In the past years, many people believed that the culinary industry is only associated with cooking or food preparation. However, this perspective has changed significantly as people now realize that the industry is uniquely wide-ranging.
Due to the various sectors in this industry, professional chefs are highly in demand in the United States. Furthermore, sectors from this industry include events management, hospitality, food and beverage, catering, research and development, corporate dining, food styling, and lots more.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the food industry is expected to generate over 1.6 million new jobs by 2025 due to rapid economic growth. This explains why professional chefs are highly in demand in the United States.
A bachelor’s degree in culinary arts has become a popular course in the United States, and lots of colleges are offering it. Working professionally as a chef has quite several benefits, that’s even aside from the high-paying potential. Read on as we discuss extensively how you can benefit from the high demand for professional chefs in the US.
Factors that Contribute to the Demand of Chefs in the United States
The demand for chefs is driven by the public’s desire for healthy meal options and convenient dining.
- Competition: Competition for jobs is highest at upscale restaurants, which pay higher salaries. However, mastering a specific cultural cuisine can improve your chances at specialized establishments.
- Culinary degree: A culinary degree can make you a more competitive job candidate.
- Business knowledge: Business knowledge can give you an advantage, especially in restaurant chains.
Steps to Become a Chef in the United States
Since professional chefs are highly in demand in the United States, we have outlined the steps to becoming a chef. One of the first requirements is to obtain a valid license. Then, you will have to enroll at a culinary school or institution in the US.
However, some additional steps might polish your cooking skills, add to your experience, and train you to deliver under pressure in the kitchen. Below is a step-by-step guide to becoming a chef after attending a culinary school. Let’s check it out!
1. Familiarize yourself with the Kitchen
As a chef, it is very important to understand how the kitchen works, as it will be your workstation. It would help if you exercise caution, be alert, and be observant while in the kitchen.
You may receive ordinary assignments like cleaning dishes and making garbage runs. Regardless, you must be open-minded and patient, as this stage is considered the rite of passage for budding chefs.
2. Get Certified
Culinary schools require one to four years of study; however, the number of years will be determined by your program. Some of the most widely recognized degrees in culinary schools include diplomas, associate certificates, or four-year bachelor’s degrees, although expert culinary degrees are limited in the United States.
One of the major requirements to become a chef is to get a bachelor’s degree at least. However, individuals who have obtained their culinary certificates will have the opportunity to climb up the culinary ladder swiftly.
As a professional chef, you will be accountable for cooking meals that delight your customers and satisfy their appetites—interested in becoming a professional chef? No worries! Below are some of the ways you can get a culinary education and practice as a chef.
Ways to Acquire a Culinary Education and Become a Professional Chef
1. Culinary School
You can decide to join a culinary school for a degree, diploma, or certification; it all depends on the type of chef you aim to become. Even though enrolling in these institutions comes with high tuition, their faculty, training sessions, private environment, and facilities are appreciable. Attending a culinary school is one of the best ways to kick-start your career as a chef.
2. Community Colleges
Attending any community college will provide you with an associate degree or a certificate, unlike the culinary schools. These schools usually offer a proper four-year bachelor’s degree, they are low-cost, and their courses are short. This implies that it will only cover subjects of your interest and give you a well-rounded degree.
3. Vocational Programs
Going for a vocational program is the fastest possible way to obtain an education in culinary arts. It allows you to work closely with some remarkable seniors, skilled juniors, and professionals. In addition, vocational programs will directly encourage you to enter the kitchen professionally.
4. Gain Experience
Obtaining a degree, diploma, or vocational training is perfect; however, being a chef requires much more than that. You will need to gain more experience to polish your skills and get accustomed to the pressures of working in the kitchen. Therefore, to begin practicing as a chef, you must gain experience, whether through an internship or apprenticeship.
5. Get Your First Job
Whether as a commis or high-end chef, you can land your first cook position with your experience. You can also apply for systems administration openings. With this, you will have the privilege to move up to the top assistant chef gradually and, in the end, to a high-end specialist.
Why You Should Become a Professional Cook in the United States
1. The Booming Hospitality and Tourism Sector
The hospitality and tourism sector is rapidly growing at a good rate of 3.8%, and as such, it contributes over 319 million jobs worldwide! As a professional chef, you may be hired to work in restaurants, hotels, event management companies, catering companies, and lots more.
Furthermore, this industry is offering new jobs that are much higher than the number of culinary professionals colleges are producing. This explains why there’s a high demand for professional chefs in the US.
As expected, this trend will continue for the next few years. Therefore, now is the best time to become a professional chef and embrace opportunities.
2. The Industry Wants to Hire Managers
Whether it’s a restaurant, hotel, QSR, or catering service, most companies are seeking educated and industry-ready culinary professionals—individuals who can run a kitchen successfully and even showcase management skills. Pursuing a course such as BCTCA will prepare you for high-paying managerial jobs.
3. High Demand for Chefs
According to the fast-rising food culture in the US and around the world, chefs are in high demand now more than ever. Every year, new dine-in restaurants, 5-star hotels, and more join the food service market, creating more job opportunities for aspiring chefs.
As stated earlier, chef-related jobs are not limited to restaurants, hotels, or catering services. Some corporate houses also consult the services of professional chefs for their office cafeterias, mainly to offer cuisine diversity for their employees. Likewise, there are many other sectors where businesses are looking to hire well-trained chefs.
4. The Continuously Evolving Restaurant Industry
These days, customers are becoming more conscious of the kind of gastronomic experience they want to have. Because of this, top restaurants and fine dining establishments are focusing more on recruiting professional chefs who can bring more variety to the plate.
Final Thoughts
Due to the ever-evolving culinary industry, there will always be a high demand for professional chefs in the United States. If you are interested in becoming a professional chef, now is the best time to make a move.