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Advantages of Culinary School - Jumpstart Your Career in the Culinary Arts

by Olivia Tacelli
CulinaryEd Columnist

July 23, 2010

If you love cooking and want to make a career out of it, you may be wondering about culinary school. While you may find a job prepping veggies and work your way up over time to a position with the responsibilities and pay of a chef, getting a degree may help you get the skills you need to fast track your culinary career in the direction you want to go.

The Educational Advantages of Culinary School

Working at a restaurant can give you experience, but with the solid foundation from a culinary degree program, there won't be any gaps in your knowledge. You'll get the most up-to-date information on culinary trends, techniques, nutrition, and food safety. With the ability to specialize in certain areas like wine education, wedding cakes, and French pastry, you can get high-level training and graduate an expert in the field of your choice. If you're interested in being a head chef, you can find a degree that offers managerial and business courses, knowledge that is often very appealing to employers.

How Culinary School Can Get You Hired

In fact, getting any degree from culinary school may give graduates a leg up finding a job because it shows a certain level of serious commitment and follow-through that is sought after by employers. According the the Bureau of Labor Statistics, having a post-secondary degree may also increase your hireability as a head chef where the job market is more competitive and your earning potential higher.

In addition, many programs require externships that provide restaurant experience and these real world connections may also lead to employment after graduation. Culinary school may also offer excellent networking potential, if your goal after school is to start up your own restaurant, catering company, or retail food business.

While the bottom line is your talent, blood, sweat, and tears, culinary arts school is a smart choice when you know you want to make a life out of your passion for food.



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