{"id":16246,"date":"2022-01-14T10:28:58","date_gmt":"2022-01-14T16:28:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/?p=16246"},"modified":"2025-10-03T13:47:39","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T18:47:39","slug":"who-hires-online-culinary-school-graduates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/who-hires-online-culinary-school-graduates\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Hires Online Culinary School Graduates?"},"content":{"rendered":"

With so many aspects of our daily lives taking place online, it\u2019s no surprise that online education has exploded recently. The eLearning market has grown 900%1<\/sup> in the past 20 years, with many people opting to get their degrees wholly or partially online.<\/p>\n

Culinary school is no exception. In fact, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts is the only U.S. accredited institution offering 100% online diplomas and degrees nationwide with culinary classes and hands-on industry externships.. The online program lets students get a culinary education from their own homes, regardless of where in the world they live.<\/p>\n

But what happens after students receive their degrees or diplomas? Are there job opportunities out there for online culinary school graduates?<\/p>\n

As it turns out, the career path of an online graduate may look very similar to that of an on-campus student. Today, we\u2019re going to discuss the traits hiring chefs look for, what online culinary students have the opportunity to learn, and where they may find work after graduation.<\/p>\n

What Do Hiring Chefs Look for in Culinary School Grads?<\/h2>\n

When beginning your career in the culinary or pastry arts<\/a>, it’s wise to start with the end in mind. What skills or traits will future hiring chefs<\/a> be on the lookout for?<\/p>\n

To start, most hiring chefs will expect graduates to have a solid foundation of knife skills and proper food handling. They may also require proficiency with cooking terminology, core cooking methods, and seasoning techniques. Baking basics may also be expected, like quick breads or biscuits.<\/p>\n\"Chef\n

Of course, these expectations will depend on the position and type of foodservice establishment. An entry-level job with a pastry chef may not demand as much knowledge of proteins, for example.<\/p>\n

Chefs may also expect to see some practical business knowledge. Cost control, reading a profit & loss statement, managing inventory and expenses \u2014 these business skills can all be an asset to the hopeful hire, especially in the post-COVID-19 world<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Real-world experience is also a must. Hiring chefs want to know that you can handle the fast pace of a working kitchen.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why Escoffier\u2019s online programs include an industry externship at the completion of all program instruction. Our Career Services<\/a> staff can help students to find these placements through portfolio building assistance, interview preparation, and industry referrals.<\/p>\n

The final piece of the puzzle is something that graduates must bring with them from day one \u2014 energy and positivity. An upbeat, enthusiastic applicant makes a great first impression, and you only have one chance at it!<\/p>\n

What Do Online Culinary School Students Study?<\/h2>\n

The curriculum of an online culinary school shares many features of on-campus culinary school.<\/p>\n

Students in Escoffier\u2019s online Culinary Arts programs<\/a> and Plant-Based Culinary Arts programs<\/a> can have the opportunity to learn those vital knife skills and food handling guidelines. Food safety and sanitation<\/a>, foodservice operations, menu design and management, and cost control are also in the curriculum.<\/p>\n\"Online\n

Online Baking & Pastry Arts<\/a> students also study food safety and sanitation. They\u2019ll take courses covering artisan baking and patisserie, baking math, purchasing and cost control, plus menu planning.<\/p>\n

But how do they get hands-on practice in an online setting?<\/p>\n

At Escoffier, online students start their lessons with assigned reading and demonstration videos. Next, they attend a live instruction session with their classmates, led by one of our Chef Instructors<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Then, it\u2019s time for practice. Students receive an assignment, which they document via photos and a written summary for the Chef Instructor to assess. Finally, students get video feedback from their instructors to improve their technique and results.<\/p>\n\t

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With this method, students are free to work at their own pace as long as they meet deadlines and class times. Many students actually work in the restaurant industry while attending culinary school. A student that works full time, for example, may find that their best cooking hours are later in the evening. With an online program, you\u2019re free to make culinary school fit your schedule.<\/p>\n

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\"Chef“A major benefit of studying at Escoffier is the program flexibility. Working students find time to complete their coursework around their schedule. Escoffier has invested in technology to keep students in contact with their Instructors\u2014help is just a text message or phone call away.”
\nMaria Davenport, Escoffier Online Chef Instructor<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

Finally, students complete their programs with an industry externship near where they live. This hands-on experience can be in a restaurant, hotel, resort, bakery \u2014 anywhere you can put your new skills to work and discover how they apply to a real-world setting.<\/p>\n

The combination of classroom structure, independent practice, and practical application leaves online students well-prepared for the rigors of a professional kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\t

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The Essential Culinary Career Survey<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

The Essential Culinary Career Survey<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

What's your ideal culinary career: Fine dining? Your own restaurant? Pastry? Get our self-evaluation survey to find out!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

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We\u2019ve compiled a checklist of all of the essential questions into one handy guide:<\/strong> career options, culinary interest surveys, educational opportunities, and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tYES, I want the survey!<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t

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