Culinary school: 5 reasons to take your love for cooking to greater heights

If you love to cook and are passionate about feeding others, culinary school could be your next logical academic step.

Mastering the culinary arts is a skill that could take an aspiring chef anywhere they want. Chefs are in demand across the globe. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics, for instance, notes that the overall employment of cooks is projected to grow 10% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

“Most job opportunities for chefs and head cooks are expected to be in food services, including restaurants. Job opportunities will result from growth and from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation,” it said.

In the UK, numerous reports echo challenges in finding talent in the field. In London, for instance, kitchens are struggling to recruit and retain chefs despite its burgeoning food scene.

The pandemic is expected to cause the restaurant industry to lose $240 billion in sales this year, based on estimates from the National Restaurant Association, reported CNBC.

Brian Driscoll, the co-founder of the Glendale, Arizona-based personal chef company Driscoll Cuisine & Cocktail Concepts, told CNBC that many people are looking at the personal chef and in-home dining experience as a great alternative to the dining experience as of now.

If you’re to take your cooking skills to the next level, there’s no better place to do so than at a culinary school. Apart from being a future-proof option, here’s why else you should take the leap:

Make money by following your passion

If you love food and cooking, there’s no better career than becoming a chef or cook, which allows you to earn a living by doing something that you’re passionate about.

There are many top culinary institutions around the world, from Le Cordon Bleu to Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland, that offer diplomas, bachelor’s or even master’s courses in the field.

Gain top-notch skills from the professionals

The thought of entering a professional kitchen can be daunting, but that’s what training is all about – broadening minds and helping you to develop the right skill sets. Those in culinary school learn the tricks of Michelin-star trades. 

They learn professional techniques in the kitchen that will help them gain the confidence to learn several cuisines and technical skills – both of which can open doors to a world of opportunities.

Network with the best

A culinary school experience often comes with several opportunities to network with like-minded up-and-coming chefs, alumni, and experts.

Depending on the institution you go to, this may mean you’ll also network with people from various backgrounds and different parts of the world. 

Find employment abroad

All around the world, chefs and cooks are in demand and is even listed among the skilled occupations list of developing countries such as Canada.

With so many cuisines — from Indian to Japanese and Korean — soaring in popularity and transcending borders, you can find work opportunities just about anywhere in the world at acclaimed restaurants, catering companies, resorts or hotels around the world, depending on your speciality.

You could run your own kitchen

If you’ve watched Chef’s Table, you would know that once an aspirant has gained sufficient experience, their next step could entail running their own kitchen. Once you gain the confidence, knowledge and skills, as well as style of cuisine, it will be your time to shine. 

A culinary school experience will help you become well-versed in the skills you need to be creative in taste and presentation. It will also help you push culinary boundaries as a leader in delectable innovations.