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Aspiring to become a master chef? Passing the test is a measure of accomplishment and lead to further advancement and higher-paying positions. |
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Formal culinary programs, which may offer training leading to a certificate or a 2- or 4-year degree, are geared for training chefs for fine-dining or upscale restaurants. |
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Job openings for chefs, cooks, and food preparation workers are expected to be plentiful through 2014. |
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| (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Fashion Designers) |
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| Degrees in Culinary Articles :: Culinary Schools |
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| Five Ways You Can Succeed in Culinary School |
| by Amanda Fornecker |
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Do you have what it takes to go to one of the many Culinary Schools in America? We spoke with rising professional Shasta Bunnell, who has her associate degree in culinary from The Scottsdale Culinary Institute (SCI). Fresh out of culinary school, she has some interesting insight into the field and gives some advice on what's necessary in order to succeed in culinary schools. Here are five characteristics those looking into culinary schools should possess...
1. Open-Mindedness
"Try to absorb as much as you can," says Bunnell, who switched her career at the age of 52 from travel agent to chef after the effects of September 11. Culinary schools have many different options and programs of which to take advantage. "There are so many things opening up and available. Come with an open mind to learn everything you can possibly learn."
2. Flexibility
When asked what kind of person was best suited to enter into a culinary career, Bunnell responds, "someone who doesn't have a set schedule." Devoting all your time, especially at the beginning of your culinary career, is key. Since this was Bunnell's second career, she was very intent on getting it right as soon as she could. With great dedication, she says, "I have to give 199 percent and not worry about what else is going on." Since her three daughters are all grown and out of the house she was definitely able to dedicate her time and energy to her culinary education and now to her culinary career. Flexibility is important because you never know what may come up. "You might work eight hours today and work 16 tomorrow," she says.
3. Creativity
"Be that person that is willing to go in the opposite direction," says Bunnell. "And think outside the box." At any point you can be thrown into an unexpected situation in which you need to come up with a solution right away. For example, Bunnell recently catered a party for 150 people. The day came and what she received was not the brisket she originally ordered. However, in a moment's notice, she came up with a solution. "You need to be patient and adaptable," she says about handling these situations. "You can't have a hot head and go off the handle."
4. Dedication
A passion and love for food is definitely important when considering culinary schools. Do you love to cook? Can you picture yourself in the role of Rachael Ray or Wolfgang Puck? Is cooking part of your personality? Bunnell says she always had a passion for cooking and when she began exploring a culinary career she realized more and more that with practice and dedication she could be successful. "[The culinary field] is very competitive," she says. "Passion and drive will get you somewhere in this industry."
5. Preparedness
Picking one of the many culinary schools is a large task. In order to ensure that you choose the best place for yourself, Bunnell says, "Do your research and be dedicated to yourself." It's extremely important because this will be the place where you get your culinary education. "Be cautious and informed before you go into any specialized industry," she advises of all different fields. Bunnell chose Le Cordon Bleu at SCI because she clicked with one of the admissions representatives, she says. It was a comforting feeling for Bunnell and a decision she definitely is proud of!
Check out culinary schools today no matter what you're doing. After all, if you don't try, you'll always wonder. Bunnell now has her own catering business on the side and is a personal chef to some in the R&B industry. She took a chance and put her mind to it. And so can you! So go for it and take a look at what culinary schools can do for you.
About the author:
http://www.collegesurfing.com/content
Amanda Fornecker is a staff writer at The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.
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