Things To Consider Before Pursuing A Career In Baking
Apr 7, 2015 | 8:00 am
When you look at it closely, it would seem that pursuing a career in baking is a pretty good option. There are lots of options to consider particularly in becoming a pastry chef, if you do well in your career path. However, just like what other famous bakers say, the path to building a formidable career in baking is not all sugary and sweet. This career choice is a challenging and tough task to make, make no mistake about it, and only those with the right dedication and commitment often emerge successful in their chosen careers.
If you think you may want to pursue a career in baking, it is vital that you learn everything about this career choice, so you can determine whether or not you have what it takes to complete this career option. Aside from education and training, experience in this field will become handy, if you want to achieve success.
Training and Education
Among the top bakers in the world, there are some that can be considered self-taught practitioners that were able to learn their skills basically from apprenticeships and on the job experience. There are also naturally trained bakers who acquired their skills from traditional culinary institutes that offer the best training grounds for bakers and chefs around the world.
On the other hand, the preparation of a wide array of pastries and desserts can be considered as much of a technical discipline as it is an art. This needs comprehensive technical skill, precision and comprehensive knowledge than almost any types of cooking. This is why those who made a big career in baking recommend that others go through the traditional training and education, if they want to become successful bakers in order for them to learn the fundamental knowledge, practices and idea when it comes to creating the most delectable and innovative pastries.
Job Experience and Talent
Majority of successful pastry chefs obtain the bulk of their experience and skills from on the job experiences either through informal or formal apprenticeships. There are cases though wherein a chef or cook may discover that he or she has a special ability in baking and gradually start to focus on that particular culinary skill. Still, no matter the opportunity, you will have a much better chance of obtaining apprenticeship, if you already have some bakery experience. An American pastry chef, David Lebovitz, who is now based in Paris, France said that “There are some very good culinary schools, but in general, I think it’s worth getting some experience either in a restaurant kitchen or bakery before you decide to invest a lot of money in education.”
More often than not, majority of today’s pastry chefs are employed in restaurants and hotels. These days, on the other hand, a growing population of pastry chefs is more focused on setting up their own place and establishing their own upscale pastry shops in an effort to establish a big name in the industry.