Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
...An introduction to education and careers in the restaurant industry.
The restaurant industry is one of the largest employers in the U.S., trailing just behind the US government and healthcare. With the average person eating 24% of their meals outside of the home, this statistic is hardly surprising.
Jobs in restaurants include managers, chefs, bakers, banquet managers, and caterers, just to name a few. Just as there are a number of possible careers, there are many educational options. Learn more about the educational opportunities, career choices, and outlook for the industry.
Educational Options
Programs offer studies at all levels: diploma and certificate, associate degree, bachelor degree, and master degree. Aspiring restaurant managers will find programs under titles such as culinary management, hospitality management, and hotel and restaurant management.
Students hoping to work in the kitchen of a restaurant will find a variety of food preparation programs, the most common of which are culinary arts and baking and pastry.
Selecting the right program, however, depends on the time a student wants to invest in an education and the students' career goals. A certificate in basic culinary arts can be earned in several weeks, while a bachelor degree typically takes four years to complete. Students who are looking for entry-level cooking work might consider a diploma or certificate, while students interested in an executive chef or management position would be wise to get as much education as possible. Certainly, more education means more options.
One consideration students might keep in mind is the opportunity for externships. An externship is often required of students in some programs, but is a good idea for any student anxious to break into the restaurant industry. An externship gives students a chance to put their classroom skills to the test and gain hands-on, real world experience. Time spent in a real restaurant can help a student gauge their interest in the career, and also looks fantastic on a resume.
Paying for an Education
All this training has to be paid for somehow. Tuition costs vary widely, depending on the length of the program and the type of school.
Fortunately, there is quite a bit of financial aid available to those who qualify to help cover these costs. See the list of scholarships at "Restaurant Financial Aid & Scholarships," and financial assistance may also be available from federal and state government sources, for those that qualify.
All forms of government aid use one application: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Aid sources include Stafford, Perkins, and PLUS loans, Pell grants, and Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants. Many states offer their own loan and grant programs, as well.
