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i want to be a chef what can i do to accomplish it?
is culinary school worth it
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8 answers
Updated
Roger’s Answer
Hi Kenneth,
The short answer is yes. Culinary schools vary in the scope of education from basic hands on skills at, say a Community College, to Bachelors degree programs such as Johnson and Wales. The cost is extremely varied as well. The long answer is more gray. Very few restaurants will hire a Chef right out of school in the lead role. As with any profession I would say acquire some basic skill so you can hold your own in a kitchen and then get a job as a line cook. Give it six months and decide if the life is for you. It is not the life for many even if you love cooking ad food. It is a demanding business. It is also an amazing business with opportunities to travel and live in some beautiful places. Do what you love and the money will follow.
Good luck!
The short answer is yes. Culinary schools vary in the scope of education from basic hands on skills at, say a Community College, to Bachelors degree programs such as Johnson and Wales. The cost is extremely varied as well. The long answer is more gray. Very few restaurants will hire a Chef right out of school in the lead role. As with any profession I would say acquire some basic skill so you can hold your own in a kitchen and then get a job as a line cook. Give it six months and decide if the life is for you. It is not the life for many even if you love cooking ad food. It is a demanding business. It is also an amazing business with opportunities to travel and live in some beautiful places. Do what you love and the money will follow.
Good luck!
Updated
Benjamin’s Answer
Hi Kenneth,
No simple answer here.
The best approach is to get some exposure to the professional cooking world with an entry level job.
I was in your shoes 45 years ago and wanted to know how to pursue becoming a chef.
There are many possible paths to becoming a chef.
For me, I worked in the industry for a couple years, then enlisted in the Army to be trained as Foodservice Specialist along with regular soldier training. I also learned discipline, which is crucial in cooking. I got the Army College fund and G.I. bill to help with tuition and living expenses. After serving 3 years as an army cook, I applied to the Culinary Institute of America. I worked very hard while in school to gain knowledge and experience. I worked under a French Master Chef for a year and then worked for a restaurant group for 5 years before I had someone call me "chef".
You can find other routes, like working in a busy place that does quality food and work your way up through the ranks. This can take longer to get to chef positions depending on the mentors that you have and their willingness to teach.
Vocational schools work for some as you can learn the basic techniques and then apply yourself in the industry.
The choices are not easy to determine the best path for you, but get started, get educated, then practice your craft, stay positive, taste everything you can, practice, read cookbooks, practice more, work for good people and opportunities will come your way.
No simple answer here.
The best approach is to get some exposure to the professional cooking world with an entry level job.
I was in your shoes 45 years ago and wanted to know how to pursue becoming a chef.
There are many possible paths to becoming a chef.
For me, I worked in the industry for a couple years, then enlisted in the Army to be trained as Foodservice Specialist along with regular soldier training. I also learned discipline, which is crucial in cooking. I got the Army College fund and G.I. bill to help with tuition and living expenses. After serving 3 years as an army cook, I applied to the Culinary Institute of America. I worked very hard while in school to gain knowledge and experience. I worked under a French Master Chef for a year and then worked for a restaurant group for 5 years before I had someone call me "chef".
You can find other routes, like working in a busy place that does quality food and work your way up through the ranks. This can take longer to get to chef positions depending on the mentors that you have and their willingness to teach.
Vocational schools work for some as you can learn the basic techniques and then apply yourself in the industry.
The choices are not easy to determine the best path for you, but get started, get educated, then practice your craft, stay positive, taste everything you can, practice, read cookbooks, practice more, work for good people and opportunities will come your way.
Updated
Kristen’s Answer
Hello, Kenneth,
Your question unfortunately does not have a simple answer. There are many paths available to become a chef, and culinary school is a great option for those who invest in it. We see students every day come to culinary school without giving it the time and focus it deserves, and they leave saying it wasn't worth it. Others come in, study hard, practice frequently, ask questions, and invest in their educations; for them it is certainly worth it. Like with anything in life, you get out of it what you put into it.
Chefs who worked their way up and did not attend culinary school frequently say it's not worth it. However, could their careers have been fast-tracked if they had gone through a professional training program rather than learning everything on the job?
