Chef Jobs – Know the Options Available to You

When you hear the word “chef”, what image comes to mind? Most people associate the word with fine dining restaurants and French sauces. Usually, the image of a chef comes with a big chef’s cap perched on a head. This is by far the most common imagery that people conjure up whenever they think of a chef. Along with this image comes a certain degree of respect. Needless to say, this is the most popular career in the culinary industry. In fact, almost everyone who takes up a degree in culinary arts intend to pursue a career as a chef. As expected, there are thousands of culinary schools all over the world. With the increasing popularity of this profession, numerous chef jobs have also sprouted.

Chef Jobs are Only Available to a Real Chef

Nowadays, there are varying chef jobs awaiting culinary students. There are positions that favor people who have a culinary degree or who have previously worked as chefs. Yes, even if the position is not actually a cooking-related position, chefs are still favored. There are many chefs who have pursued these kinds of positions. Who can blame them? The pay is often better.

Chefs have graced numerous kitchens, both public and private, for centuries now. Over the years, this profession has achieved a certain prestige that successful chefs truly enjoy. Many work in restaurants, resorts, hotels and private homes.

It is not easy, however, to become a chef. There is a lot of hard work, training and study involved. In truth, becoming a successful chef can be exhausting. You need to start at the bottom. In fact, before you can choose from among various high-paying chef jobs, you need to attain your certification as a chef and undergo culinary training. Before you can call yourself a chef, you need to work hard. You may be required to work on weekends and holidays. Yes, it is truly an exhausting job. You need to start from the bottom to reach the top. Before you can become a chef, you need to give your dues. The benefits and various chef jobs come after you have reached the top of the ladder.

You may have to start out as a preparation cook. You may have to spend a lot of time shelling boxes, chopping onions, cutting potatoes, grating cheese and peeling potatoes. From this position, you may be promoted to a Line Cook or Garde Manger position. Eventually, you may find yourself climbing the culinary ladder. You will become the Sous Chef and then the Assistant Head Chef and ultimately the executive chef. Once you make it to the highest position, you will find several high-paying chef jobs waiting for you. You can then take your pick.

Choosing from Among Several Chef Jobs

If you are considering a culinary career, there are actually several chef jobs that you can choose from. Some positions may not pay well while some may literally make you rich. There is a wide variety of options. Some of these options are discussed below.

Short Order Chefs

Unfortunately, if you are working in short-order restaurants, you may not necessarily be called a chef. The term has always been associated with fine dining, haute cuisine, fancy sauces and crème brulee. Short order chefs are often referred to simply as cooks. They create your typical French toast, breaded fish and eggs Benedict. Usually, you will find them working in diners and mid-grade establishments. This is not actually a very prestigious job, but you take what you can get. However, this is a great way to learn how to run a kitchen. Don’t’ turn your nose up on being a cook. Rachel Ray started out as a local grocery store cooking demonstrator and look where she is now!

Haute Cuisine Chefs

If you decide to pursue a culinary education or undergo an apprenticeship training, you will likely end up working in haute cuisine restaurants and cooking fancy dishes. People who cook pricey meals or dishes are the ones who are often called chefs. Many of them work in mid-grade establishments and first-class restaurants. Your degree of control varies depending on where you work and their policies. Of course, your specialization also plays a role. Large fine dining restaurants often have an army of chefs with varying specializations working for them and all of these chefs answer to the Executive Chef or Head Chef.

There are still other chef jobs that you can pursue. You can set up your own pastry shop. You may be a chef but you will also be called a baker. You can also set up your own catering business. You may be a chef but you will also be a caterer as well. You can also work as a nutritionist or a dietitian if you want. There are numerous chef jobs that you can choose from. All you need to do is to get the necessary education, training, experience, attitude and passion and you would be all set.