Culinary - Whats the next and final step?

After getting a culinary degree you have to go out and find a job. Do not be discouraged, but most place will not hire you as a Head Chef out of school. You may start as a line cook in a restaurant and hotel and have to make your way up. Craigslist can be very useful, but it also really helps to know some restaurants that you would want to work at. Follow some local sites on restaurants like eater.com or grubstreet.com to get to know a little more about restaurants in the city. Continue researching as you put out resumes. A lot of restaurants you apply to may ask you to come spend a day in the kitchen as part of the interview process. This is normal and is good for you and the restaurant. Keep in mind It could easily take a few years to make your way to a Sous Chef or Chef position depending on the restaurant or hotel you choose.

Be prepared to start from the bottom. Just because you have the head knowledge or a degree does not prove to any restauranteur or executive chef that you are worth hiring as more than a line cook. I do not share this to discourage you. Work hard to prove your dedication to the restaurant and show off your strong kitchen management skills. That is how you find a job leading in a kitchen.

The best way to gain experience is to get out there and do it. Most culinary programs offer internship opportunities with high caliber restaurants. Corporate dining is also a good avenue to consider. Companies Like Compass Group and Bon Appetit are a good place to start. It gives you the chance to work in modern kitchens with a better schedule than in a traditional restaurant. Generally corporate dining locations offer several genres of food which helps you gain regional experience and expertise in several styles of cooking.