Austin
What kind of credits do you need in college to be a chef?
Hi my name is Austin I am from Norman County West and I was wondering what kind of education you need to have to be a chef? I've always liked cooking so I've always wanted to be a chef ever since I was little. Also once you graduate how much money per year do you make? Some other questions I was wondering is what kind of personality traits do you need to be a chief like nice,confident or what? One other question I have is that what kind of college courses would I take also what would I major in? what kind of degrees or licenses or even credentials do I need be a chef. Also what other stuff could I do like extra activities or internships? #money #chef #cooking #credits #chief
2 answers
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Austin,
Step One: Earning a High School Diploma
Although it's possible to find employment in kitchens before completing high school, a diploma helps if you want to get full-time work in better restaurants. While you're in high school, you may be able to take vocational classes in food safety, handling and cooking.
Step Two: Exploring the Art and Business of Cooking
Working at any level in a restaurant kitchen is a great way to find out if the business is for you. According to the National Restaurant Association (www.restaurant.org), well-known chefs have been known to start as dishwashers. It's a good idea to read cookbooks, watch cooking shows, experiment with recipes and feed your family and friends.
Step Three: Getting Initial Training and Experience
With some post-secondary training in a community college, technical institute, or independent cooking school, you may be able to get an entry-level position such as food preparation worker, short-order cook or sous chef. This allows one to watch experts at work and to consider specialized chef jobs, such as executive chef or chef de cuisine. At this stage, work is often done under a mentor.
Step Four: Considering Culinary School
It's possible to work your way up in the restaurant world, but aspiring chefs benefit greatly from formal training. Some culinary schools or college cooking departments offer 4-year degrees such as a Bachelor of Professional Studies in culinary arts; some grant various associate degrees in cooking geared toward those who want to finish their training faster or who already have college degrees in other areas. Some culinary institutes also offer specialized associate degree programs just for highly experienced chefs who've worked for years without previous post-secondary education. Associate degrees are generally completed in two years.
In: http://study.com/what_does_it_take_to_be_a_chef.html
This other link can help you:
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/chef.aspx
Have a great journey!
I love these steps, very clear and helpful
Jessica Leveque
Jessica Leveque
Jessica’s Answer
Great question! Becoming a chef can happen multiple ways, as Daniela said having a high school diploma to begin does help. You can also work part time at a restaurant in any position to see how BOH or back of house works. See if you enjoy the rush, the process of not only making food but getting dishes ready in a certain time to serve and send to servers. This helps give you a clear mindset of the chef life, I hope this helps.