How to Become a Chef

Portrait of a male chef in the restaurant

Is it your dream to work in the culinary arts field? If your passion for food has given you the dream of becoming a chef and culinary professional, here are the top 3 ways to make that dream a reality.

1. Culinary Arts School

Yes! There are schools specifically dedicated to teaching you the ins and outs of being a culinary professional. This is a great way to pave a way to your dream job. At culinary arts school you will learn from teaching chefs how to taste, prepare, cook, and serve food. You can even choose to learn specifically about baking and pastry if that is more up your alley. You will also learn about both common and exotic ingredients, wine, and regions where food comes from. And that is just the start.

Most culinary arts schools will have a 2 year certificate program that will allow you to get your foot in the door. The skills learned with a 2 year certificate are everything you will need to cook like a pro. But some of the best schools will even offer a full 4 year degree program. This in-depth degree program will take your career to the next level by teaching you how to run a restaurant from the front of house, the kitchen, and even the accounting. This is by far the best option to get you to your goal of being a chef.

The Harvard equivlent of culinary arts schools in North America is the Culinary Institute of America in New York. But you will also find great schools elsewhere in the US and over seas.

2. Apprenticeship

There are still a few great chefs who will take a young food love under their wing to train. Although, you will be hard pressed to find an experienced and noteworthy chef with an apprenticeship program in your area.

It never hurts to visit the chef or restaurant in person to approach them about a possible apprenticeship. Most will take up to 2 years to complete, all that time being spent learning the methods, cooking styles, and recipes that the particular chef or restaurant knows. If your passion for food only extends to certain cuisines, then this is a great option for you.

If you are not sure where to start, there are great resources available online for finding an apprenticeship program. A great place to start is the American Culinary Federation website www.acfchefs.org, where you can get more information about their current apprenticeship program.

3. Work Your Way Up

Although this may seem to be the worst way to get yourself to that chef status, it is still one of the best ways. A lot of people still start off as a dish washer or even potato peeler just to get their foot in the door sooner rather than later. If you don't mind learning the restaurant business from the dish washing sink and up, then this is a great way to go about it.

Just remember to approach the restaurant or chef with your honest intentions. Explain your passion for food and that you are willing to do what it takes to learn the ropes from the ground up. Even if they don't have a place for you in the kitchen yet, they might be able to give you a chance at the good old dish washing sink, just to start you off.

You may also know a family member or friend who can give you a leg up by getting you a job helping out. Whatever you do, if you choose this route, make sure you stick with it and show everyone that you mean business. One slip and this option may see you slipping right out the door!

Two year certificate programs allow you to get your foot in the door