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Have you ever dreamed of being on Master Chef?

Consider a degree in culinary arts!

Gordon Ramsay in 24 Hours saying, 'I'm here to help,' to another chef.

If you're unsure about what it takes to make it in the culinary world β€” a culinary arts degree will help you master cooking techniques, discover unique taste combinations, and receive real-world experience.

Why study culinary arts?

There are many reasons why studying culinary arts might interest you β€” maybe you want to make mouthwatering pastries or open up your own Michelin star restaurant β€” whatever your goals, one thing all culinary arts students share is having a passion for food.

A person using a spoon to put sauce onto a plate with roasted salmon and leafy greens. Photo by Edward Howell on Unsplash

As long as you're passionate, culinary schools are great for teaching you all the basic cooking skills and terminology that a chef would be expected to know on the job.

Did you know?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 5% growth in the culinary arts field for chefs and head cooks by 2032.

What will you learn in culinary school?

A series of knives. The heading reads: 'Industry Skills'.

  • The function of different knives and how to consistently care for them.

  • Different roles in a kitchen: butchery, sauce making, pastry, cold foods, hot appetizers, fish, and meat.

  • The proper guidelines for food handling to prevent illness and an unsanitary environment.

  • How to make foods look desirable by plating meals properly.

A cookbook. The heading reads: 'Educational and Career Opportunities'.

  • The trends in the restaurant industry, best practices, and business-oriented skills. study and practice cuisines from all over the world.

  • Build relationships with successful chefs and instructors.

  • Internships or externships that offers experience in a restaurant or hotel setting.

A person in front of a calendar holding a clock. The heading reads: 'Task and Time Management'.

  • How to balance working multiple projects at once, in a fast-paced environment.

  • Managerial skills and how to handle the business side of the culinary industry.

What career path can you follow?

A person spraying oil to make a sandwich glisten to enhance the visual appeal for food photography.

Culinary school opens up doors to many different opportunities. A few examples include:

Executive chef

Executive chefs lead and manage a kitchen team, create innovative menus, and ensure food quality.

Pastry chef

Pastry chefs specialize in baking and pastry arts. They create various baked goods.

Food critic

Food critics try new dishes and share their insights and food recommendations with the public.

Food stylist

Food stylists use their culinary knowledge to enhance the visual appeal of food for TV, magazines, and advertising material.

Quiz

Imagine you're attending culinary school, yet unsure about what career path is right for you. You find the most joy in creating visually stunning dishes. Which career path might align well with your passion?

How should you prepare for culinary school?

A modern plating on a black plate of crispy pork belly medallion with spring vegetables, avocado, shumai, and pickled rhubarbPhoto by Romain Briaux on Unsplash

Once you have an idea of your goals, there are a few steps before applying to culinary school.

Do your research

Schools differ in cost and requirements. Research the entrance requirements and cost of attendance on the school’s website or call the admissions office.

Develop fundamental skills

Start practicing your cooking skills at home. Experiment with different techniques and recipes. This is your time to get creative!

Gain work experience

Finding part-time restaurant work or volunteering locally for a food-based organization will strengthen your application.

How can you succeed in a culinary arts program?

Culinary arts combine passion and dedication. Want to succeed in your culinary arts program? The following tips come in handy:

Embrace learning

  • Seek guidance from the instructor and ask for help.

  • Be open to feedback.

Communication is key

  • Effective and clear communication with your instructors and peers is important in order to run a kitchen smoothly.

A  group of chefs in a kitchen saying, 'Yes, Chef!' to their head chef.

Pay attention to detail

  • The smallest details in cooking can make the greatest impact.

Be creative

  • Think outside the box and add your unique touch to recipes.

Quiz

Imagine you're in your first year of culinary school. Your instructor tells you your performance isn't where it needs to be. What can you do? Select all that apply:

Take Action

A contestant from 'Next Level Chef' shrugging her shoulders and saying, 'What do I do?'

If you think a degree in culinary arts is the right fit for you:

License:

This Byte has been authored by

TM

Taylor McCarthy

Instructional Designer

MSEd

English

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