You may decide to enroll in a culinary arts program because you’re planning to open a restaurant, you want to broaden your options when it comes to finding a job, or maybe you are just passionate about food and beverages.
How to choose the best culinary program?
Whatever the reason, it is vital that you check out the program you’re considering and make certain it will meet all your needs. Before you get started, make sure you consider these five criteria that will assure you choose a course that is right for you.
1. Offers Theory and practical Hands-on Experiences
Hands-on learning is best, right? A 2015 report by University of Chicago showed that students who learned in a hands-on environment performed 7% better than their peers who did not have that experience. Culinary Arts, much like any other area of the arts and sciences requires that you get “down and dirty” and actually try the techniques you are learning about in the classroom. Choose a school that offers a cooking lab and/or an on-site restaurant kitchen so you can hone your skills in a controlled environment. Did you know that EHL's Master Class in Culinary Arts offers over 800 hours of practical training, including in its Gault-Millau rated restaurant?
What will you learn when following a Culinary Arts curriculum?
Discover the world of restaurant management.
2. Provides the Experience YOU are Looking For
If you’re planning to get into gastronomy or catering, you need a program that offers this option. On the other hand, if you want to open a quick service restaurant, you’ll need THAT training. Find out if the type of work you plan to do will be covered by the course. After all, no matter how great the schooling is, if it doesn’t apply to you it won’t be beneficial.
3. Experienced Faculty
Famed chef Gordon Ramsay once said:
If you want to become a great chef, you have to work with great chefs. And that's exactly what I did.
Choose a culinary program that has experienced AND diverse faculty. You want to learn from people who have been “in the trenches” and know what it takes to get the job done. With access to the best teachers such as Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, you’ll be well on your way to continued success.
4. Record for Student Success
How many students have gone on to get the job they wanted? What do former students have to say about the classwork and lab experience? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you understand exactly how beneficial a culinary program may be for you too.
5. A Good School Atmosphere
There is more to a culinary program than just the courses you take. Learn about the school as a whole and make sure it has that warm, welcoming feeling. If you’re not comfortable with the school, you are less likely to be successful with your culinary arts course.
