Sunday, July 19, 2009

Culinary Schools: What Should You Look For?

By Pamella Neely

If you have an interest in the culinary arts, this article may be for you. Or, perhaps you have always wanted to know more about culinary schools. This article will explain what type of culinary school you should attend. There are several things you want to look for when selecting your culinary school.

You want to select a culinary school that has a high success rate. There is no point going to a good school with little hope of actually graduating. You also want to be able to get a job quickly after you graduate.

As you research different schools, make sure that they are equipped with working kitchens, and that they can provide you with some actual restaurant experience. If you cannot get this, it will be harder to make the transition from school to the working environment. You should be prepared for this going in.

Schools that have lots of kitchens will be your best bet. It would also be very beneficial to choose a school that can provide internships at local restaurants. Another thing to look for is schools that have a lot of professionals working there. If a school has lots of master chefs or bakers, then you will know that you are going to a good, well-equipped school.

Find a school where the celebrities endorsing it actually teach there, instead of just giving the school a face. Look for mentoring opportunities as well, as these will be helpful later on. Also important is the student to faculty ratio, so keep this in mind as you search.

Find a school that offers associates and bachelors programs. By getting these degrees, you will be able to get either a basic or extensive education in the culinary arts. When a school offers these degrees, you know they are serious about teaching their students properly.

If you choose a school that offers these programs, you will be able to ensure that you are provided the basic skills that you need. An associates degree will offer you a basic education, while a bachelors degree will give you great operational information that will serve you well. Another important feature to look for is that of regional accreditation, so make sure the school you choose is fully accredited.

Last of all, search for a school that is within your price range. You do not want to place too much of a burden on yourself trying to pay for a school that you cannot afford easily. Look for programs with financial backing and apply for those. Make sure you can get a job while you are in school to help pay for it.

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