Culinary and Chef Career Options

There are a number of career options that exist within a restaurant.Most top restaurants' kitchens are comprised of a variety of culinary positions.The top chefs at restaurants are considered executive chefs.They are often responsible for a chain or series of restaurants, or other food establishments.Executive chefs typically plan menus, estimate food orders, requirement and costs, and manage the food preparation work of the sous-chefs and cooks.Some executive chefs may cook in the kitchen regularly, while others may only cook during special occasions, appearances, or holidays.Sous-chefs supervise cooks and other kitchen workers; they are essentially front line managerial chefs.They oftentimes demonstrate new cooking, preparation, equipment and cooking techniques.Some sous-chefs may be responsible for planning menus, ordering food and kitchen supplies and often times prepare and cook specialty foods.Some kitchens include specialized chefs such as sauciers, pastry chefs, and sommeliers.Each position specializes in a particular area such as sauces, pastries, cold dishes, fine wines, etc.

Program and Training Overview

Educational food studies vary from a series of concentrated courses that last a few weeks, to an extensive multi-year degree.The program length and intensity depends on the desired professional path.Most professional chef programs begin with the fundamentals in safety, sanitation procedures and hygiene.The mastering of basic cooking skills is acquired by learning the classic techniques for preparing specialty dishes.A quality, thorough culinary education may also include teachings in the history of food, practical aspects of good business management and a background in resource management in order to efficiently run a crew.Education in the creation and pricing of menus, what to be aware of when purchasing food for commercial use and how best to organize a kitchen, are vital when considering a career as an executive chef and/or ownership of an establishment. To gain a true insight into the profession, actual work experience may be a requirement for graduation.

Employment Options and Job Outlook

Job opportunities exist in a number of different establishments to include restaurants, hotels and resorts, institutional facilities, school cafeterias, businesses, hospitals, etc.Others trained in culinary arts enter the catering industry.The type of institution and location often determines job titles.Typically 60% of all chefs, cooks and food preparation workers work in restaurants.About 20% are normally employed by institutions such as schools, universities, nursing homes and hospitals.One commonality among the positions is long hours, most of which are spent on your feet.Cooking can be strenuous work, standing the majority of shifts, working in small quarters, lifting heavy kitchenware, working with sharp utensils and being surrounded by dangerously high temperatures.Work hours will most likely include nights, weekends and holidays.There are a small number of job opportunities for household cooks, who manage the entire kitchen, including cooking, cleaning and menu planning for a family.The largest demand for skilled cooks and chefs is typically in sit-down restaurants.

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