Career Tips: Sous Chef

Answer 1

Sous chefs spend a lot of their time making sure that food preparation is planned properly and they are also in charge of the production process. It is important to have a properly staffed kitchen. This is where sous chefs also come into play. They will make sure that each station of the kitchen is staffed correctly and that everyone is doing their job. Also, every professional kitchen must follow certain regulatory requirements ensuring that the kitchen is properly sanitized and food is being handled correctly. When it comes to these requirements, the sous chef is in charge of overseeing these regulations and making sure that the kitchen is in appropriate standing. In addition to cooking and standard kitchen duties, the sous chef must supervise the kitchen and make sure things run smoothly.

It is preferred for a sous chef to have culinary training as well as some experience although it is not actually mandatory. A high school diploma is the only real requirement but it will require the person to work his or her way up to a sous chef position after several years in the restaurant business. If you do decide to get a culinary certification, then you will have increased job opportunities as a sous chef. Most people who become sous chefs hope to become a head chef. Advancing your career in the restaurant industry does not only rely on the amount of time spent working as a sous chef. If you display extraordinary leadership skills, exquisite culinary skills and a passion for your work, then you have the chance to advance faster. It all depends on how much work you put in and how much you strive to get the position. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2009, a chef’s median salary was $40,090.

If you are interested in becoming a sous chef, you can either start by attending culinary school, or jumping right into the field by applying to be a line chef at a local restaurant. Either way, you have the same opportunity to become a successful chef. If you cannot afford culinary school, or are not interested in formal training, then getting experience at a restaurant will begin your path to becoming a chef.