2 answers
4
Asked 614 views

Why did you choose to be a chef?

I am a student of Oak Harbor High school in Ohio and I was considering becoming a chef, so I'm trying to get some extra information before I make my decision.

chef
Answer This
4

2 answers

2
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Sean’s Answer

I am not a chef, but job involves operational management of corporate food and catering services so I am familiar with some aspects of the food service industry. Your first approach to exploring the career is obviously the skill sets required. Your next area to explore is what is the day to day life of a chef like and what are the compensation and career options. It is in-line with the second area that I would encourage you to explore the many different organizational structures where chefs are employed. There are private chefs who work either for wealthy individuals or for small and exclusive organizations like private club, e.g. country clubs. There are chefs that work for privately owned public restaurants and there are chefs who work for smaller or national restaurant chains. Chefs are employed in resort, vacation, or recreation facilities, think places like hotels, cruise ships, and theme parks. This scenario can also extend to other institutional food delivery settings like hospitals, schools, military installations, etc. There are also different types of chefs working in corporate environments. These chefs can work in centralized food production environments where meals are prepared in mass and then frozen and distributed to various points of sale. Major corporations often have executive chefs and client dining facilities as well as food services for employees. Many of these corporate or institutional food services are provided by specialized corporations that focus in this area, e.g. Sysco, Sodexo, Aramark, Compass Group, just to name a few. I hope this response encourages you to look at skill sets required, career options, compensation and benefits across the spectrum of service areas as where your work will directly influence your options. Good luck in your career exploration.
2
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jason’s Answer

I became a chef because I never wanted to go hungry ever in my life . I came from a very poor childhood and food was always a problem for me. When I came to America to my new family , I was able to eat so much food I thought it was great. Then my mom took me to the super market and boy was it GREAT! My eyes opened as big as my mouth did . I couldn't stop touching all the food in the store. Remember I was only 5 yrs old and hungry all the time. I also grew up in a house hold of 10 brothers and sisters and my parents. I stayed in the kitchen and helped my mother out since I was 10 yrs old. I was cooking for my entire family by 12-13 yrs old and doing the food shopping by my self and when I was finished my Dad would pick me up with the groceries. From there on I knew I was going to cook for the rest of my life. 47 years later and still cooking , I don't ever get tired of doing it. If you want to cook and become a chef ,please have the passion for it other wise it's really tough out there . Long hours and long days. I also do it because it's always nice to hear people say woo's and ahhh's when you cook for them . It never gets tiring. Good luck and happy cooking.
1