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Eliza
Student
Gallup, New Mexico
1
Question
Asked
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What jobs are available with a culinary arts degree?
I'm a Highschool student who is wanting to own my own shop when I get older or become a chef because I love to cook but I also want to know what kind of other jobs that are also involved in cooking so I can have options #cooking-and-baking
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2 answers
Steve George
Executive Chef
1
Answer
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Hi Eliza, Having worked as a chef for the last 30 years I can tell you that Alison’s answers are spot on, in addition to her recommendation a culinary arts degree is also very helpful to become a representative for food manufacturers or food distributors. Best wishes.
Alison Warren
Academic Administration
57
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
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Alison’s Answer
Hi Eliza,
Yes, opening a shop or working at a restaurant are definitely the most common things that come to mind when you think culinary arts! But, you’re right to think that there are more options. If you’re interested in helping people, preparing meals in senior care centers, hospitals, community centers, or “soup kitchens” might be paths to consider. If you’re looking for something with steady, consistent work, baking or preparing the ready-made meal options sold at grocery stores could be a good fit (a friend of mine went to the Culinary Institute of America so that she could become a pastry chef specifically for her favorite, hometown grocery store). You could also consider jobs that are not always in the kitchen at restaurants, such as bar tending, catering/event planning, or management. Finally, a lot of chefs find that specializing in one item is a better fit for them than a general restaurant or shop. I know some people that have found happiness doing just wedding cakes, just doughnuts, just importing Greek food, or just building charcuterie boards, for example.
I hope this helps, and good luck with your studies!
Yes, opening a shop or working at a restaurant are definitely the most common things that come to mind when you think culinary arts! But, you’re right to think that there are more options. If you’re interested in helping people, preparing meals in senior care centers, hospitals, community centers, or “soup kitchens” might be paths to consider. If you’re looking for something with steady, consistent work, baking or preparing the ready-made meal options sold at grocery stores could be a good fit (a friend of mine went to the Culinary Institute of America so that she could become a pastry chef specifically for her favorite, hometown grocery store). You could also consider jobs that are not always in the kitchen at restaurants, such as bar tending, catering/event planning, or management. Finally, a lot of chefs find that specializing in one item is a better fit for them than a general restaurant or shop. I know some people that have found happiness doing just wedding cakes, just doughnuts, just importing Greek food, or just building charcuterie boards, for example.
I hope this helps, and good luck with your studies!