3 answers
Isaiah
Student
3
Questions
Asked
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What steps would you recommend I take to prepare to enter the world of cooking?
What's the next thing I need to do after I do all of my schooling for cooking?
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3 answers
Mike McEachin
Assistant Manager
1
Answer
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Mike’s Answer
I think the most important piece of advice I can give, coming from me and my experience - find a quality establishment and know you'll have to start from the bottom and work your way up. If i could go back and do it over, I would have went to a quality hotel/resort environment, started out as a prep cook and learned all the stations and techniques from those above me, and then move my way through the stations. I got into cooking late in life, kind of as a second chance/rebuilding a career time, and unfortunately could no devote all the time to learn and grow as I came to learn was the most important. I did make it to be a Sous, and a Kitchen Manager in several establishments, but found the pay wasn't as good as I had hoped (circa 2010-2015 for me), and also being that I had this previous life before getting into the business I lost touch with most friends and loves ones. You will work LOTS of nights and most holidays, its something you'll have to accept, as it is part of the business. I have friends who started as dish washers, learned to prep and were eager, moved up through stations and then made it to Sous, Executive chef status, and even given new restaurants to run, with no schooling or experience. I wish you luck in your endeavors.
Jimil Burkhart
Software Engineer
97
Answers
Gilbert, Arizona
Updated
Jimil’s Answer
Here are some steps you can take to prepare for a career in the culinary arts:
Start early: if you're still in high school, start taking as many cooking classes and food-related electives as you can. This will help you build a strong foundation in basic cooking techniques and give you a sense of whether or not a culinary career is right for you.
Get experience: after you graduate from high school, consider getting a job in the food service industry. This will give you hands-on experience and help you build a network of industry contacts. Look for jobs as a dishwasher, prep cook, or line cook, and work your way up the ladder.
Consider culinary school: after you've gained some experience, consider attending a culinary school to further your training. Look for a school that is accredited by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) and that offers a curriculum that aligns with your career goals.
Network: Attend culinary events, shows, food festivals, and conferences to meet other chefs, culinary professionals and industry leaders. This is a good way to learn more about the industry and also to make valuable contacts.
Be willing to start at the bottom: once you graduate culinary school or have enough experience, you may have to start out in a low-level position to work your way up. Be patient, and take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way.
After completing your schooling, the next step would be to begin looking for a job in the culinary field. This could include working as a line cook, sous chef, or chef de cuisine at a restaurant, working in catering, or even starting your own business.
Make sure your resume and online presence is updated, with your skills, education and work experiences to showcase to potential employers. You may also want to consider getting certifications from organizations like the American Culinary Federation (ACF) to further demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
Start early: if you're still in high school, start taking as many cooking classes and food-related electives as you can. This will help you build a strong foundation in basic cooking techniques and give you a sense of whether or not a culinary career is right for you.
Get experience: after you graduate from high school, consider getting a job in the food service industry. This will give you hands-on experience and help you build a network of industry contacts. Look for jobs as a dishwasher, prep cook, or line cook, and work your way up the ladder.
Consider culinary school: after you've gained some experience, consider attending a culinary school to further your training. Look for a school that is accredited by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) and that offers a curriculum that aligns with your career goals.
Network: Attend culinary events, shows, food festivals, and conferences to meet other chefs, culinary professionals and industry leaders. This is a good way to learn more about the industry and also to make valuable contacts.
Be willing to start at the bottom: once you graduate culinary school or have enough experience, you may have to start out in a low-level position to work your way up. Be patient, and take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way.
After completing your schooling, the next step would be to begin looking for a job in the culinary field. This could include working as a line cook, sous chef, or chef de cuisine at a restaurant, working in catering, or even starting your own business.
Make sure your resume and online presence is updated, with your skills, education and work experiences to showcase to potential employers. You may also want to consider getting certifications from organizations like the American Culinary Federation (ACF) to further demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
Mike Bradley
Chef
5
Answers
Mobile, Alabama
Updated
Mike’s Answer
As a Chef my advice to you is to decide what style of cooking you want to do. Before you go to culinary school please take a kitchen job and work there a year before you spend the money. I will not tell you that this job is easy....because its not!!!!! Being a Chef is hard work and lots of sacrifice!!!!!!! Being a Chef is not a 9 to 5 Monday thru Friday. Be prepared to give up every holiday, and everything normal. As a Chef you will give up all weekends. After saying all that, I would not trade this life for anything!!! CHEF LIFE!!!!