What Type of Careers Can I Pursue with a Culinary Arts Degree?

What Type of Careers Can I Pursue with a Culinary Arts Degree?

Mar 31, 2015 | 9:00 am

Ever thought of going back to school to learn culinary arts? What is that, anyway? Does that refer to cooking or baking? It refers to all of the above and then some, as there are different levels of responsibility within this broad career field.

A culinary arts career may involve multiple areas and career positions. With a bachelor’s degree, you may qualify for a number of these pivotal roles. What ultimately determines your future is what you see yourself doing and how hard you are willing to reach that position. According to Global Post, there are not actually any stringent requirements to become a chef, and there is no universal licensing required. Some people are amateurs, but eventually gain work experience. Others go to school and obtain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, then seek out a specific position with a big name company.

What Matters in the Culinary Arts Career

What does matter is the level of creativity you bring to your clients. Your dishes must be well imagined, perfectly cooked, and appropriate for a unique audience. This requires cooking experience as well as an excellent palette and expert “smelling” ability, since cooking is all about the sensation of the experience. You are cooking for a high volume of customers who all have unique preferences. Finding the differences between mainstream and preferred taste is one challenge in a culinary arts career.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics speculates that the market for cooks is highly competitive, as more large chain restaurants focus on general cooking rather than expert culinary creations. This emphasizes the need for two qualities: creativity, so that you can design a menu outside the usual selections, and marketing know-how, so you can get people to notice your talents.

Channels of the Culinary Arts Career

Some of the most popular career fields include a food stylist, who prepare food for aesthetic purposes for media and presentation, caterers, who manage their own business and offer mobile services, a personal chef for private clients, a nutritionist, and even a cooking school instructor. You can use your own imagination to find a career field that fits your niche.

Some applicants interested in science apply to work as a food scientist. Naturally, those who have the sea in their heart love working on a cruise liner. Homebodies can manage a bed and breakfast, while dessert lovers enjoy their experiences in making pastries. There are few limits and plenty of opportunities. However, no one is going to give it to you.

The Importance of Planning

When going to school and earning your bachelor or associate degree, always strive to follow a career plan. Know where you want to end up and choose a curriculum that addresses your educational needs and requirements. This is how you build a resume and land that dream job you’ve been waiting for.

Find out more by looking at your college of choice and reviewing the curriculum. Verify accreditation and ask plenty of questions in order to make an informed decision.