|
|
(HealthNewsDigest.com) – FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA – According to the National Restaurant Association there are more than 13 million people employed by the restaurant industry. Many of those cornerstone positions are those in the culinary area, including chefs and cooks, among others. With the restaurant industry earning $566 billion in sales in 2008, it’s clear that it can be a lucrative field to go into.
Whether you are interested in attending a culinary program to explore your passion for preparing great dishes, or you see it as a timely career move in this stalled economy, choosing the right program for you is essential to getting the most out of it.
“There are many culinary programs and they are not all equal,” says Mitchell Watford, Certified Executive Chef and Certified Culinary Educator, as well as Acting Dean of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management at Stratford University. “It is important before starting any program to make sure that you select the one that is going to help put you in the position you are seeking upon completion.”
If you are just thinking about what a culinary program has to offer, or are ready to get started on the road to your new cooking career, consider these tips when choosing where to attend:
· Calculate costs. While the cost of attending shouldn’t be the deciding factor, it is still important to know what the program will cost you. Investigate all costs prior to going into it, so you aren’t blindsided with high fees later on.
· Compare classes. Evaluate the classes being offered to see if there are ones that you are interested in and geared toward your long term goals.
· Review reputation. Research the school’s reputation, as well as who is teaching the classes and what their credentials are.
· Seek success. Ask about what the graduation and employment rates are to see how many students are finishing the program and finding positions afterward. Also, find out if they offer any job placement assistance.
· Excellent experience. Look for valuable externships that can give you some hands-on experience in reputable establishments.
· Take a tour. You should stop by and visit each program you are interested in. While there, tour the facility, see the students in action, meet with instructors, and ask questions.
· Accreditation matters. Check to see if the program is accredited so that will be accepted as legitimate.
· Compare what’s offered. Some programs offer classes, while others offer a degree. It is important to know what you will earn in the end, in anything, so you know exactly what you are getting into.
“There’s no doubt that attending a culinary program is an investment in your future,” adds Watford. “It will get you on the path to a rewarding career, but to really be satisfied you have to do your homework ahead of time and choose the program that is a fit for you. With a little bit of research, you should be able to make a great match.”
Stratford University’s culinary arts program offers several degrees, including concentrations in baking and pastry arts, as well as advanced culinary arts. Students can also enroll in the advanced culinary arts professional diploma program. The school also offers non-degree public one-day culinary courses covering such topics as beginner baking, knife skills, vegetarian cooking and cake decorating, as well as parent-and-child cooking.
About Stratford University:
Stratford University operates campuses in Tysons Corner and Woodbridge. It offers 25 undergraduate and graduate degrees in the areas of Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Health Sciences, Business Administration, and Information Technology. The degree programs are offered both on campus, as well as online. For more information on Stratford University, please visit www.stratford.edu.
Subscribe to our FREE Ezine and be eligible for Health News, discounted products/services and coupons related to your Health. We publish 24/7.
HealthNewsDigest.com