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Guide to Culinary Career Options

Make culinary education work for you: Learn what career options await after you graduate from an accredited culinary arts program.

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America's interest in fine cuisine means more jobs for gourmets, making a culinary diploma a valuable commodity on the open market.

If you've been paying attention, you've noticed the many new restaurants popping up. Some fill a specific niche in the market such as Pan Asian or Indian, while others try to do better than the competition in more traditional fields such as steak houses, seafood or Italian. And the culinary jobs available are as diverse as the types of cuisine.

Careers for Graduates with a Culinary Education

With a culinary arts degree, you'll decide where your interests lie and pursue your own career goals. There are many different types of jobs available, both within and beyond the restaurants you've seen downtown. Don't limit your options.

Your personality and ambition will lead you to the right job for you. Here are some of the most popular occupations for people with culinary degrees.

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Qualities of Successful Chefs

While professional chefs vary widely in their skills, preparation and personal qualities, the following characteristics bubble to the top of the list.

  • Attention to detail
  • Industry experience
  • Management skills
  • Passionate commitment to food
  • Strong work ethic
  • Team player

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Unusual Careers for Culinary Graduates

Not everyone in the culinary industry works in a restaurant or hotel kitchen. Many work for the media, design firms and food development corporations. Some unusual niches for professionals with a culinary education are as follows:

  • Food consulting
  • Food photography
  • Food publishing and television
  • Food research/science
  • Food styling
  • Food writing
  • Gourmet retail
  • Wine and Spirits Industry: Sales and Marketing
  • Research and development

Jobs for Recent Graduates with a Culinary Degree

The culinary job market is hot right now, but while kitchen jobs may be plentiful, the most prestigious and highest paying positions are competitive. Remember, you'll most likely have to pay your dues in the industry before you land the job of your dreams. You'll probably start as a prep cook or garde manger - then move up the ranks.

Experienced chefs stress the value of working your way up from the bottom. Learning from your superiors will help solidify your culinary education. Look for opportunities in restaurants, hotels, spas, cruise ships, catering businesses, institutions and retail gourmet food shops.

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Spotlight Schools

The Art Institute

The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes are North America's largest network of culinary schools. At an International Culinary School, you will learn the fundamental cooking and management skills essential for a career in the culinary arts to help you become more versatile and creative, and land a coveted chef's job. Contact us today!


Culinary Schools

The Cordon Bleu program, and its affiliate Culinary Academies and Institutes, allows students to earn a Specialized Degree in Culinary Arts in as little as 18 months. Graduates also earn the coveted Cordon Bleu diploma! Also learn about our financial aid options and job placement services. Contact us today at a location near you.