Do I need to go to Culinary School?
A culinary degree can propel your career and provide you with valuable connections. Many graduates of culinary school go on to become successful chefs and business owners. However, not everyone that enjoys cooking has the desire or opportunity to attend college. Tuition is at all time highs, and there are certainly job opportunities in restaurants that do not require a degree. Many wonder, is it worth the trouble?
The short answer is, no. You do not necessarily need to go to culinary school to have a successful career in restaurants. One of the best things about the industry in general is the low barrier to entry. You can start as a dishwasher and work your way up the ladder through hard work, punctuality and on-the-job training. Additionally, student loans can really set you back financially, especially if you don’t land that six figure job that you dream about right out of school. Many employers looking to hire line cooks seek people with experience, and view culinary school as simply an additional benefit rather than a requirement.
On the other hand, a good argument can be made for attending culinary school. One of the major benefits is the connections that you make along the way. As your career develops, the people you know become more and more important. Building relationships with people in the industry and creating a vast network can pay off immeasurably. Also, culinary school will teach you more than just cooking techniques. You will learn about business management, cost analysis and the intricacies of a successful operation. If your goal is to own a business or become an executive of a large hospitality company, culinary school may be the right choice.
Ultimately, attending school or not boils down to what you want to accomplish. Most line cook positions do not require a degree. If you are someone who simply enjoys cooking and wants to learn more, a good option would be to take six months to a year and get some real world experience. You can always go to school afterwards if it is necessary for your career path. If you are passionate about the culinary world as a whole, and want to learn more than just how to cook, school can become a fulfilling journey that gives you the tools to become successful. Whether you end up on a hot line or a cooking lab, just keep your damn station clean!
