To become a sous chef, would it benefit if I attended a four year university or a private school that focuses solely on my career choice?
When applying for colleges, my counselor insisted that I look for schools that have specific scholastic programs that focused solely on my major. I was wondering if going to a private school would be better than attending a regular 4-year university if they both had programs for my major. #art #chef #culinary-arts
2 answers
David’s Answer
Dimarco, your counselor is correct. Cooking is chemistry but, each aspect is very specific in the chemistry involved so be prepared to take chemistry courses.
The better cooking schools are in the private sector because the skills needed are so specialized. The bonus of a school specializing in the culinary arts is you will be taught the basics in all areas. What happens often is certain students discover a talent for one of the highly specialized areas and a love for that area they didn't know about. I am not a chef but I do have three friends who are. Each trained in their home country, France, Switzerland and the USA (San Francisco). Each wanted to be a chef, one became a successful executive chef, one a saucier and the third an OK pastry chef. Had they attended a school that offered but did not specialize in culinary arts they may not have had chefs, pastry chefs and sauciers with them to nurture their hidden talents. These types of schools also tend to have higher standards for their staffs.
Remember to thoroughly check out the schools before committing.
Dada’s Answer
Your passion for cooking food and just cooking just as a career its recommended highly to get a Bachelor’s degree which would give you a solid idea & different opportunities in the culinary / cooking industry jobs! Focusing on classical culinary principles and techniques, You may also opt for program’s coursework & build your knowledge and skills through a carefully chosen sequence of courses with an emphasis on learning by doing. Its always of benefit - No doubt on that.
Cheers !