7 answers
Gabi
Student
Sedro-Woolley, Washington
1
Question
Asked
507 views
What are the most effective strategies for seeking a position in culinary arts?
I'm a student that is hopping to peruse culinary arts when I graduate. I am currently studding at Job Corps and will be starting classes in two weeks.
7 answers
Howard Pierceall CEC, CCE WCEC
Chef, Chef Instructor, Business owner
95
Answers
Sun City, Arizona
Updated
Howard’s Answer
Have a good attitude, be willing to work hard, pay attention to details, and follow instructions. If you are not sure ask questions.
Ask for help if you need it. Help others if they need it. Be on time or early, never be late. If you put in the work at school and on the job you will do well. You only get out what you put in. Doing just enough to get by, anyone can do that. You have to want it and enjoy doing it. Your happiness is the most important outcome. If you are happy and make a decent living it is okay.
Ask for help if you need it. Help others if they need it. Be on time or early, never be late. If you put in the work at school and on the job you will do well. You only get out what you put in. Doing just enough to get by, anyone can do that. You have to want it and enjoy doing it. Your happiness is the most important outcome. If you are happy and make a decent living it is okay.
Olivia Joy
Baker
1
Answer
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Updated
Olivia’s Answer
I suggest getting entry level experience wherever you can get it. It can be at a local bakery, grocery store, restaurant, or anywhere so you gain some genuine experience. Culinary classes are a wonderful resource, but an ineffective way to receive real world training. On the job, you learn the hours and what skills are needed, as well as how a business functions from the inside as opposed to within a classroom.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Gabi
Mariyan Joseph
Mason
2
Answers
Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Mariyan’s Answer
Kindness and patience
Nabiel Wahedi
Sous Chef
1
Answer
Dublin, California
Updated
Nabiel’s Answer
Culinary school is often the choice for those eager to quickly climb the ladder in the food service industry. However, it's not the only path to becoming a great chef. Experience can be just as valuable, as proven by an executive chef I once worked with. This chef, despite never attending culinary school, had an impressive understanding of complex flavors, gained over years of hands-on experience. Starting as a dishwasher, they worked their way up to head chef. If you choose culinary school, you'll likely land a position as a sous chef or chef, responsible for either crafting a new menu or meticulously replicating an existing one.
John Marcy
Food Scientist
13
Answers
Johnson City, Tennessee
Updated
John’s Answer
I am not completely familiar with the Job Corps program that you starting soon, but they were putting plenty of people into the food service field when I was working in Arkansas and did a fine job of it. It is basic education and a hands-on approach to learning and you will be getting valuable experience, which is what you need the most.
If you will make the most of the Job Corps experience, it will certainly get you started and from there you should be able to work and continue to learn and get better jobs until you find what you really like where you are and are comfortable in what you know and in the job you have and the people that you work with. All the best in your choices!
If you will make the most of the Job Corps experience, it will certainly get you started and from there you should be able to work and continue to learn and get better jobs until you find what you really like where you are and are comfortable in what you know and in the job you have and the people that you work with. All the best in your choices!
Thank you for the advice!
Gabi
Please consider all of the advice but use what you learn and practice your skills and you can have a bright future in a great industry, Gabi.
John Marcy
Paul McClure
24
Answers
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Updated
Paul’s Answer
First of all pay your dues. Just because you graduate from a culinary school does not mean you have the real word experiences to be able to be successful. You need to go in and start at the bottom and work your way up that way people know that you have paid your dues and willing to do whatever it takes to be able to perform your duties and to be able to create food that is mouth-watering and inviting.
ah do you work in any kind of places that Surve food?
Gabi
I us d and I supervise multiple restaurants setting up the kitchens, planning the menu, setting up the prep and training staff especially the cooks. Did that for 40+ years
Paul McClure
Could you tell be what the most difficult part of doing all that is?
Gabi
Too of the most difficult things I had to deal with was 1, time management and employee conduct. Both are extremely necessary to run a successful restaurant and multiple restaurants
Paul McClure
Margot Schulman
Private Chef & Caterer
1
Answer
Red Hook, New York
Updated
Margot’s Answer
The best strategy when starting out is to know your job is to learn as much as possible. It is normal wherever you wind up beginning to work to be given very basic and simple tasks at first. The chefs are watching you to see how you do and if you can be trusted with more challenging tasks. Nothing should be beneath you in the beginning. Have a mindset of being a team player and learning from folks with more experience. I also recommend making sure the work environment feels comfortable for you. Too many kitchens are unfortunately very toxic, especially for young women. You do not need to stay somewhere you are being mistreated.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Gabi
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