped and well-stocked as what you'll find in culinary schools. In addition, you'll be training under instructors, so you'll see them work on their desserts up close and personal. You won't be limited to your specialty because you'll learn how to make many different pastries.

Receive personalized feedback

Following instructional videos on YouTube isn't the same as working under the direct guidance of skills pastry chefs. You're on your own in the former, but you have help in the latter. When you're enrolled to a program, your instructors can give constructive feedback based your actions, as well as provide tailored answers to your questions.

They're there not only to teach you, but also to react to you, so the training you receive is as customized as it can be. That's not something you get when you're learning by yourself.

Grow your network

Networking is part of career building in any industry. When you're in school, you can nurture meaningful relationships with your instructors that extend beyond the classroom walls. You never know when one of them can recommend you for a job or offer to mentor you in the future. The same goes for your classmates.

A friendship built today can become a business partnership tomorrow. Although the skills you develop will help build establish your reputation as a pastry chef, the people you know will help send opportunities along your way.

Join the big leagues

Five-star establishments have a name to live up to, so if you call a prestigious business your workplace, you must have the credentials. After all, a Michelin-starred restaurant will not hire just anyone. Between two candidates with the same skill level but with different educational attainments, the one with better education will often get the job.

Because competition is tough in this industry, less prominent establishments also demand the same from aspiring applicants. Experience may matter more than education in the long run, but without credentials, you might not even get the chance to build the experience you need.

If you want to take the step from being a hobby baker to certified professional chef, consider earning an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts at the Culinary Institute of Virginia by ECPI University. Our teaching staff is composed of experienced chefs with real-world experience ready to teach you how to make delicious baked goods. For more information on this exciting program, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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