Whether you are at a crossroad thinking of what vocation to pursue or contemplating a job change, your chances are bright if you opt for a chef career. It’s about time that you take a serious look at one of the most important choices that will affect the rest of your lifetime. Choose wisely and become a chef.

 

How does one become a chef?

Like any other profession, there are specific factors that need to be considered when you want to become a successful chef. Let’s call it PET or Passion, Exposure, and Training.

Naturally, not everyone can be a chef. The first element is passion or the desire for cooking and food preparation. Some people say that if you’re fond of eating, then you can be a good cook. However, this expression is more false than true. Just look at the large number of eaters compared to the servers, there is a huge gap between the numbers. Remember, to pursue something, you need to have the desire for it and the diligence to finish it.

Desire for something can be acquired through exposure. If you are interested in becoming a chef, find time to know more about it. You can do some research, inquire from practitioners, and practically try it by yourself. Expose yourself to the actual field of culinary arts and determine f you have the love an skills to become a chef.

Finally, once you find yourself inclined to this career, seek professional training. Although some chefs have become successful without training, it is still important for amateurs like you to learn from the experts. There is no worry here because your culinary arts education can be a short-term or long-term, and you can pursue one that suits your need or time frame.

What are the educational requirements?

It cannot be denied that chefs who go through formal education have gained an edge over the others. This is because there are a number of skills, knowledge, and techniques that you can learn under expert supervision that may take a long time for you to acquire by experience alone. Knowledge about different dishes from international sources, types of food and ingredients that are not commonly found within your location or background, knife skills, kitchen management, and related techniques are quickly acquired through formal training.    

What is the chef career outlook?

With the turn of the 20^th Century, there has been a growing trend in this profession. This is directly proportional to the growing number of food industry, as well as, the increasing demand for fine dining. With this trend, it is expected that this career will on the rise in the coming years.

What is the annual income?

A successful chef is a profession considered to be one of the highest paying jobs in the world today. However, it must be understood that it is not easy to get to the top position. Just like any career, a fresh graduate who completed a degree in culinary arts, may have to start with “scut work” which can be very tiring. Then, they get promoted to garde manger that prepares soups, appetizers, and cold dishes.

The next level is to be a line cook that handles the entrees. If you are talented, you can become a sous chef or the second in command to the head chef. Becoming an executive chef is often achieved through years of experience.

The annual salary of the chef ranges from $25,000-$85,000 depending on the location, restaurant rating, and experience. One’s specialization and position (pastry chef, sous chef, assistant chef, sushi chef, or executive chef) is also a point of consideration in determining the salary package. Finally, you are on your sure way of getting that prestigious career if you are persistent, hard working and meticulous. These are the x factors that make for a successful chef career. It may not be easy, but it can be very rewarding.

Your Decision

Are you ready to embark on a great career as a chef?