Aspiring chefs must undergo years of practice and training to become experts in their field.
Professional chefs are often overheard saying chefs aren't made through culinary arts programs, but born with a desire and passion to create in the kitchen. Beyond that desire however, as a potential chef you must endure years of rigorous study, practice and apprenticeship to not only hone your culinary skills, but also to prove to potential employers that you have what it takes to run a kitchen.
Instructions
1. Obtain a job in a kitchen as early as possible. If you are able to get work and experience before you even attend a culinary arts program, you will have a leg up in the program and work experience to draw on later.
2. Attend an accredited culinary arts school or program. Some culinary arts programs are two-year associate's degree programs, while more extensive bachelor's degree programs require approximately four years to complete.
3. Continue working in restaurants while you attend college. Education is often a physical requirement for hiring after graduation, but the experience you gain in an actual restaurant will give insight and practice of technique and skills, and expose you to the inner workings of the kitchen itself.
4. Complete required coursework, which includes courses in food preparation and safety.
5. Choose an area of focus. Some chefs may prefer to work in pastry, while others specialize in specific regional cuisine. Focusing your study on your area of expertise helps you hone your skills in that area.
6. Graduate from a culinary arts program and become a chef apprentice. To apprentice with an experienced chef, you should begin sending query letters while you are still in the culinary arts program so you can continue study beyond graduation. Apprentice with a chef who also specializes in your area of expertise so you can gain further insight and experience.
Tags: culinary arts, arts program, culinary arts program, area expertise, arts programs, culinary arts programs, degree programs
