{"id":5825,"date":"2025-09-08T08:00:34","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T13:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/?p=5825"},"modified":"2025-09-16T23:51:34","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T04:51:34","slug":"your-first-job-in-a-professional-kitchen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/your-first-job-in-a-professional-kitchen\/","title":{"rendered":"How You Can Get Your First Job in a Professional Kitchen"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em><strong>Listen to This Article:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"elevenlabs-audionative-widget\" data-height=\"90\" data-width=\"100%\" data-frameborder=\"no\" data-scrolling=\"no\" data-publicuserid=\"d443feec80bf8c8f2e009e26dafa4118e6eb9f14056a5516af577c77d4404c4e\" data-playerurl=\"https:\/\/elevenlabs.io\/player\/index.html\" data-projectid=\"afww5p7x1LiNcGTg2MWK\" >Loading the <a href=\"https:\/\/elevenlabs.io\/text-to-speech\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Elevenlabs Text to Speech<\/a> AudioNative Player&#8230;<\/div>\n<p><script src=\"https:\/\/elevenlabs.io\/player\/audioNativeHelper.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Imagine you&#8217;re standing inside a bustling restaurant kitchen for the first time, hearing the symphony of sizzling pans and rapid-fire orders. Your heart races\u2014part excitement, part nerves. This is it. Your chance to turn your passion for food into a real career.<\/p>\n<p>The idea of getting started in a professional kitchen can feel daunting, but with the right approach, you could land your first culinary job and begin building a rewarding career. From understanding entry-level positions and salary expectations to developing essential skills and networking effectively, strategic preparation can make a difference in your job search.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re a recent culinary school graduate or someone looking to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/value-of-culinary-education\/why-older-students-should-consider-culinary-school\/\">transition into the food industry<\/a>, knowing how to navigate professional kitchens, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/5-important-networking-tips-for-all-chefs\/\">build relationships<\/a>, and advance your career may help you pursue growth opportunities in this competitive field.<\/p>\n<h2>Understanding Entry-Level Positions and Salary Expectations<\/h2>\n<p>Before you start your job search, it can be helpful to understand the different entry-level positions available and what you can expect to earn. According to the latest <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/food-preparation-and-serving\/cooks.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a>, entry-level cooks across the U.S. earned roughly $17.19\/hr or $35,760\/year in May 2024. The kitchen staff sector has shown positive growth, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zippia.com\/kitchen-staff-jobs\/trends\/#:~:text=%25%20Change-,2025,-%2429%2C816\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">salaries increasing 5.1% in 2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Common entry-level positions include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"table-wrap\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align: center;\">Position<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align: center;\">Average Starting Wage<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align: center;\">Primary Responsibilities<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align: center;\">Best For<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">Prep Cook<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">$13-21\/hour\u00b9<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">Chopping vegetables, making sauces, ingredient preparation<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">Developing knife skills and kitchen fundamentals<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">Line Cook<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">$14-23\/hour\u00b2<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">Cooking during service at specific stations (grill, saut\u00e9)<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">Building speed and communication under pressure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">Catering Assistant<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">$13-24\/hour\u00b3<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">Large-volume food preparation and event service<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">Understanding event logistics and volume cooking<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">Roundsman<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">$18-23\/hour<sup>4<\/sup><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">Filling in at different stations as needed<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">Exploring multiple kitchen areas quickly<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>Wage ranges based on available data from Indeed and ZipRecruiter as of August 2025. Rates may vary by location, employer, and experience.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>As you advance, chefs can earn a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/chef-salary-SRCH_KO0,4.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">median salary of $63,000 per year<\/a> (as of Sept. 2025), showing the career growth potential in culinary arts. Salary rates may vary by location, employer, and experience.<\/p>\n<h2>Essential Skills for Working in a Professional Kitchen<\/h2>\n<p>Professional kitchens can require both technical abilities and workplace skills. Developing these core competencies may help you pursue success in entry-level positions and advance your culinary career.<\/p>\n<h3>Knife Skills and Food Safety<\/h3>\n<p>Proper <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-arts\/8-knife-cuts-every-professional-cook-should-know\/\">knife technique<\/a> forms the foundation of much kitchen work. As a prep cook, you can spend hours each day chopping vegetables, breaking down proteins, and making uniform cuts that can ensure even cooking. Line cooks rely on consistent knife work to prep garnishes and components during service.