6 answers
Jenna
Student
Wilmington, Delaware
1
Question
Asked
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How to choose your path?
I have wanted to go into a culinary career path for as long as I can remember but now that I'm nearing college,I'm not sure what I specifically want to do in the field. I know that i want to be in the kitchen cooking but that's it. There's such a broad spectrum of jobs and I'm just not sure how to choose.
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6 answers
Dave M.
Consultant
3
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Dave’s Answer
Hi, here are some of your options in most full-service restaurants:
Sauté - dinner service entrees, sauteed and roasted meats and seafood
Broiler - dinner service, beef, veal, lamb, prime rib, Yorkshire pudding
Vegetable - dinner service veg, starch and pasta sides, serious prep involved
Prep Cook - stocks, soups, sauces, mise en place, staff meals
Garde Manger - amuse bouche, salads, tartars, terrines, pates
Pastry - dessert mise en place, sorbet, tarts, chocolates, zabaglione
Butcher - break down beef, veal, chicken, lamb, varied seafood
Catering - private lunch and dinner parties typically in the hundreds
Mastering any one of these can and will take years, i.e., equipment, ingredients, products and technique constantly change.
Do you enjoy being in the kitchen when it's the busiest or when you have more time and space to create and innovate?
The top 3 are the busiest, the next 4 are not under the same rigor as meal service. Catering can be and usually is both.
Good luck! ☮️🥐😊
Sauté - dinner service entrees, sauteed and roasted meats and seafood
Broiler - dinner service, beef, veal, lamb, prime rib, Yorkshire pudding
Vegetable - dinner service veg, starch and pasta sides, serious prep involved
Prep Cook - stocks, soups, sauces, mise en place, staff meals
Garde Manger - amuse bouche, salads, tartars, terrines, pates
Pastry - dessert mise en place, sorbet, tarts, chocolates, zabaglione
Butcher - break down beef, veal, chicken, lamb, varied seafood
Catering - private lunch and dinner parties typically in the hundreds
Mastering any one of these can and will take years, i.e., equipment, ingredients, products and technique constantly change.
Do you enjoy being in the kitchen when it's the busiest or when you have more time and space to create and innovate?
The top 3 are the busiest, the next 4 are not under the same rigor as meal service. Catering can be and usually is both.
Good luck! ☮️🥐😊
Kristen Grissom
Chef instructor
8
Answers
Greenville, South Carolina
Updated
Kristen’s Answer
Hi Jenna,
I highly recommend looking at your state tech schools for a culinary program. This is a low-cost way to explore all kinds of facets of this industry and see what may be a good fit for you. Remember, if something is NOT a good fit, that's just as valuable since it helps to narrow your focus. Also, explore a few jobs in your area and see if anything lights your fire. Learn everything you can!
I highly recommend looking at your state tech schools for a culinary program. This is a low-cost way to explore all kinds of facets of this industry and see what may be a good fit for you. Remember, if something is NOT a good fit, that's just as valuable since it helps to narrow your focus. Also, explore a few jobs in your area and see if anything lights your fire. Learn everything you can!
Krishawna Crum
Credentialing Assistant 3
7
Answers
Oxford, Mississippi
Updated
Krishawna’s Answer
Great question! When considering a career path, it's helpful to ask yourself some key questions. What excites you about cooking? Are you someone who learns best by doing? Do you prefer cooking breakfast or dinner? Do you have a favorite type of food to prepare? Asking these questions can help you focus on what you truly enjoy. Remember, it's perfectly okay if you don't have your career path figured out yet. Don't stress about it. Stay open-minded and eager to learn all you can about the culinary arts. You're on the right track!
Try taking career test
Ask friends and family what are their thoughts
Volunteer at local restaurants if possible
Talk to local chefs if possible
Krishawna recommends the following next steps:
William Wilt
Chef
17
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
William’s Answer
Jenna,
I've wanted to be a chef since junior high. I went to a vocational school during high school, and after graduating, I attended culinary school. For over forty years, I've worked as a cook, sous chef, and eventually an executive chef.
As Kristen and Krishawna mentioned, there are many paths in the culinary world. Take your time to explore the ones that interest you. Try to talk to professionals in those areas about their experiences and the pros and cons.
Sometimes, you might get too focused on one thing. Remember to take a step back and breathe. There's no rush. If cooking is truly your passion, there are many paths to follow. It's okay if the first one isn't right. Keep looking for the path that feels best for you.
Cheers!
I've wanted to be a chef since junior high. I went to a vocational school during high school, and after graduating, I attended culinary school. For over forty years, I've worked as a cook, sous chef, and eventually an executive chef.
As Kristen and Krishawna mentioned, there are many paths in the culinary world. Take your time to explore the ones that interest you. Try to talk to professionals in those areas about their experiences and the pros and cons.
Sometimes, you might get too focused on one thing. Remember to take a step back and breathe. There's no rush. If cooking is truly your passion, there are many paths to follow. It's okay if the first one isn't right. Keep looking for the path that feels best for you.
Cheers!
Benjamin Schad CEC
Executive Chef
7
Answers
Naples, Florida
Updated
Benjamin’s Answer
Hi Jenna,
It is awesome to know that you want to be in the kitchen professionally. I recommend that you speak with a few chefs as to the educational and career path(s) that they have experienced. It is different for everyone.
I feel that it is of utmost importance to have a solid understanding of basic cooking techniques.
Find a mentor that is willing to show you the ropes while you work for them or enroll in the best Culinary School that you can afford.
Learn how to taste food and create balanced flavors through your craft. Once you have a solid foundation or skillset "the world is your oyster". Eat at restaurants that are places you would consider working. Talk to the chef about your interest in what makes them special and apply yourself. Opportunities will present themselves to you if you show that you are capable and willing to try something new.
Best of luck to you in your pursuit.
It is awesome to know that you want to be in the kitchen professionally. I recommend that you speak with a few chefs as to the educational and career path(s) that they have experienced. It is different for everyone.
I feel that it is of utmost importance to have a solid understanding of basic cooking techniques.
Find a mentor that is willing to show you the ropes while you work for them or enroll in the best Culinary School that you can afford.
Learn how to taste food and create balanced flavors through your craft. Once you have a solid foundation or skillset "the world is your oyster". Eat at restaurants that are places you would consider working. Talk to the chef about your interest in what makes them special and apply yourself. Opportunities will present themselves to you if you show that you are capable and willing to try something new.
Best of luck to you in your pursuit.
Sonjy Bambi Davis Daniels
Food and Travel Host
1
Answer
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Updated
Sonjy Bambi’s Answer
Culinary Arts offers endless possibilities! You can explore food in many places, from the kitchen and research labs to TV shows and even in healthcare settings. Food not only nourishes our bodies but also uplifts our spirits. If you're unsure where to begin, start with the basics. Consider a 2-year degree in culinary arts to discover your passion!