A culinary career can be exciting and rewarding. In the fast-paced kitchens or restaurants and bakeries, no day is ever quite the same, which means your career will be anything but boring. If you’re considering a career in culinary arts and looking at culinary training programs, then there are a few things you may want to consider before taking the plunge.
It may not be what you are used to
Cooking in a restaurant kitchen is not like cooking in your home kitchen. Commercial kitchens are hot, hectic, and run at a high speed. In addition, there are many hazards to watch out for—quite different from cooking your family’s dinner.
You won’t be a top chef—at first
Be prepared to start at the bottom. Most kitchens have a hierarchy, and new recruits generally begin at the bottom. If you’re not willing to put in the time to gain the experience needed to advance, this industry may not be right for you.
You may need to set a new schedule
Most jobs in culinary require long hours including weekends, nights, and holidays. Saturday nights, Easter, and Mother’s Day are some of the busiest times for restaurants.
Look out for challenges
You’ll need to be prepared for the unexpected. On any given day, you could be dealing with an inspector from the health department, a staff member who failed to show up for work, or a patron with a food allergy.
But you will have opportunities
You may not work in a restaurant. While the majority of culinary jobs are within restaurants, graduates can land jobs as a personal chef, a caterer, a food writer, or even a food stylist, after culinary arts programs.
Take the Time to Know for Sure
You can never be too prepared when switching careers or starting one. Make sure to explore all your options and find a culinary training program that best fits your career goals. With a little hard work, you’ll be on the path to success in culinary arts.
