5 Potential Career Paths For Culinary Majors
Wondering what going to culinary school could do for you?
Well, to put it simply, enrolling in a culinary arts program can provide an outstanding number of benefits. In fact, not only can you expect to master numerous culinary techniques, you’ll also be prepared to seek employment from a diverse range of employers. Whether you dream of being a private chef or managing a kitchen, there are countless avenues to explore with a background in culinary arts.
Curious as to what specific opportunities might be ahead once you complete a culinary program? Check out these 5 potential career paths.
1.) Hospitality Chef
Frequently employed by hotels, resorts, and cruise ships, countless chefs choose to work in the hospitality industry. Often tasked with managing kitchen staff, orders, meal prep, and more, working as a chef in the hospitality industry means that you’ll have the opportunity to prepare dishes for a wide range of pallets. Better yet, if you have the travel bug, working as a cruise line chef will enable you to literally set sail on your new career!
2.) Restaurant Owner
Has owning your own restaurant always been a dream of yours? If so, going to culinary arts school might just be the answer you’ve been searching for. Covering topics such as menu design, sterilization, hazard prevention, serving tables, along with classic culinary techniques, completing a culinary arts program can help you master the fundamental essentials to becoming a culinary expert. Whether you plan on owning a five-star restaurant or a simple burger shack, a background in culinary arts can give you just what you need to get started.
3.) Caterer
Did you know that a culinary arts degree also prepares you for a career in catering? Working as part of a team to prepare food for events such as weddings, galas, receptions, conferences, and much more, caterers specialize in a wide variety of outlets. Often tasked with prepping food in advance, caterers commonly take care of meal preparation as well as presentation.
4.) Private Chef
Prefer working in a small team compared to a large organization? Private chefs work in an incredibly diverse range of environments. From private yachts to summer homes to even personal households, private chefs enjoy a tremendous amount of variety in their work. Employed by multiple individuals or sometimes only a single individual, private chefs often are in charge of tasks such as meal preparation and cooking.
5.) Pastry Chef
Do you consider yourself to be a baker or enjoy baking? If so, becoming a pastry chef could be an ideal career path. Specializing in desserts such as cakes and pastries, pastry chefs work in a variety of outlets. From hotels to hospitals to even private bakeries, pastry chefs are able to take advantage of a wide range of career opportunities. If you’re looking to indulge in a career that is as truly sweet as it sounds, pursuing a culinary arts degree could be just what you need to fulfill your pastry chef dreams.
What Do You Learn in a Culinary Arts Program?
The many subjects that you learn during a culinary arts program include basic culinary techniques, kitchen organization and sanitation practices to name a few. You will cover culinary arts material that prepares you to further a specialization and pursue your culinary interests.
In this program, you learn what you need to start your career as a cook or chef. This includes:
- Knife cuts for food preparation.
- Preparing stocks and mother sauces.
- Preparing fish and poultry fabrication.
- Garde manger (Cold food preparation).
- Baking and pastry decorating.
- Food sanitation regulations.
- Kitchen prep and organization.
- Food and beverage inventory management.
- Hospitality supervision and restaurant services.
- International cuisine and menu planning.
In addition to mentorship from industry professionals with years of experience, you will participate in a culinary externship while working in a real kitchen during real services. This will allow you to get hands-on experience to gain valuable confidence and build out your resume.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know about the different culinary careers available after graduating from a culinary arts program, it is time to learn more about Florida Technical College. We prepare you for a culinary career one step at a time. And Florida Technical College is with you every step of the way.
Program Description
The Culinary Arts Diploma Program< offers you the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to obtain an entry-level position in the field. You will gain hands-on knowledge of sauces, meats, and baked products. In addition, you will learn about kitchen safety and sanitation techniques to ensure food safety. Finally, you will cover management and supervision in the food service industry.
Ready to move from the classroom to a career? Florida Technical College is here to help. The Culinary Arts program is offered at the Kissimmee and South Miami campuses. Contact us to learn more about completing the diploma program at Florida Technical College.
* These examples are intended to serve as a general guide. There are various factors that determine what occupation an individual can achieve and NUC University cannot guarantee its graduates a specific job position. Some positions may require licensing or other certifications. We encourage you to investigate the requirements for your job and your career goals.
