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what do I need to help me succeed in the culinary industry?
what skills should I focus on?
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5 answers
Updated
Emeline’s Answer
Hi Salvador,
I suggest you to try it by doing diffrent internship within restaurant or pastry shop that you think you'll like work in, it will help you to decide what part of the industry you prefer: cook, pastry, sell.
From there, it will help you to know in what culinary school you should focus on and what you prefer. School will teach you all the basics that you need to know and pratice to make in smoother for you as a professionnal. Only after that you will be able to specialize in the type of cook/pastry/selling part that you want by either doing another specific degree, applying to job that you thing will match your specification or by going abroad to learn new techniques and kitchen organisations.
I suggest you to try it by doing diffrent internship within restaurant or pastry shop that you think you'll like work in, it will help you to decide what part of the industry you prefer: cook, pastry, sell.
From there, it will help you to know in what culinary school you should focus on and what you prefer. School will teach you all the basics that you need to know and pratice to make in smoother for you as a professionnal. Only after that you will be able to specialize in the type of cook/pastry/selling part that you want by either doing another specific degree, applying to job that you thing will match your specification or by going abroad to learn new techniques and kitchen organisations.
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hello Salvador,
I'm not a chef, but I've worked in professional kitchens.
If you love good food and get satisfaction from producing it, you'll well on your way.
Focus on mastering the basic skills and techniques, before you decide to specialise. Always be punctual, well-presented, reliable and hardworking. Be willing to learn and to learn from your mistakes.
Kitchen work is physically demanding and the hours are long. Look after your health and fitness.
If you love it, you'll always find work, anywhere!
I'm not a chef, but I've worked in professional kitchens.
If you love good food and get satisfaction from producing it, you'll well on your way.
Focus on mastering the basic skills and techniques, before you decide to specialise. Always be punctual, well-presented, reliable and hardworking. Be willing to learn and to learn from your mistakes.
Kitchen work is physically demanding and the hours are long. Look after your health and fitness.
If you love it, you'll always find work, anywhere!
Updated
David L.’s Answer
I do not have experience in the culinary arts, but like any profession, my first suggestion would be to offer shadow or work on a volunteer basis for someone that you admire in that field. Reach out to a chef at a restaurant or local business near that you that has an excellent reputation. Ask if you could volunteer to do some work in their kitchen. If you make a great personal connection with the chef, they might be willing to spend some time with you as a mentor. You will also want to choose a restaurant or business that is closest to your interests as it relates to a particular specialty, i.e. pastry, a particular cuisine, etc. Good luck!!!
Reach out to chefs in your area.
David L. recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
The culinary industry is particularly interesting as it takes more than technical skills to be successful. Working in restaurants is particularly difficult because a lot is based on personality match. There are long and inconvenient hours working very closely together. So, you need to have patience, be social and have a compatible home life (for example not needing lots of flex time to care for a sick family member).
I suggest that you get as much real world experience as possible. Especially getting acclimated to the culture of a professional kitchen environment.
I suggest that you get as much real world experience as possible. Especially getting acclimated to the culture of a professional kitchen environment.
Updated
Danusa’s Answer
To succeed in the culinary industry, you’ll need a mix of skills, traits, and resources. Here’s a breakdown:
Technical Skills: Develop strong cooking techniques, knife skills, and knowledge of ingredients and cuisines. Formal education (like culinary school) can help, but hands-on experience is just as valuable.
Creativity: Cultivate your ability to innovate with flavors, presentations, and recipes to stand out in the competitive culinary world.
Work Ethic: Be prepared for long hours, physically demanding tasks, and high-pressure environments. Reliability and perseverance are key.
Adaptability: The culinary field is fast-paced and constantly evolving, so staying flexible and open to learning new trends and techniques is essential.
Teamwork and Communication: Kitchens are collaborative spaces where clear communication and a positive attitude are critical for success.
Time Management: Efficiently juggling multiple tasks, especially during busy service times, is a must.
Networking: Build connections with industry professionals, attend events, and seek mentorship to open doors to new opportunities.
Business Acumen (Optional): If you aspire to run your own kitchen or restaurant, understanding cost management, marketing, and operations will be invaluable.
Combine passion with dedication, and focus on continual learning to thrive in the culinary industry.
Technical Skills: Develop strong cooking techniques, knife skills, and knowledge of ingredients and cuisines. Formal education (like culinary school) can help, but hands-on experience is just as valuable.
Creativity: Cultivate your ability to innovate with flavors, presentations, and recipes to stand out in the competitive culinary world.
Work Ethic: Be prepared for long hours, physically demanding tasks, and high-pressure environments. Reliability and perseverance are key.
Adaptability: The culinary field is fast-paced and constantly evolving, so staying flexible and open to learning new trends and techniques is essential.
Teamwork and Communication: Kitchens are collaborative spaces where clear communication and a positive attitude are critical for success.
Time Management: Efficiently juggling multiple tasks, especially during busy service times, is a must.
Networking: Build connections with industry professionals, attend events, and seek mentorship to open doors to new opportunities.
Business Acumen (Optional): If you aspire to run your own kitchen or restaurant, understanding cost management, marketing, and operations will be invaluable.
Combine passion with dedication, and focus on continual learning to thrive in the culinary industry.