There’s a wealth of information as well as misinformation that exists when it comes to culinary education information. There are some that rant against culinary industry and scream that you never attend. Shows like Top Chef make cooking sexy and although it is usually compelling entertainment, it is not reflective of a life working in the food industry.

Before considering culinary school, here are some general questions you should be asking yourself:

• Why do I want to attend culinary school?
• What are some of the career paths that exist and what education do I need to get there?
• Do I like working on Friday and Saturday nights?

Not all career paths in the food industry require you to work on the weekends and put in 60+ hours a week but that is a norm if you want to work at the best restaurants in the country. You could have a life being a cook in a hotel and if it’s union, you can usually land some benefits, a decent wage, and work hours more conducive to seeing your family.

Are you still thinking a culinary career can be in your future? Now you need to ask the following:

• What is my current education?
• How much culinary education do I need? (Certificate? Associates Degree? BA?)
• How much debt is too much debt?

The great thing about the food industry is that if you have experience working in sales, business, accounting, writing, or science, you can take that previous knowledge and apply it to the world of food writing, research and development, or account sales. If you already have a Bachelor’s degree, does one need an Associate’s? That kind of question leads to the issue of debt. Understand that in life, you are hindered by the decisions you make or don’t make.

If you are asking these questions and are not finding the answers, email me at jeff@culinaryschooladviser.com for further assistance.

Tags: culinary career change, Culinary School, Culinary School Chicago, culinary school questions, should I go to culinary school, Top Chef
Posted in Culinary School Advice