You live for food: Eating it, preparing it, re-inventing it, presenting it, sharing it. No wonder you're thinking about turning your passion for the culinary arts into a career. But where do you start? Follow the best step-by-step guide out there that takes you from conception to reality. STEP 1: "Research the Field":/benefits/148-step-1-research-the-field STEP 2: "Decide If Becoming a Chef Is ...

Last time, I attempted to shed light on the mysterious nature of that elusive breed of kitchen ninja known as the Personal Chef. This time around, I’d like to delve more deeply into the components that make up said creature, because I’m sure it’s something of a mystery as well. The primary ingredient, I believe, is a particular sort of motivation. ...

Have you ever envisioned yourself as a glamorous executive chef who goes to “Iron Chef” and cooks everybody else’s bum to another planet? You are not the only one. Becoming a chef can be a good career move only if you have the right personality, and it is definitely not as glorious as it seems on TV. Working under constant pressure ...

Do you know as much about what goes into the food as you do about serving? Can you manage menu planning and food presentation? Do you understand how purchasing supplies and equipment affects a food-service organization's bottom line? If you're a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to the restaurant business, a banquet manager position might what your career appetite. Big Business Banquet ...

Every job in the restaurant is important, no matter how small! I’ve spoken to many restaurant professionals over the years, who believe they are in a worthless job with no future. The fact is, nothing could be further from the truth; the only person in the restaurant with nowhere to grow is the owner! If someone feels this way about ...

Imagine this: you’ve been at work all day, and you’re exhausted. Maybe you’ve been working on a project for days on end, barely stopping to eat lunch along the way. Maybe you’ve been on your feet all day, so the only thing you want to do when you get home is relax. Not hard to imagine, is it? Everyone’s busy, and ...

Jamie Popp | Monster Contributing Writer On-the-Job Training Provides Invaluable Industry Experience Graduating from a recognized culinary school isn't necessarily the only path to landing your dream job as a chef in a posh restaurant. Apprenticeships are another option to help you break into the restaurant industry - and they don't require spending a lot of cash for an advanced ...

You live for food: Eating it, preparing it, re-inventing it, presenting it, sharing it. No wonder you're thinking about turning your passion for the culinary arts into a career. But where do you start? Follow the best step-by-step guide out there that takes you from conception to reality. STEP 1: Research the Field STEP 2: Decide If Becoming a Chef Is ...

Food and beverage serving and related workers are the front line of customer service in restaurants, coffee shops, and other food service establishments. These workers greet customers, escort them to seats and hand them menus, take food and drink orders, and serve food and beverages. They also answer questions, explain menu items and specials, and keep tables and dining areas clean ...

The vast majority of workers in this industry—more than 4 out of 5 in 2006—were employed in service and office and administrative support occupations. Workers in these occupations usually learn their skills on the job. Postsecondary education is not required for most entry-level positions; however, college training is extremely helpful for advancement in some of the occupations. For those in administrative ...

There are many different kinds of chefs. Once you discover what kind of chef you would like to be, you will be able to improve your skills and focus on that specific area of the culinary arts that most suits you. Luckily for you, Chef's Blade has put together a list of the most popular culinary positions and specializations. We'll start ...

Culinary work takes a great deal of dedication, motivation, and passion. It also calls for a comfort with teamwork and openness to training. When figuring out if becoming a chef is the best fit for you, ask yourself the following— Can I multi-task? You will often be required to do many things at once, so be prepared. As you will learn, ...

On-the-job training is most common for fast-food cooks, short-order cooks, and food preparation workers but most chefs and others with more advanced cooking duties attend culinary school. There is a wide range of training programs available in the culinary arts field— _Vocational or trade-school programs_ typically offer basic training in food handling and sanitation procedures, nutrition, slicing and dicing methods for ...

Once you've amassed some culinary skills and experience, it'll be time to apply for a job or apprenticeship in the kitchen. Be sure you have a stand-out résumé, an impeccable cover letter, and have brushed up on your interview skills. Follow our expert advice on honing your job search, applying for, and landing the job. h4. *Your Cover Letter and Resume* ...

Congratulations! You’ve gotten the job. Now you need to prove they can’t live without you. That involves embracing your job description and then going above and beyond it. Every chef must embody the following qualities: • *Be Trustworthy*: You know your bosses and your organization better than anyone. The people you work with and support need the comfort of knowing they can ...

Culinary School won't teach you everything... I believe there are a few things culinary school either doesn't tell you or misleads you to believe (whether intentionally or otherwise). Ignore, for a moment, my pomposity and consider these points, which I consider to be rather serious. Some students, or prospective students, may already know this if they have had any experience ...

Double-digit job growth is expected in food services and drinking places during the next six years, according to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That includes restaurants, bars, clubs, pubs and taverns. This is great news for wannabe bartenders and servers. Polishing your act with the right look and skill set will help you mix up a potent career in ...

By 2016, there will be an additional 1.9 million restaurant jobs in the United States, according to the National Restaurant Association. Knowing what skills are in demand, as well as how to cook up a succinct, attractive resume and what to expect during the interview process, will help you stand out. Heed these tips: Keep Your Resume Succinct Think of your ...

Have you considered the importance of a culinary internship? Partway through my time at St. Olaf College, I realized I was spending more time working at restaurants as a cook than studying for class and I knew that the culinary world is where I wanted to be. I did want formal culinary training, though, so a week after dropping out ...

In a tough economy, jobs can be lost when consumers put off buying houses, cars, appliances or clothes, but everyone has to eat. And at a time of belt-tightening, schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, sports arenas and commercial businesses increasingly contract out their cafeterias, dining rooms and concession stands, making careers in food service management hotter than an industrial oven. Sodexo ...