Thousands of people are passionate about cooking and would love to find a career that allows them to do just that. Many individuals see the value in obtaining a college degree but do not want to immerse themselves in traditional schooling. There is a solution to their dilemma. Culinary arts schools have been designed to provide students with the tools required to master basic culinary skills.
With a degree in culinary arts, careers are available in hotels, restaurants, catering, resorts, and corporate dining. Individuals hoping to own their own restaurant or catering business will benefit from earning a degree in the culinary arts.
Students enrolled in culinary arts schools can opt for an education program that provides a broad overview of the industry. Other students decide to specialize in one or more areas. Some of the most popular programs are:
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Cafeteria Management
- Catering Management
- Food-service Management
- Hospitality Management
- Restaurant Management
As in most other fields, there is a hierarchical system in culinary arts. In most restaurants, top positions are held by executive chefs. This person is responsible for every aspect of the business. The chef who rises to this position may enter the field because of his love of cooking. With years of training and experience, this chef can work his way up and be placed is charge of running the restaurant. The owners of many restaurants serve as executive chefs. The salary for a typical executive chef is between $65,000 and $85,000 per year.
Working under the executive chef is the Sous chef. It is actually this position that most chefs aspire to obtain. Job functions for this chef vary from venue to, but the general role is to orchestrate the efficient operation of the restaurant. The size of the restaurant and its level of sophistication are usually the two factors which play heavily in determining the duties of the Sous chef.
Considerable experience is required in order to become a Sous chef. Most Sous chefs spend an average of 10 to 11 years in the kitchen before becoming a Sous chef. Earning a culinary arts degree is the first step towards gaining this job. Not only will classes allow the chef to hone his culinary skills, but will also provide the tools to help the student understand the operations of a restaurant from a business perspective. Proficiency in food preparation, quality delivery, efficiency, sanitation, and business are all needed to develop into a Sous chef. The average salary for a Sous chef across the United States ranges from $42,000 to $69,000 per year.
Jobs are available in several other areas as well. While the duties for these positions may vary, there is one commonality. A degree from one of the culinary arts schools is an asset when seeking any of these jobs. Employers are impressed when they find that an applicant has applied himself and earned a degree in the culinary arts.
A wonderful opportunity now exists for students to earn degrees from culinary arts schools through online programs. Online programs are ideal for students who are saddled with work or family obligations. Offering the convenience and flexibility not found in traditional schools, online schools are enrolling a record number of students.
The recent economic downtown has dealt the food and hospitality industry a particularly hard blow. However, relief does appear to be in sight. After a two-year slow down, job opportunities are now on the rise and continued growth is projected for the next several years. You can sink your teeth into a job in the culinary arts.