<\/p>\n<p>A strong understanding of food safety principles can protect both customers and your career. This can include proper food storage temperatures, how to prevent cross-contamination, and maintaining personal hygiene standards. Entry-level positions like prep cooks and line cooks must follow strict protocols, and food safety knowledge is often required through certifications.<\/p>\n<h3>Basic Cooking Methods<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Developing core cooking skills can make it easier to step into new stations and explore different cuisines. Key methods can include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Saut\u00e9ing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Quick cooking in a hot pan with minimal fat, essential for line cooks working saut\u00e9 stations and preparing vegetables, proteins, and finishing dishes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Braising<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Slow cooking with moisture, important for prep cooks preparing stocks, sauces, and tenderizing tougher cuts of meat for daily specials.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Grilling<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Direct heat cooking that requires an understanding of temperature control and timing, crucial for grill station cooks in casual dining and steakhouse environments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Roasting<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Dry heat cooking in ovens, used by line cooks for proteins and vegetables, and by prep cooks for large-batch cooking and mise en place preparation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Communication and Teamwork<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clear communication can help keep kitchens running smoothly during busy service periods. Entry-level cooks should know <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-arts\/more-useful-examples-of-chef-jargon\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kitchen terminology<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> so they can call out orders clearly and coordinate with other stations. Being curious while practicing from mistakes may help you grow in your role.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;I always asked questions &#8230; An executive chef wants to teach, but he doesn&#8217;t want to keep teaching you (the same thing) over and over again,&#8221; industry recruiter Brian Blum of Gecko Hospitality said <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/podcast\/126-career-boosting-tips\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">during an interview on The Ultimate Dish podcast<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, being bilingual may enhance your career prospects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;I would say if there&#8217;s one language you should know as a chef or a cook or anyone in a kitchen, it&#8217;s Spanish,&#8221; Blum said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many kitchens operate with Spanish-speaking teams, making bilingual skills valuable for effective communication and leadership.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"blog-article-callout-wrap\">\n\t\t<div class=\"blog-article-callout-text\">\n<h3>Understanding the Kitchen Brigade<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Professional kitchens operate under the brigade de cuisine system. Understanding this <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/different-types-of-chef-jobs-in-the-brigade-de-cuisine\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">hierarchy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> can help you navigate relationships and advancement:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Executive Chef <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Oversees all operations, menu development, and staff management<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Sous Chef <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Second-in-command, managing daily operations and supervising line cooks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Chef de Partie<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> &#8211; Station chefs for specific areas like grill, saut\u00e9, or garde manger<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Line Cooks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> &#8211; Work under supervision preparing food during service<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Prep Cooks <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Handle ingredient preparation and basic cooking tasks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Commis Chef<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> &#8211; Entry-level position for recent graduates developing fundamentals<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Knowing where you fit and respecting the chain of command may demonstrate professionalism that employers value.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<h2>How You Can Get Your First Professional Kitchen Job<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Landing your first kitchen job can entail a different approach than traditional job searches. The culinary industry values practical skills, personality fit, and genuine passion for food service. Understanding the unique hiring practices of restaurants and food service establishments may help you stand out from other candidates.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here&#8217;s an approach to how you could secure your first professional kitchen position:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>5 Steps to Land Your First Kitchen Job<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>1. Research Local Kitchen Opportunities <\/b>Start by identifying restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and corporate dining facilities in your area. Check their websites for job postings and get to know their cuisine style and service level.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>2<\/b><strong>. Prepare Your Application Materials<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/8-tips-for-writing-a-chef-resume\/\">Create a resume<\/a> highlighting any food service experience, culinary education, and relevant skills. Include food safety certifications and any volunteer cooking experience.