Culinary school is a great way to learn the basics quickly, often taking a couple of years to learn things that would take much longer to learn in the workforce. Sanitation, Knife skills, basic cooking techniques, baking skills, plating, business skills, management skills, cost control, etc. are all taught in culinary schools and an eager student will graduate with a significant advantage over someone attempting to work their way up. However, schools frequently lack "real world" experience, which can only come from working in this industry, and culinary graduates are frequently criticized for having "book knowledge" without any practical knowledge - for this reason, I'd suggest both: Start by getting a job somewhere you'd eventually like to lead. See if this life is for you. If you're still excited in 6 months, look for a culinary school to train you for a better position. I highly recommend tech schools/public institutions for culinary programs, as the value is MUCH higher than private, for-profit schools - you'll likely get the same job no matter which program you attended, so why go into debt? Look for a school that is ACFEF accredited and connect to your local chapter of the ACF and chefs in your area. More often than not, the best way to land that great job is to have both skill and solid connections.
Your question unfortunately does not have a simple answer. There are many paths available to become a chef, and culinary school is a great option for those who invest in it. We see students every day come to culinary school without giving it the time and focus it deserves, and they leave saying it wasn't worth it. Others come in, study hard, practice frequently, ask questions, and invest in their educations; for them it is certainly worth it. Like with anything in life, you get out of it what you put into it.
Chefs who worked their way up and did not attend culinary school frequently say it's not worth it. However, could their careers have been fast-tracked if they had gone through a professional training program rather than learning everything on the job?
Culinary school is a great way to learn the basics quickly, often taking a couple of years to learn things that would take much longer to learn in the workforce. Sanitation, Knife skills, basic cooking techniques, baking skills, plating, business skills, management skills, cost control, etc. are all taught in culinary schools and an eager student will graduate with a significant advantage over someone attempting to work their way up. However, schools frequently lack "real world" experience, which can only come from working in this industry, and culinary graduates are frequently criticized for having "book knowledge" without any practical knowledge - for this reason, I'd suggest both: Start by getting a job somewhere you'd eventually like to lead. See if this life is for you. If you're still excited in 6 months, look for a culinary school to train you for a better position. I highly recommend tech schools/public institutions for culinary programs, as the value is MUCH higher than private, for-profit schools - you'll likely get the same job no matter which program you attended, so why go into debt? Look for a school that is ACFEF accredited and connect to your local chapter of the ACF and chefs in your area. More often than not, the best way to land that great job is to have both skill and solid connections.
Updated
Howard’s Answer
Yes you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. You need education from school and work experience. Being a chef is not just boo0k learning. You need to work with good people and companies and be prepared to work hard and follow directions. You have to focus and make up your mind you are going to do it. I wish you good luck.
Updated
Brendan’s Answer
Hi Kenneth,
It is great to hear you are interested in becoming a chef! Working in the food service industry requires passion and a lot of hard work, but it is a fun and rewarding career! There are many paths you can take to achieve this goal. A great way to start gaining more knowledge and skills is to cook recipes and try different foods to expand your knowledge of different flavors. There are many great cooking shows, videos, and resources on YouTube and other places on the internet where you can explore different cooking styles and cuisines.
The next step to accomplishing becoming a chef is to gain professional experience in the food service industry. One way many people become professional chefs is by starting in a restaurant as a dishwasher or prep cook. Oftentimes, dishwashers are given prep tasks by the chef, which can be a great experience to start building your knife and professional kitchen skills. Even getting a job as a busboy can lead you to working in the kitchen. My first job was as a busboy in a restaurant, and eventually, I moved up to working in the kitchen, which launched my career as a chef!
Although not everyone who becomes a chef went to culinary school, I believe going to culinary school or receiving formal culinary training can be worth it. Here are a few reasons why culinary school can be worth it to set you apart from others:
1. You learn from experienced chefs in the industry, which teaches good kitchen habits, professional skills, and kitchen management, and you must master proper cooking techniques, all of which offer credibility to employers who want to hire highly skilled cooks or chefs.
