While several hundred thousand people work in the restaurant business, only a few hold satisfying, high-earning positions. That's why it's essential that you pursue a culinary education. Many enter the field as a prep cook, slicing and assembling food ingredients, but few rise to chef and baking positions without specialized training.
It's a Matter of Degree
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the food service industry will add more than 1.6 million new jobs by 2012. Top hotels and restaurants are looking for experienced staff, but they place a high premium on educated and certified personnel. Graduates of cooking courses or culinary degree programs traditionally start at cook or chef positions rather than entry-level food prep or service jobs, according to the BLS.
From Soup to Nuts
The emphasis placed on proper education means that pursuing a degree in the culinary arts is one of the most important ingredients of a successful career. One popular way to earn a culinary education is through an apprenticeship. According to the American Culinary Federation (ACF), some 2,000 apprentices are participating in more than 80 sponsored culinary apprenticeship programs around the country. The ACF offers industry certifications for certified master chef, certified master pastry chef, certified executive chef, certified sous chef, and more.
Other Options
There are many other options available to aspiring chefs. There are cooking certificates, Associates in Occupational Science, and graduate hospitality management degrees available for the taking. You can even earn an MBA in hospitality and restaurant management. Some culinary schools provide comprehensive training across the entire hospitality field, from owner, manager, and maitre d', to bartender, catering manager, and server. You can get training in cooking methods, nutrition, product quality, and sanitation, among other things.
If you have dreams of excelling in the profession, start now. Whether you complete a short-term accelerated cooking class, work toward a 12- or 18-month diploma, or complete an Associate of Science degree, there's a culinary school that will help write the recipe for success.