Tips To Choosing A Top Restaurant Management And Culinary Arts School
If you are thinking of attending a culinary institute, it is only natural that you would want to know what the best culinary schools are. Culinary schools are not all created equal. Some offer extensive training and others offer certificate programs. Some colleges and universities offer only associate degrees while others provide a Bachelors degree and certification. The type of program that you will choose depends largely on your personal preference and financial considerations.
For those with strong interest in food preparation, a four-year college may be ideal. If you are looking to become a professional chef or work in the restaurant industry, a two-year college or university is perfect for your goals. A one-year college or university usually offers limited classroom time and does not allow students to gain hands-on experience in the culinary world. Although you will have hands-on experience at the college, you may not be able to transfer that knowledge any further since most colleges do not allow graduates to take their credits and diploma(s) elsewhere.
There are several options available when considering the best culinary school. One of the top-rated institutions is Le Cordon Bleu, which offers a Bachelor of Arts in Pastry Hospitality Management along with an associate’s degree in pastry hospitality management. This allows students to focus on both skills and a specific area of culinary arts. With a Bachelor of Arts in Pastry Hospitality Management and the option to transfer into the baking and pastry industry upon completion, Le Cordon Bleu has set high expectations for its graduates.
If you are interested in becoming a restaurant owner or working in the hotel or catering industry, a culinary program at a community college may be your best option. Although these programs usually take longer to complete than the standard four-year college, you will be learning directly from industry professionals. On the other hand, a two-year program at a local university typically allows students to complete their coursework and graduate without having to rely on a professional chef.
While you’re earning your degree from an accredited culinary program, you will have the opportunity to meet some of the country’s most famous chefs. Some of the most well-known chefs have earned their degrees from top schools and colleges in the culinary arts. These chefs include Gordon Ramsay, Todd English and Alain Ducasse, who all received their degrees from the Culinary Institute of America. If you want to work in a prominent kitchen, consider applying to one of these highly sought-after culinary schools. They offer job placement services after graduation and mentoring opportunities for those who want to get their career started.
A culinary program allows students to acquire the skills they need to succeed at a restaurant management position. Students learn critical thinking, communication and problem solving skills. Once you finish a degree from a top culinary program, you’ll have the tools you need to work in an environment where your creative and customer-based skills can thrive.