Posted by MJ on June 13, 1998 at 15:19:18:
In Reply to: Re: I have no idea what to do.......Help? posted by Pete on May 10, 1998 at 01:18:23:
: : : 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
I know exactly how you feel. I am a Secretary. I started this job immediately after High School. My parents could not afford to send me to college ant at 17, I had no desire to at all.
I started watching cooking shows in my teens. I always loved to cook. Then one of my friends from High School went on the Culinary Institute of America. I was so envious of him. He
told me all about the classes he took, his instructors, how much fun it was. However, he worked in kitchens starting his freshman year in high school. Now, he works in a very upscale
restaurant. He told me about the clientelle. He also told me about the long hours and holidays and weekends he has to work. It sounds really hard work, hot kitchens...but if you are
already thinking about it...and this doesn't sound appealing to you, let me say this. When you think about working so hard and so many hours, do you think it would be doing something you
absolutely hate, like answering the phone all day, or about doing something you absolutely love. Do you like being really busy? Do you like excitement? Check on the internet for schools
in your area. I'm in the middle of choosing a school right now. I want to start in the fall. I hate being a Secretary. I hate everybody I work with. I hate doing all the work, research
and long hours of overtime, while my boss gets to go home and gets all the credit. I hate working with people who think they are superior to you because they have a college degree and I
do not. If you really hate what you do, get out of it now. Take the steps NOW. Don't wait 8 long years like I did. If you're here on this site, this must be something you have been
seriously considering. Do your research & get away from those phones. (I know, I started as a receptionist too...I know what it feels like!!!)
: : 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