2. Going to culinary school presents you with networking and job opportunities, as there are many job fairs held with prospective employers who want to hire passionate food service workers.
3. You are surrounded by other passionate people who love food!
4. Culinary school generally requires you to work in an internship at a restaurant or hotel. This can lead to a full-time job after culinary school or even internships outside of the United States.
No matter what, if you're passionate about cooking and willing to work hard, you can make it as a chef!
It is great to hear you are interested in becoming a chef! Working in the food service industry requires passion and a lot of hard work, but it is a fun and rewarding career! There are many paths you can take to achieve this goal. A great way to start gaining more knowledge and skills is to cook recipes and try different foods to expand your knowledge of different flavors. There are many great cooking shows, videos, and resources on YouTube and other places on the internet where you can explore different cooking styles and cuisines.
The next step to accomplishing becoming a chef is to gain professional experience in the food service industry. One way many people become professional chefs is by starting in a restaurant as a dishwasher or prep cook. Oftentimes, dishwashers are given prep tasks by the chef, which can be a great experience to start building your knife and professional kitchen skills. Even getting a job as a busboy can lead you to working in the kitchen. My first job was as a busboy in a restaurant, and eventually, I moved up to working in the kitchen, which launched my career as a chef!
Although not everyone who becomes a chef went to culinary school, I believe going to culinary school or receiving formal culinary training can be worth it. Here are a few reasons why culinary school can be worth it to set you apart from others:
1. You learn from experienced chefs in the industry, which teaches good kitchen habits, professional skills, and kitchen management, and you must master proper cooking techniques, all of which offer credibility to employers who want to hire highly skilled cooks or chefs.
2. Going to culinary school presents you with networking and job opportunities, as there are many job fairs held with prospective employers who want to hire passionate food service workers.
3. You are surrounded by other passionate people who love food!
4. Culinary school generally requires you to work in an internship at a restaurant or hotel. This can lead to a full-time job after culinary school or even internships outside of the United States.
No matter what, if you're passionate about cooking and willing to work hard, you can make it as a chef!
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Kenneth!
That's a beautiful question, last time I heard this was when a newly intern came into my class (maths) and ended up never seeing him there. So I am gonna Cook Up a Plan which hope helps you out. Oh, he is a chef ofcourse now, in a small town! 😊
Now, listen up, future kitchen Chef! Becoming one isn’t just about whipping up delicious meals—it’s about passion, sweat, and probably burning yourself at least five times a week (don’t worry, it builds character) unless you are antiburning!
So, Step 1: Decide How You Want to Get There why? Well because, You’ve got two main paths to chef greatness:
First is the Culinary School – If you can afford it, this is a solid way to get professional training, networking opportunities, and a shiny certificate that says, "Yes, I know what I’m doing." But it’s not required—some of the best chefs never went.
Second is Work Your Way Up – Many chefs, like my friend, start as dishwashers, prep cooks, or line cooks and grind their way up the ranks. No student loans, no classroom lectures—just pure, hands-on experience. This route takes patience, but it works.
Now, Is Culinary School Worth It?🤔Mmmmm.... That depends. If you love structure and want formal training, yes, it can speed up your learning. But if you’d rather learn by doing (and save money), getting a job in a kitchen is just as valuable.
The reality Check is A diploma won’t make you a great chef—hard work, creativity, and experience will.
Now, for Step 2, you gotts Get in a Kitchen ASAP! No matter which path you choose, get real experience NOW. Work at a restaurant, a bakery, or even start your own mini food business. The faster you learn how to handle stress, knives, and Gordon Ramsay-level yelling, the better.
Try and Find a great mentor—someone who’ll teach you the real secrets of the kitchen, like how to fix a sauce when you totally messed it up (add butter, lots of butter)- don't listen to me!
Alright.... Step 3: Master the Basics & Experiment
Learn knife skills (because chopping onions shouldn’t take 10 minutes).
Understand flavors—what goes well with what? (A little experiment I did alont the way is that: Butter and garlic go with everything.)😉
Get comfy with plating—because food that looks amazing tastes amazing.
Experiment! Some of the best dishes came from happy accidents.
