Chef

A chef is a highly skilled and versatile job. Study in the culinary arts is virtually a must to properly prepare meals and run a successful kitchen.

Know going in that you’ll need to possess people skills, creativity, the ability to multi-task and think quickly. The job can be very stressful but if the passion is there the rewards far outweigh the time commitment, rejection and stress. Like being an actor you develop a thick skin.

To be a chef, you should first study at a culinary program, or apprentice under a veteran chef. You can choose from colleges, universities, trade or vocational schools.

However you do it -- learning the craft is crucial.

You must be willing to study the art of cooking, preparation, and presentation. For all the studying done by books, you need to also practice a hands-on manner to get the full effect of food preparation.

After studying at a culinary arts school or institute, you will want to apprentice for a couple of years. This can be accomplished my working at a restaurant as kitchen help or an assistant cook. Also, working as line cook, sous chef or prep cook are great jobs to help you prepare for becoming a chef.

If you can master the stress and organization of working in a restaurant all while developing the culinary craft, then you are ready to work your way up to head chef.

To be a successful chef you will be required to plan menus, supervise kitchen staff, create a nice food display, know how to properly garnish a meal and order, stock and store food supplies.

Keep in mind that having a rich knowledge of food and what tastes well with what is just as important as your skill in handling a kitchen. Work to satisfy the public not the critics.

Ultimately the training and experience is what will make or break your progress. If you put in the time, you can attain your dream top chef job.

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