How to become a culinary professional/chef

It may seem attractive to just learn what you can on the job, but to obtain a higher paying job at finer establishments, it's a good idea to have some advanced training.

If you're in high school and know you wish to work as a chef, if possible take courses in chemistry and hospitality and balance those with courses in mathematics and business. If a school offers internships or training programs in food preparation, take those to gain practical work experience.

Following high school, particularly when seeking a career as an executive chef, it's a good idea to enroll at a college offering culinary degrees, or at a culinary institute. The career tracks there will provide more career opportunities with less on the job training, which may total between eight and fifteen years spent as a cook before you're qualified to become a chef.

If you are a returning student or choosing a major in a local college or culinary school, again, chemistry is a good area to begin. Then move to more specific food and service-related courses, with a good portion dedicated also to business practices. Many professional culinary schools have variations on their standard certification programs, so take some time to review culinary schools. The reputation of the culinary school can be very important to the direction and mobility of your career will be. Be sure you examine what type of accrediting body works with the culinary school of your choice.