{"id":18756,"date":"2022-07-27T08:00:57","date_gmt":"2022-07-27T13:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/?p=18756"},"modified":"2025-09-17T12:58:40","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T17:58:40","slug":"how-full-time-working-adults-can-succeed-in-online-learning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/value-of-culinary-education\/how-full-time-working-adults-can-succeed-in-online-learning\/","title":{"rendered":"How Full-Time, Working Adults Can Succeed in Online Culinary School"},"content":{"rendered":"

You want to attend culinary school, but you also have a full-time job. And you have to keep working to pay the bills and put food on the table. Can you do both?<\/p>\n

Working while attending school requires a commitment of your time and energy. But with a weekly commitment of around 15-23 hours<\/a> per week for school-related activities, depending on program, credential, and personal pace, an education at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts is absolutely possible while keeping up with your career!<\/p>\n

The online culinary curriculum at Escoffier includes live and archive video class sessions, pre-recorded and live cooking demonstrations, reading assignments, cooking theory lessons, and labs with cooking assignments. As long as students meet their weekly program deadlines, they can complete this coursework whenever it\u2019s convenient for them.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how you can succeed in online culinary school\u2014even as a busy, working adult<\/a>.<\/p>\n

1. Create a Private Workspace<\/h2>\n

While much of your online class work takes place in the kitchen, there will also be computer-based work, which may include reading, watching videos and live sessions, and interacting with fellow students on the class message boards.<\/p>\n

If you live alone, the kitchen table may suffice to do double duty as a desk. But if you live with a spouse, roommate, or children, it may help to have a private, quiet place to do your schoolwork.<\/p>\n

A small folding table and chair tucked into your bedroom could be sufficient. Make sure you have enough light to see without straining your eyes, and digital or paper notebooks for jotting things down.<\/p>\n\"Online\n

It can also help to set boundaries with your roommates or family. Let them know when you\u2019re busy with schoolwork, and when you\u2019re available to chat. And since your online cooking classes take place in the kitchen, make sure you\u2019re communicating well about when you plan to complete these assignments, so they can plan accordingly.<\/p>\n

2. Make a Planning Appointment With Yourself<\/h2>\n

When you attend online culinary or pastry school<\/a> while also working full-time, managing your schedule carefully is key. Set aside time to complete your coursework and cooking assignments, but you also have to plan ahead to purchase the necessary ingredients. Make it easier on yourself by scheduling a weekly planning session when you can assess your time and product needs.<\/p>\n

The Escoffier online school week runs from Wednesday through the following Tuesday. This is designed so that online students are able to use the weekend to complete their background work and ask the instructors questions before their assignments are due. So before the day starts on Wednesday, schedule an hour to look over the coming week\u2019s assignments.<\/p>\n\t

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How do online students taste and critique their own food, while showcasing their skills and techniques?<\/em><\/p>\n

Schedule time blocks when you can complete the assigned reading and watch any videos. Make sure to note the week\u2019s live session so you don\u2019t miss it! While you can watch the replay, it\u2019s best to catch it live so you can participate in the Q&A session. This is also a good time to make a grocery list for the week\u2019s cooking assignment, so you know exactly what you\u2019ll need.<\/p>\n

If you plan to do your cooking assignment on Sunday morning, for example, you know you\u2019ll have to complete the reading, watch the videos, and get your groceries before then.<\/p>\n

Approximately 15-23 hours per week are spent on school-related activities depending on program, credential, and personal pace. By taking an extra hour to plan before the week begins, you can fit all of your course requirements into your busy schedule!<\/p>\n

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\"Shari“I work more than 40 hours a week, I travel, and I also balance family life with my husband and two dogs. Escoffier online has made it possible for me to join a class live or watch an archived session at 10:30 at night when I have had a long day. I can wake up early to get my assignments done, and I know that an instructor or fellow student is there to help me navigate the waters.\u201d*
\nShari Spooner, Online Culinary Arts Graduate<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

\"Escoffier

Escoffier online student Jayse L. working in his home kitchen<\/p><\/div>\n

3. Silence Distractions<\/h2>\n

Did you know that it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get back on track after an unrelated distraction? That\u2019s a long time!<\/p>\n

And these days, most of us have a small distraction factory on us at all times: the smartphone.<\/p>\n

As a busy working student, every minute counts. Silence distractions so you can stay focused and complete your work efficiently.<\/p>\n

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Tips for Silencing Your Phone<\/h3>\n