?? Pertaining to Culinary School?

Question

I am 32 years old and for the first time -my local community college is offering Culinary with the opportunity to earn a Masters Degree. A passion of mine for a long time , I can't keep myself out of the grocery store or the kitchen. I'm highly creative and love learning new recipes via cookbooks and internet. Nothing like frsh produce and meats! I have 2 kids and my wife supports my choice very much (plus she already likes my cooking so she won't be negative)-she understands I will have to work less hours and spend more time in class. presently I am taking my pre-requisites since the first Culinary class does not begin until next August. I have some nervousness about starting, is this normal? I am more excited then anything. Also I'm very driven and I want to establish myself strongly in the industry. I believe perhaps some business classes after my culinary education could perhaps benefit me in the long run in the industry? Any suggestions?

Note: My course does offer Intro To Menu Planning and Cost Controls, Intro To Career Management, Purchasing...etc. Would osmeone who is already in this industry reccomend any sort of business classes on top? I want to be versatile in the industry.

Answer 1

Yes, it's perfectly normal to be nervous. I was 27 when I went back to college for hospitality and restaurant management. Getting back in the college groove and being a non-traditional student is nerve-wracking for the first week or so.

If part of the culinary program doesn't offer the business classes, (which I'd be surprised if they don't) then yes! Take them! Really important. Things like accounting, marketing, advertising, etc. Those all tie right in to running your own place or having to be a manager.

Sounds like you have all your ducks in a row! Congrats on going!

Answer 2

A basic culinary background is good for your life, not just your career. I hope you enjoy your classes.

As far as getting established in the industry, realize that its nights, weekends, and nearly every holiday. Your culinary school won't teach you how to get out of the weeds, or what to do when the line is full of tickets and then someone sends their perfectly cooked entree back.

I would rather hire someone with 1 year of solid experience than someone with a culinary school degree.

But you WILL learn a lot in culinary school. Business classes should be part of the masters degree. If they are not, a masters degree, a couple years of experience, and maybe some good press would go a long way toward your success.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Surprisedto hear that a community college can offer a masters in Culinary Sciences? Traditionally, Community colleges and trade schools only offer an AS degree, and the rest is followed up at an accredited culinary academy, but if this is a new trend, then it's about time. Depending upon what you want to do in the culinary world will depend upon what classes you want to really focus on. You will get experince in pastry, baking, sauces ect., but where does you passion lie? The end result of most culinary enthusiast is to become a certified executive chef.. this is not something that can truly be obtained by attending any school, butthrough experience. If your desire is to own your own restuarant, the of course business courses in conjunction with the culinary courses that best compliment your desired restaurant type would suit you best, (and the banks). Set your end goal, then backtrack on how to acheive it. I utilized the resources offer online with the French Culinary Institute, they have open forums for potentional students, and online advisors that can help map out a curriculum depending upon your main interest in the field. It's great that you have a supportive family to back you on this endevour, but again it is paramount to decide what you want your end goal to be, an build from there. Job placement depending upon where you currently live may require you to move. A lot to absorb I know, but I as well waited till later in life to make the decision to change my career, and it was't easy, but I wouldn't change a thing. You must enjoy what you do for a living, otherwise it's not living... go for it, and I hope all the best for you....