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>3. Apply During Strategic Times <\/b>The job search process for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/the-highest-paying-culinary-jobs-and-positions\/\">kitchen positions<\/a> differs from other industries. Many kitchens prefer walk-in applications during slower periods (typically 2-4 p.m.), allowing managers to meet candidates personally. Industry networks and referrals can often lead to promising opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>4. Prepare for the Interview<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/10-common-interview-questions-for-a-chef-position\/\">Kitchen interviews<\/a> are typically informal but focused on your attitude and willingness to learn. Come prepared to discuss your food service experience, why you want to work in that specific kitchen, and your availability. Dress professionally but practically\u2014clean clothes you can move in. Be ready to answer questions about handling pressure, working as part of a team, and your long-term culinary goals.<\/p>\n<p><b>5. Complete a Stage (Working Interview) <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many kitchens use a &#8220;stage&#8221;\u2014a working interview where you demonstrate skills during actual service. This might involve basic knife work, following recipes under pressure, or working alongside line cooks. Arrive early, bring your own knife if you have one, and focus on following directions precisely. Show enthusiasm, ask clarifying questions, and maintain a positive attitude even when things get hectic.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23810\" style=\"width: 778px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23810\" class=\"wp-image-23810 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Line-cook-wearing-a-striped-apron-and-a-black-bandana-cuts-a-vegetable-next-to-two-other-cooks-768.jpeg\" alt=\"Line cook wearing a striped apron and a black bandana cuts a vegetable next to two other cooks\" width=\"768\" height=\"513\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Line-cook-wearing-a-striped-apron-and-a-black-bandana-cuts-a-vegetable-next-to-two-other-cooks-768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Line-cook-wearing-a-striped-apron-and-a-black-bandana-cuts-a-vegetable-next-to-two-other-cooks-768-300x200.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23810\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">From knife skills to teamwork, honing the basics in a professional kitchen can build the foundation for your culinary future.<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Finding Kitchen Jobs in Your Area<\/h2>\n<p>Once you understand the hiring process, it&#8217;s time to focus your search on the right types of establishments. Different kitchen environments offer unique advantages for new cooks, and knowing where to look can save you time and help you find opportunities that could match your career goals.<\/p>\n<h3>Best Places to Look for Opportunities:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Restaurant districts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in your city typically have the highest concentration of openings. These areas often have multiple establishments within walking distance of one another, making it efficient to apply to several places in one day.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hotel and resort properties<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> often hire multiple kitchen positions simultaneously, especially during busy seasons. These environments can provide structured training programs and exposure to large-volume cooking.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Corporate\/Institutional dining facilities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (hospitals, universities, office complexes) usually offer more regular hours and predictable schedules compared to traditional restaurants.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Catering companies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can provide diverse experience with events and off-site cooking. You can learn to adapt to different kitchen setups and to handle logistics.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Timeline and expectations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Job search timelines vary significantly based on location, experience level, and the type of establishment you&#8217;re targeting. Having an externship or strong references can significantly improve your prospects.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>What Employers Look For<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Culinary\/kitchen skills<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reliability and strong work ethic<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Willingness to learn and take direction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basic food safety knowledge<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Positive attitude and team orientation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Evaluating Potential Employers<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look for kitchens where feedback is constructive, where safety protocols are followed, and where you see opportunities to learn and grow. High turnover and a lack of organization can be red flags.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you&#8217;ve successfully landed your first kitchen position, your focus may shift to making a strong impression and building your skills during those important first weeks on the job.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Surviving Your First Month<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the first couple of weeks, you&#8217;ll likely focus on understanding kitchen layout, safety procedures, and basic prep tasks. Don&#8217;t worry if you feel slow initially\u2014speed comes with practice. Ask questions about recipes and techniques, but be mindful of timing during busy service periods.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By the end of your first month, you&#8217;ll probably be building confidence and improving your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/recipes\/knife-cutting-techniques-for-professional-chefs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">knife skills<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and cooking techniques. You&#8217;ll start understanding the rhythm of service periods and practicing clear communication during busy shifts.