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I am unsure and haven't made my mind up to many choices....

how do I narrow down results on a big spectrum such as cooking... #cooking #bakery

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Subject: Career question for you

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Baxter’s Answer

When trying to narrow down a job search within a field (in this example, cooking) think about what it is that you like within the field and which job will allow you to do that or at least put you on the path to getting to that kind of role.

For instance, do you prefer: (1) the act of working with your hands and the actual cooking, (2) coming up with new recipes, (3) leading a team, (4) ultimately running a restaurant (with all of its different skills sets -- finance, HR, operations etc.) as a business person with cooking background.

Also think about where you want to work and if one location versus another will offer you a broader opportunity set (for instance, if you like Latin cuisine, then perhaps Miami might be a better fit for where to start, but if you like French cooking New York may be right for you). The market in which the job exists can make a big difference in the work itself and what your prospects beyond that job look like.
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Rebecca’s Answer

You have already had good understanding on culinary career. You are correct that it is wide spectrum. There are different cuisine. Even in the same cuisine, there are different chef to prepare different dishes. For example, there are chef to prepare main courses, pastry chef, etc. in western cuisine. Similarly, there are chef to prepare Dim Sum, Main Courses, Pastry, etc. as well. Even in pastry chef, there are different chef to make bread, pastry, cakes, etc. Each have different knowledge and skills, etc.
I would recommend you attend culinary school. They will offer courses to students to learn the fundamentals and different parts in a selected cuisine. Then, you can select which one you are interested in. Then, you can specialize on the areas that you have interested on.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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Soumya’s Answer

Hi Giovanni,

I agree, to pick up a profession is quiet daunting task but the answer to it lies within you. You already know within which way you want to head. But most often we get into dilemma because of the what ifs and the challenges that come with achieving it.

The best way to narrow down to what you want to do, especially in cooking is by experimenting. See for yourself what type ( cook or bake) & cuisine comes most easily to you. Once you become aware of this, you can think about how do you want to become professional at it, like you can take a university course or finishing school course or internship at a restaurant.

Do not get overwhelmed with choices, navigate through them by exploring them and negating the options that don't match your calling and you will find your destination.

All the best!
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Sumitra’s Answer

Hi there!

As I understand you are interested in a career as a chef and perhaps you would like to rather be a specialist in a certain type of food item rather than multiple cuisines or let's say cooking method.
In that case, may be you can list down the food that you like the most, or are tempted the most to experiment with.

Do you like to bake often than cook?
Do you like a specific cuisine the most and feel comfortable preparing that and experimenting with it?
Do you find a certain cuisine is worth trying and can be popular among people of diverse tastes?

Your answer will narrow down with the methods you find most comfortable, yet tempting.

For instance, I love to bake. I have my reasons for instance, I find it comfortable to bake and I can think of varieties of cakes and cookies to bake. I also feel that bakery stuffs do not go out of fashion ever. It's always tempting and one can think of various healthy ingredients to use and make different recipes.

Hope it helps! 😊
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Heather’s Answer

This is a great question. When you attend culinary school, you will be exposed to all types of cooking and baking. This really gives an opportunity for you to try different styles of cooking and to help you find your niche. We have a Helms culinary school in our area that exposes students to everything from front of the house to back of the house including different styles of cooking. Another step each student takes is to intern in the restaurant. If you teach or to a few places in the areas you are interested in, you may find some great opportunities for learning. Talk to the owners and managers candidly and explain your goal along with your need to explore. You may find you can train and make some money at the same time.

Heather recommends the following next steps:

Research culinary schools
Seek opportunities to train in areas of interest
Take a cooking class in an area of interest
Try some different recipes at home
Check small restaurants and large restaurants in your area
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