Posted by Pete on May 10, 1998 at 01:18:23:
In Reply to: Re: I have no idea what to do.......Help? posted by Gerard on May 09, 1998 at 10:00:35:
: : Am looking forward to going back to school for a career change. I am tired of being a receptionist, especially when I know I have talents in other areas. I would like to know step by step what to do. Like what school to enroll in, what do tuitions usually run, how much salaries generaly are, and what is the job market like for a top quality chef?
: : I'm located in the Denver Metro area, are there any good schools in this area, or do I have to search elsewhere. Would appreciate any information that anyone could give me. Thank you
: To become a top chef, allow anywhere up to 10 years. I don't know anything about schools , I just trained on the job but I started at 17.
: The top certified chefs I chat with are all saying up 10 years but you can become a very good cook in a couple of years.
: You might want to take a PT job in a kitchen to see if you like the action, its a different pace from receptionist, similar to going from Lawrence Welk to Jimi Hendrix.
: Gerard
I'm with Gerard, first get into a kitchen before you invest a boat load of cash on schooling. It takes time and energy and stamina to become a Chef.
Stick your feet in the water first.Salary is NEGOTIABLE and depends on your area . For instance; City Cooks earn more say 24k-33k (East Coast). Chefs bargin their salary, benefits and percentage of profits anywhere from 50k-120k for top Chefs.
Culinary schools make good cooks, you create the Chef through your experience and creativity. How long and how far you go is up to you. Cooking is edible art.
My advice, if you really like Cooking : 1) Get a job in a hotel or large operation 2) Work as many positions as possible ie; line cook, prep cook , pantry, baker and even wait tables to get your experience.
and 3) Read cookbooks like "On Food and Cooking" author ? & "How to Manage a Successful Catering Business" by Manfred Ketterer and Trade Magazines ect. (Art culinaré)
4) then decide yourself if you want to go to CIA in N.Y. or even a local culinary program.
Also -Think about getting self-employed, it's the quickest way to the top!
Good Luck & Happy cooking!
Pete