Step 4: Climb the Ladder & Build Your Name! Once you’ve got skills, start leveling up:
Become a Sous Chef (second-in-command)
Run your own station
Create your signature dishes
Maybe even open your own restaurant (after crying over food costs and rent, of course).
Now for the really–What No One Tells You About Being a Chef!
Burns, cuts, and sleepless nights!
Oh yeah, you’ll collect them like Pokémon.
That one waiter who keeps mixing up orders? You’ll fantasize about throwing a ladle at them (but don’t).
Customers will ask for the dumbest things. Like “vegan steak” or “gluten-free bread, but with extra gluten.”🙄
Your social life? Mostly canceled. While your friends party, you’ll be making 300 plates of risotto.
But guess what? If you love cooking, it’s all worth it, trust me buddy!
Final Words from the Wise........ 👀..... Uhum,
Being a chef is tough, chaotic, and exhausting—but if you love it, it’s one of the most rewarding careers out there. Your food will bring people together, tell stories, and maybe even make someone’s day better.
So get cooking, stay curious, and most importantly—don’t forget to taste your food before serving it!😎 Good luck and all the best! 🤗
Apply to culinary school if that’s your choice.
Get a job in a kitchen ASAP, even if it’s just washing dishes. You start somewhere and grow!
Practice at home—try new recipes, host dinner parties, and post your food online (chefs get discovered on Instagram too).
Find a mentor—a great chef who can show you the ropes.
Never stop learning—read cookbooks, watch pros, and keep experimenting.
That's a beautiful question, last time I heard this was when a newly intern came into my class (maths) and ended up never seeing him there. So I am gonna Cook Up a Plan which hope helps you out. Oh, he is a chef ofcourse now, in a small town! 😊
Now, listen up, future kitchen Chef! Becoming one isn’t just about whipping up delicious meals—it’s about passion, sweat, and probably burning yourself at least five times a week (don’t worry, it builds character) unless you are antiburning!
So, Step 1: Decide How You Want to Get There why? Well because, You’ve got two main paths to chef greatness:
First is the Culinary School – If you can afford it, this is a solid way to get professional training, networking opportunities, and a shiny certificate that says, "Yes, I know what I’m doing." But it’s not required—some of the best chefs never went.
Second is Work Your Way Up – Many chefs, like my friend, start as dishwashers, prep cooks, or line cooks and grind their way up the ranks. No student loans, no classroom lectures—just pure, hands-on experience. This route takes patience, but it works.
Now, Is Culinary School Worth It?🤔Mmmmm.... That depends. If you love structure and want formal training, yes, it can speed up your learning. But if you’d rather learn by doing (and save money), getting a job in a kitchen is just as valuable.
The reality Check is A diploma won’t make you a great chef—hard work, creativity, and experience will.
Now, for Step 2, you gotts Get in a Kitchen ASAP! No matter which path you choose, get real experience NOW. Work at a restaurant, a bakery, or even start your own mini food business. The faster you learn how to handle stress, knives, and Gordon Ramsay-level yelling, the better.
Try and Find a great mentor—someone who’ll teach you the real secrets of the kitchen, like how to fix a sauce when you totally messed it up (add butter, lots of butter)- don't listen to me!
Alright.... Step 3: Master the Basics & Experiment
Learn knife skills (because chopping onions shouldn’t take 10 minutes).
Understand flavors—what goes well with what? (A little experiment I did alont the way is that: Butter and garlic go with everything.)😉
Get comfy with plating—because food that looks amazing tastes amazing.
Experiment! Some of the best dishes came from happy accidents.
Step 4: Climb the Ladder & Build Your Name! Once you’ve got skills, start leveling up:
Become a Sous Chef (second-in-command)
Run your own station
Create your signature dishes
Maybe even open your own restaurant (after crying over food costs and rent, of course).
Now for the really–What No One Tells You About Being a Chef!
Burns, cuts, and sleepless nights!
Oh yeah, you’ll collect them like Pokémon.
That one waiter who keeps mixing up orders? You’ll fantasize about throwing a ladle at them (but don’t).
Customers will ask for the dumbest things. Like “vegan steak” or “gluten-free bread, but with extra gluten.”🙄
Your social life? Mostly canceled. While your friends party, you’ll be making 300 plates of risotto.
