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Chef need to go to College?
I love to cook, and being organized #culinary. #chef
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Tylor’s Answer
Contrary to popular belief, chefs DO NOT need to go to college or culinary school. What is important however is finding the right restaurants to work at and chefs to work for. Places and chefs that have a high standard, are meticulous in their technical execution and are thoughtful in the cuisine that they prepare are all perfect criteria to use to determine to apply.
I did not attend college and am now an Executive chef in the most competitive market in the US. I took the harder route, which is working up through restaurants, and in doing so, I developed a wide range of skills, cuisines types and restaurant styles. I also learned the business side without attending school for it, I.e. the financials, the HR compliance, OSHA laws, Health dept, city planning, Fire control, staff management, etc.
Long story short, you don’t need to pay $40k to become a chef, you’re better off finding a chef to work under that you respect, and getting paid to learn in the process. Yes, it is a longer process to become an executive chef or sous chef, but I personally don’t regret skipping culinary school or college, as I’ve learned and advanced, I’ve found it worked out better for me this way. Being passionate, diligent, having a high attention to detail and integrity will serve you better then any culinary school certificate ever will.
I did not attend college and am now an Executive chef in the most competitive market in the US. I took the harder route, which is working up through restaurants, and in doing so, I developed a wide range of skills, cuisines types and restaurant styles. I also learned the business side without attending school for it, I.e. the financials, the HR compliance, OSHA laws, Health dept, city planning, Fire control, staff management, etc.
Long story short, you don’t need to pay $40k to become a chef, you’re better off finding a chef to work under that you respect, and getting paid to learn in the process. Yes, it is a longer process to become an executive chef or sous chef, but I personally don’t regret skipping culinary school or college, as I’ve learned and advanced, I’ve found it worked out better for me this way. Being passionate, diligent, having a high attention to detail and integrity will serve you better then any culinary school certificate ever will.
Updated
Kenji’s Answer
Hello. Loving to cook is different than loving to be in the kitchen unless you are already experienced in a production facility or restaurant. If you want to be in kitchen for few decades I tell you frankly find out first by trying to get in as a dishwasher, prep cook or any way you can so you can experience a production period or restaurant service. Go through the motions of arriving, preparing, working clean following all the protocols, getting hammered in a busy service, flying out pastas and other dishes as you are involved. There is definitely an addictive buzz for a particular demographic of adventurous types.
Now that being said advise don't skip getting some kind of degree if that option is available to you. You can work your way up without culinary school choosing instead perhaps a higher yielding trade or profession as a fall back if you decide to go into kitchen full time when you are finished, or while you are attending.
You might want to note that many of the industrial or institutional catering operations which offer normal hours in many cases seem to require two associate degrees minimally for the higher better paying positions. Also there is growing preference for other certifications CEC and Master Chef which require culinary school background or years as executive chef if you haven't had the schooling.
Keep your options open unless you know already you absolutely love the kitchen. Kitchen is a crazy place and compensation is just ok through the touring stations phase of developing your skills. Lots to learn. Lots of interesting experiences ahead if you can get in to position to enjoy those.
Now that being said advise don't skip getting some kind of degree if that option is available to you. You can work your way up without culinary school choosing instead perhaps a higher yielding trade or profession as a fall back if you decide to go into kitchen full time when you are finished, or while you are attending.
You might want to note that many of the industrial or institutional catering operations which offer normal hours in many cases seem to require two associate degrees minimally for the higher better paying positions. Also there is growing preference for other certifications CEC and Master Chef which require culinary school background or years as executive chef if you haven't had the schooling.
Keep your options open unless you know already you absolutely love the kitchen. Kitchen is a crazy place and compensation is just ok through the touring stations phase of developing your skills. Lots to learn. Lots of interesting experiences ahead if you can get in to position to enjoy those.
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Priya’s Answer
For degreed professionals, the employment landscape within the hospitality industry is vital and varied. Chefs can climb to prominent positions as supervisors and chef/managers within the kitchen, but management roles throughout the industry are also filled by professional chefs. An Associate’s or Bachelor’s would give you a solid trajectory toward any of these jobs.
Executive Chef
Sous Chef
Banquet Chef
Pastry Chef
Food Production Manager
Purchasing Manager
Private Club and Resort Manager
Institutional Food Service
Contract Food Service
Dietary Manager
Food and Beverage Director
Catering Director
Hope this helps!
Executive Chef
Sous Chef
Banquet Chef
Pastry Chef
Food Production Manager
Purchasing Manager
Private Club and Resort Manager
Institutional Food Service
Contract Food Service
Dietary Manager
Food and Beverage Director
Catering Director
Hope this helps!
Updated
Franklin’s Answer
I would say no but I would still recommend it. You will be better off combining that degree and your experience in the future. When it comes to a hiring decision, you will stand out above someone that does not have the degree if experience is the same.
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caleb’s Answer
Nope, they do not. They need to have some combination of a thick skin, attention to detail, good palate, stamina, empathy, and a million other things. But a diploma or certificate is not required.
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James’s Answer
Now the way things are most employers are looking for that degree. It can be done without school but you have to find a chef that will take you under there wing and still there is no guarantee. So go to school and find a good chef to work under and your career will have a better outlook.
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Dada’s Answer
Time Commitment to Become a Chef: If you're aiming to go to culinary school, it takes two years to obtain an associate's degree and four years for a bachelor's degree & Formal Training Programs
Courses commonly include safety and sanitation, baking and cooking techniques, food preparation and nutrition. Depending on the program, students may be required to complete internship programs.
Chef Education Requirements: Some restaurants require a minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent. It's possible to find employment without no culinary school education, but it may be more difficult to find a job in upscale settings.
Aspiring chefs may pursue formal training through culinary programs offered by community colleges, universities and culinary institutes. Some chefs complete certificate programs that typically last a few months, while others earn 2-year associate's or 4-year bachelor's degrees. Culinary programs focus on in-class instruction and hands-on training in the kitchen.
Good Luck Erika !
Courses commonly include safety and sanitation, baking and cooking techniques, food preparation and nutrition. Depending on the program, students may be required to complete internship programs.
Chef Education Requirements: Some restaurants require a minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent. It's possible to find employment without no culinary school education, but it may be more difficult to find a job in upscale settings.
Aspiring chefs may pursue formal training through culinary programs offered by community colleges, universities and culinary institutes. Some chefs complete certificate programs that typically last a few months, while others earn 2-year associate's or 4-year bachelor's degrees. Culinary programs focus on in-class instruction and hands-on training in the kitchen.
Good Luck Erika !
Updated
Nikisha’s Answer
Yes. Learn your trade. So someday it'll help you build a restaurant. And a network to promote your work