How to Become a Chef in Kitchens
While the art of cooking itself is eternal, when it comes to learning how to become a chef there are some basics that you cannot get caught up in. When you think of a chef, you probably envision a man in a white hat slicing vegetables or perhaps baking a cake. While these are the stereotypical images of what a chef does, there are more to this profession than just washing dishes. Learning how to become a chef involves learning about the food business as well as how to be competitive in the field.
The first step in understanding how to become a chef is to check out local community colleges and cooking schools that might have a couple of small class classes for new students. Once you have completed your education, you will need to get certified at a culinary school or cooking school so that you can start applying to restaurants. There are several different types of chef certificate programs including diploma programs, associate degrees, and master degrees. Some schools also offer a post-graduate program in culinary management.
If you have experience working as a chef or working in other food service related industries, you will have an easier time figuring out how to become a chef. However, many people start their career in fine dining kitchens or celebrity restaurants as assistants before branching out into their own restaurants. There are two main types of restaurants that chefs work for, fine dining or fast food. Many chefs enjoy working in both of these types of establishments because they get to put their individual stamp on each location they work for. You can also work as a dishwasher in a large hotel or even a pastry chef at a few of the larger hotels in the area.
Some smaller fine dining restaurants also hire chefs to run their pastry departments. These chefs usually have been trained in high school or college and must undergo certification through one of the many accredited programs in the country. Certification programs vary by state but typically includes courses such as nutrition and food handling, as well as advanced cooking techniques. To qualify, the aspiring chef must also complete a performance appraisal and pass a written test. Some schools may require additional educational training before the student is certified.
Another career path in the culinary arts requires that the student be able to cook basic meals in restaurants. These skills can range from simple prep work to more complicated recipes. Some of the more common positions available for chefs in kitchens require that the student complete a specific number of credit hours or have a specific number of apprentice hours. Internships can also help students learn how to become a chef and can often lead to full time positions once completed. You will not have to start at the top of the ladder but working your way there can provide the experience required to advance your career in the future.
As you can see, there are many different options available to those looking to learn how to become a chef in kitchens. These options can prove to be both challenging and rewarding at the same time. When you choose the option that best suits your needs and interests, you will be taking on an invaluable position with a world-class restaurant and gain employment in one of the most respected fields in the country. So where do you begin? With the right degree, a fulfilling internship, and the willingness to put in the hard work and study what it takes to become a chef in kitchens require, you can find an amazing future in the culinary arts.