But guess what? If you love cooking, it’s all worth it, trust me buddy!
Final Words from the Wise........ 👀..... Uhum,
Being a chef is tough, chaotic, and exhausting—but if you love it, it’s one of the most rewarding careers out there. Your food will bring people together, tell stories, and maybe even make someone’s day better.
So get cooking, stay curious, and most importantly—don’t forget to taste your food before serving it!😎 Good luck and all the best! 🤗
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Laurent’s Answer
Hello!
There are many exciting paths to becoming a cook and eventually a chef or head chef. You can attend culinary school, which is a great option if you're able to manage the cost. Alternatively, apprenticeships offer hands-on experience. Choose your apprenticeship location wisely, and consider talking to the head chef and staff or even doing a trial week to see if it’s a good fit for you.
Another path is to start at an entry-level position and work your way up within a restaurant, or by gaining experience at different places over time. This helps you build valuable skills and knowledge.
No matter your age, explore all available options by reaching out to local academic advisors and job training centers. The internet is also a fantastic resource for your research. Additionally, the armed forces can provide training and recognized qualifications while you work.
Remember, the choice is yours to make. Don’t hesitate to ask for support and help, just like you’re doing now. Keep pushing forward, and you’ll find the path that’s right for you!
There are many exciting paths to becoming a cook and eventually a chef or head chef. You can attend culinary school, which is a great option if you're able to manage the cost. Alternatively, apprenticeships offer hands-on experience. Choose your apprenticeship location wisely, and consider talking to the head chef and staff or even doing a trial week to see if it’s a good fit for you.
Another path is to start at an entry-level position and work your way up within a restaurant, or by gaining experience at different places over time. This helps you build valuable skills and knowledge.
No matter your age, explore all available options by reaching out to local academic advisors and job training centers. The internet is also a fantastic resource for your research. Additionally, the armed forces can provide training and recognized qualifications while you work.
Remember, the choice is yours to make. Don’t hesitate to ask for support and help, just like you’re doing now. Keep pushing forward, and you’ll find the path that’s right for you!
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Kenneth,
The worth of culinary school and becoming a chef is what one makes of the career and being in the industry ... just like anything else. One has to have passion, discipline, determination and focus to succeed in whatever career path that one pursues in life. It is best to reach out to professionals who have become chefs and get their perspectives of being in the food and service industry, educational insights, work hours, etc.
According to ChefsPencil.com, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Culinary with program duration, cost of tuition and equipment and supplies:
- Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
- Culinary Institute of America
- Institute of Culinary Education
- Kendall College School of Culinary Arts
- Culinary Institue LENOTRE
- Johnson and Wales Culinary College
- Monroe College
- Stratford University School of Culinary Arts
- Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies
- Culinary Institute of Virginia
https://www.chefspencil.com/best-culinary-schools-in-america/
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for Culinary Scholarships:
https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/top-culinary-scholarships/
https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-major/culinary-scholarships/
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/websites-to-kick-off-your-scholarship-search
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
Best wishes for your education and career in Culinary and becoming a future Chef!
The worth of culinary school and becoming a chef is what one makes of the career and being in the industry ... just like anything else. One has to have passion, discipline, determination and focus to succeed in whatever career path that one pursues in life. It is best to reach out to professionals who have become chefs and get their perspectives of being in the food and service industry, educational insights, work hours, etc.
According to ChefsPencil.com, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Culinary with program duration, cost of tuition and equipment and supplies:
- Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
- Culinary Institute of America
- Institute of Culinary Education
- Kendall College School of Culinary Arts
- Culinary Institue LENOTRE
- Johnson and Wales Culinary College
- Monroe College
- Stratford University School of Culinary Arts
- Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies
- Culinary Institute of Virginia
https://www.chefspencil.com/best-culinary-schools-in-america/
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for Culinary Scholarships:
https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/top-culinary-scholarships/
https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-major/culinary-scholarships/
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/websites-to-kick-off-your-scholarship-search
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
Best wishes for your education and career in Culinary and becoming a future Chef!