Is Culinary School Right For Me?
Though some professional chefs have successful careers without formal culinary training, for others attending culinary school can be an incredibly fruitful investment. If you're trying to decide whether culinary school is the right choice for you, take the self-assessment quiz below and see if you would be a good fit.
Which of the following apply to you?
| Have you worked in a restaurant? | Yes or No |
| Is culinary school an affordable option for you? | Yes or No |
| Are you passionate about food? | Yes or No |
| Are you looking to learn more kitchen techniques? | Yes or No |
| Do you want to broaden your background in various cuisines? | Yes or No |
| Do you do well in high-pressure environments? | Yes or No |
| Are you willing to make a serious time commitment? | Yes or No |
| Are you okay getting hurt while learning? | Yes or No |
| Do you do well in competitive environments? | Yes or No |
| Do you know that culinary school doesn't guarantee a chef job? | Yes or No |
What Do These Questions Tell Me About Culinary School?
Have you worked in a restaurant?
Having work experience in a fast-paced, professional restaurant environment can help you determine if a culinary career is right for you.
Is culinary school an affordable option for you?
Beginning chefs don't earn huge salaries, so it's important to consider whether culinary school is a financially feasible choice for you.
Are you passionate about food?
Culinary school is challenging, and it's important to be passionate about food and a career in the culinary industry if you're considering attending.
Are you looking to learn more kitchen techniques?
Courses in culinary school will focus on specific fundamental techniques for any chef, and you'll practice them repeatedly to ensure you have the necessary expertise.
Do you want to broaden your background in various cuisines?
Culinary students will be introduced to a wide array of cuisine styles and cooking techniques.
Do you do well in high-pressure environments?
The standards in culinary programs are high, and hands-on training can be fast-paced. Students should be prepared to work hard and handle stress. As they say, if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen.
Are you willing to make a serious time commitment?
Culinary school requires an intense time commitment in order to practice and perfect cooking techniques. Following graduation, graduates still need to commit time to working their way up the ladder in the restaurant world.
Are you okay getting hurt while learning?
Cooking requires focus, determination and precision - it can also be extremely dangerous if you're not taking the proper precautions. Between the knives and the burners, it is more than likely that students will endure injuries as they work to master their skills.
Do you do well in competitive environments?
The culinary industry is highly competitive, and certain tasks are all about speed and execution. A prime candidate for culinary school will thrive when placed up against competition.
Do you know that culinary school doesn't guarantee a chef job?
Though culinary school can open some doors, and make it easier to get a restaurant job, it is by no means a guarantee of a head chef position. Graduates still need to work their way up the ranks, gaining practical experience in restaurant kitchens.
Setting Out For Culinary School
Did you answer yes to the majority of the questions above? If so, you may be a great candidate for culinary school! Culinary school graduates can go on to become sous chefs, bakers, head chefs and restaurateurs, or can also find jobs in related fields, such as food criticism, writing or even teaching.
