Do I Need to go to Culinary School to Become a Professional Chef?

Having aspirations to become a professional chef says a lot about you. A passion for food and an inspiration to create are at the top of that list. The culinary arts are a perfect outlet for these desires, and can parlay nicely into a fruitful and fulfilling career. But just like in most things, you have to walk before you can run. So this begs the question, “Do I need to go to culinary school to become a chef?

While you may have been cooking, experimenting, and creating in the kitchen for years, there are skills, techniques, methods, and procedures that need to be learned. And just like it’s rare for an athlete to jump from high school to the pros, it’s difficult to become a professional chef without learning the aforementioned skills and getting experience in the industry.

Earning a culinary arts degree gives you the knowledge and experience you need to become a successful chef. It shows future employers that you possess the skills and education that they want and need in their establishments. So while this degree isn’t “mandatory” in the process of becoming a chef, it is highly beneficial.

During your time in culinary school you’ll be able to focus on the curriculum that supports the field of your choice. Do you want to be a chef? A pastry chef? Manage a restaurant or hotel? The courses in culinary school are strategically designed to equip you with the skills that you need to be successful. Furthermore, a well-rounded program will also provide you with insight to all facets of the food service and hospitality industry.

There are also skills that aren’t always thought of when it comes to becoming a successful chef. Skills you can’t always learn as you work your way up in a restaurant. Marketing, communication, leadership, accounting, and entrepreneurship skills are all critical ingredients in the recipe of becoming successful.

One invaluable benefit that culinary school offers is the opportunity to network. Your school’s partners and industry connections offer the chance to not only get your foot in the door, but gain irreplaceable experience. Furthermore, the staff at your culinary school are personally invested and genuinely devoted to your success. This means that they go above and beyond in finding scholarships, crafting resumes, arranging interviews, and helping you develop your career. These networking opportunities are entrenched in the culinary school experience and set you up for success upon graduation.

At Louisiana Culinary Institute you can earn your Associate’s Degree in Occupational Studies in Advanced Culinary Arts with a Savory Concentration, or an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Studies in Advanced Culinary Arts with a Concentration in Baking and Pastry, or an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Studies in Hospitality and Culinary Management. Each degree program can be completed in 16 months, making the commitment to your career an efficient and valuable one.