I Want to be a Chef: Where Do I Start?
Also referred to as a head cook or an executive chef, a chef is a trained culinary professional who creates new menus then selects and inspects exotic ingredients to impress their customers with their imagination and skill. Some chefs choose to focus on specific specialties such as pastries, cultural cuisines, food and beverage, catering or molecular gastronomy. Becoming a chef will give you the opportunity to explore your passion for cooking. Although many chefs start their career by cooking at home and experimenting at the kitchen, chefs acquire training in different culinary styles, types of ingredients and cooking techniques.
Eating is much more than just a pastime for people who love cooking. However, to become a successful chef takes mounds of dedication and perseverance, especially if you are just starting out. Most head chefs at popular restaurants didn’t start at the top. They paid their dues just like in other career fields. But those with talent and the desire to succeed can make it.
Paths to Become a Chef
Path 1: Work Your Way Up
You can start your career as a chef at the bottom and work your way up. Most of those who choose this option start in the kitchen as dishwashers or bussers. After acquiring some experience working in the restaurant then you might be able to get a job as a chef’s assistant. Your job will involve cleaning, peeling, chopping and filling different foods fast and accurately. Your next responsibility will involve the preparation of soups, salads and other appetizers. Next, you will work as a cook where you will prepare foods depending on the type of food or type of cooking, such as sauté cook or grill cook.
The sous chef is next to the executive chef. As a sous chef, you will have the added responsibility of supervising other kitchen workers, and also have some input on the menu. In the absence of the head chef, the sous chef is in charge. The executive chef is on the highest chef ladder. As an executive chef, your main responsibility will be to manage the entire kitchen, prepare the menu and test ingredients. Keep in mind that it may take you several years before you work your way
Path 2: Complete Formal Training
Culinary institutions offer 2-year (or less) programs in culinary arts. This program will train you to work in different types of restaurants and learn some training specialties. Professional culinary training programs have some basic classes in culinary arts fundamentals, nutrition, safety and sanitation, and other specialty classes.
Generally, there are two types of chefs; pastry chefs who specialize in the preparation of desserts and other sweet foods, and savory chefs who can prepare dishes for all types of meals. Whether you have already decided or you are unsure of which type of chef you want to become, a culinary institution will help you explore the best option.
5 Benefits of Formal Education if You Have Culinary Aspirations
Hone your skills: Although training in a kitchen or cooking at home can help you learn some of the necessary cooking techniques, in a culinary school you will be able to master different techniques under the guidance of an experienced master chef.
Networking: A culinary institution will provide you with the opportunity to network with other chefs and chef instructors. You will also meet people from different backgrounds and different parts of the world in the classroom, restaurant or food company kitchen and you will have the chance to explore different types of food.
It’s more than the title: Culinary isn’t all about cooking, but also about life. You don’t just learn fundamentals but discipline, perseverance, and dedication.
International opportunity: Formal culinary education can be your gateway for an opportunity to travel and work abroad; your exposure can help you reach beyond the local market.
Expertise: Iron sharpens iron, and in a culinary institution trained and experienced chefs who will provide you with hands-on experience, culinary knowledge, and mentorship.
Are you interested in culinary education? If you want to earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts, ECPI University’s Culinary Institute of Virginia offers this program at an accelerated pace. For more information about this exciting program, connect with a helpful 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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