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Picking a Culinary School
As the country spends more time eating outside the home, and has larger pocketbooks to spend on going out to eat, there will be an increasing need for trained individuals in the culinary industry to meet this demand. Though little education is needed for lower level positions in this field, in order to be an executive chef, restaurant manager, or esteemed pastry chef, education and training is highly regarded.
When picking a culinary school you may want to take some of the following into consideration:
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. Is the school accredited by the American Culinary Federation? This organization is responsible for accrediting schools that meet basic requirements in the quality of courses and facilities. After spending your valuable time and money on education, you want to make sure you are getting the training you need and deserve. |
. Does the school offer the program of interest to you? If you would prefer to manage a restaurant rather than be the one preparing the food, then you should look for a program focused on Restaurant Management or Hotel and Restaurant Management. On the other hand, if you would like to work in a particular cooking field, such as baking or pastries, then you should look for a program focused on Culinary Arts, Baking, or Pastry Arts.
• Does the school require prior experience? If so, you may need to work in the food industry before applying or attending a program if you do not have the necessary experience. Be sure to check with the program of interest to you for their specific requirements regarding prior experience in the food industry.
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• Does the school offer internships, field assignments, etc., for you to gain practical knowledge, and possible financial support, as you attend school? If you are limited in your experience in the field, this could be a good way of applying your new knowledge from school to the food industry, while earning some cash.
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• How long will it take for you to complete a culinary program? Are you looking to take a few refresher courses, get a certificate, or earn a diploma? Be sure to keep the end goal in mind since each has specific requirements, costs, and results associated with it.
• How much will your schooling cost? More costly programs often carry the name and prestige of the school, but are not always the best option. Be sure to explore all the school has to offer in relation to the price of attendance to be sure you are getting your money's worth and affording the best education/training possible for your dollar. Also, do not forget to add the cost of living (e.g., room and board) and school supplies to your tuition costs
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• Do you need a program that is flexible? If you plan to maintain or hold a part-time or full-time job while attending school, it is important to check the variety of classes offered. Online, hybrid (online and traditional classrooms combined), night, and weekend classes may be of interest if you need a flexible program to work around your busy schedule.
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• Will you need financial aid? It is always good to check with the schools you are considering to determine what financial assistance they provide to their students.
• What impression do I get from talking to the school staff and faculty or visiting the campus? If you live close enough to the campus to take a tour of the school, or meet with a school representative (staff, faculty, student, or alumni), then take advantage of this opportunity. There is something to be said about having face-to-face contact with the people you will be attending school with, taking classes from, and getting assistance from through your school years. Come up with all the questions you have in advance by reviewing the school's materials (via website or mail) so that you are prepared to make the most out of your visit. A school's culture or climate can often times be important in having a great educational experience.
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