Art Institute of America?

Question

I am interested in doing the year program for certification pastry culinarian. I was wondering if anyone knew what the reputation was of this college is and how their placement program really is like once you graduate? I hope to eventually open up my own shop later on after I get some experience of course. I do like the fact that you get your own kit (which of course I pay for) but at least you get one that includes all the neat chef things like a chef hat, apron, all the knives and gadgets that I will need. I also have the option later if I want to transfer all my credits to a degree if I want to keep going so I don't loose everything. Any thoughts? If you were interested in baking, what would you do? Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi, I answered your other question (also about pastry classes), I think what I said in the other answer should answer your question here as well. The only thing I need to add is that they all (the schools) provide you with your own kit and "neat chef things" :)

I said in the other answer to get a job in the field to learn... I am pretty sure after reading this question of yours that you have no experience in a kitchen. REALLY.... get a job first before entertaining the idea of going to school. It is a very hard profession (plus you don't want to go through the schooling only to find out you do not like working in a kitchen). You work insane hours (the most hours I have worked in a week was 119 - the over time was awesome, but I was a walking zombie)! You almost never have holidays off, and depending on were you work you could be treated like a slave. Of course, your social life will take a hit too. But there are many positives as well. I loved the creative aspect of it. I made things I never knew I could create. But the most impressive things I have done have been at my jobs. Not school (see the other answer). I loved Sundays, when my stuff was out on the brunch line, and I would do a walk threw and people would know I was the pastry chef, they would come up to me and say how much they loved something, or that something I made was the best they have ever tasted... That made all those years of sacrifice worth it.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

www.ciachef.edu -
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culinary_Institute_of_America -
www.ciachef.edu/california/default.asp -
www.cia-culinary.com -
www.prochef.com -
www.ciakids.com -
www.ciacook.com -
www.alibris.com/search/books/author/Culinary Institute of America -
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culinary_Institute_of_America_at_Greystone -
amazon.com/Professional-Seventh-Culinary-Institute-America/dp/