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Going to a 2-4 year
college in order to become a certified chef is the best place to start if you are hoping to be accredited nationwide.
College courses
offer you are more rounded view of the culinary industry and give you much of the skills that you will need in order to excel at your
field.
Employers at finer
restaurants are more eager to hire an accredited chef that has a college degree in the field than a graduate from a trade school. This is also
a great way to know that you are accredited all over the world as well.
Trade schools may
not necessarily grant you the same promise. Naturally, there are some pros and cons to choosing to get your certification from a College or
University. Let’s take a look at them.
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Pros
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Cons
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2-4 year College
or University: You are accredited worldwide
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It takes 2-4 years
of study to get your certification
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You will receive
your post secondary diploma
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The cost is much
higher than any other method of training
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You can often
start in a head position in the kitchen
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It saves you
little time to get your hands on experience working in a kitchen
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You are eligible
for a higher starting wage
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You may not be
eligible for an apprenticeship
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You can make
invaluable connections in the business
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The competition is
fierce for graduating with honors
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You are recognized
in the field as a chef once completed
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Not all colleges
offer chef training
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You get hands on
personal help
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You are still
required to apprentice somewhere (time consuming)
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As you can see the
benefits of choosing to get your training in a college or university can have it drawbacks as well as its good points.
The best reasons to
choose a college is that you will be accredited worldwide which is not possible with other methods. As a college graduate in this field you
are recognized in the field as a chef for a lifetime, whereas a trade school will not let you be recognized until you are hired as a
chef.
Tuition can also be
an issue although many colleges and universities offer financial aid if you qualify for it.
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