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">Common Challenges<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting in a professional kitchen comes with unique challenges: physical demands like long hours and hot conditions, a faster pace than culinary school, direct or blunt communication styles and hierarchy structures, plus immediate feedback during service periods.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">Effective strategies:<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Success in your first month can depend on demonstrating the right attitude and work habits from day one. Here are some tips:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arrive early and stay late to show commitment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep a positive attitude during difficult shifts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply feedback from mistakes quickly and don&#8217;t repeat them<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Build relationships with coworkers during slower periods<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus on consistency before trying to innovate<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>When mistakes happen:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you make a major mistake, own it immediately, apologize sincerely, and ask how to fix it. Most chefs respect honesty and the willingness to improve.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Work Your Way Up<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s rare that anyone leaving culinary school jumps straight to a high-paying job as an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/executive-chef-vs-head-chef-what-is-the-diference\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">executive<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/what-makes-a-good-sous-chef\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sous chef<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Your first job in a professional kitchen may be as a roundsman, catering assistant, prep or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/what-it-takes-to-be-a-line-cook\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">line cook<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These jobs may offer an opportunity to develop your skills.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blum offers the example of someone who starts as a prep cook in a restaurant and looks for ways to chip in and improve.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;After about 30-45 days, you&#8217;ve mastered being a prep cook,\u201d he says. \u201c. . . Maybe you ask (a higher-up), &#8216;Hey, will you teach me how to write a prep list, so I can do it and then you don&#8217;t have to?&#8217; You&#8217;re taking that off of your sous, off of your exec chef, bringing it onto your back.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After you become good at your role and have established good working relationships, Blum recommends asking for more tips.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(You might say) &#8216;Hey, I noticed you&#8217;re purchasing produce today. Can you teach me how to do that?&#8217; And learn how to do it. Then, ask, &#8216;Can I take that off your hands?'&#8221; Blum says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Key advancement strategies:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Become skilled in your current role completely before seeking additional responsibilities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cross-train on multiple stations to become more valuable<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Volunteer for challenging tasks during busy periods<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practice expo\/expediting work to develop leadership skills<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Timing your next move:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Focus on developing your current role for at least 6-12 months before considering advancement. However, if you&#8217;re not gaining new skills or the environment is not conducive to learning, it may be time to move on sooner.<\/span><\/p>\n\t<div class=\"aic-embed-video-wrap\">\n\t\t<div class=\"video aic-embed-video  aic-youtube-video lazyload-yt-video\">\n\t\t\t<iframe\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"video__media\"\n\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tf0V7X9yWEg?rel=0\"\n\t\t\t\tframeborder=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\tallow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\"\n\t\t\t\ttitle=\"Embedded Video\"\n\t\t\t\tallowfullscreen\n\t\t\t><\/iframe>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<p class=\"videocaption\"><em>What Omni Hotels &amp; Resorts Executive Chef Josh Hasho looks for when hiring culinary students<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Focus on a Balanced Culinary Education<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s important to be prepared before you begin actively searching for a job in a professional kitchen, and culinary school can help prepare you with skills and experience you may need.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Culinary school graduates can bring a diverse set of skills to employers, such as knowledge of business operations, management, and customer experience enhancement. On the other hand, those without a formal culinary education often only have experience in a single aspect of the foodservice industry \u2013 which may limit future job opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t<div class=\"blog-quote\">\n\t\t<div class=\"the-quote\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"quotes\">\u201c<\/div>\n\t\t\t\u201cMy education with Escoffier has really given me a good foundation. It has filled a resume gap; it\u2019s filled a professional gap and a skills gap. It has helped me in all aspects of my culinary career.\u201d*\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"author \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/lance-mcwhorter.jpg\"\n\t\t\t\t\t     alt=\"Lance McWhorter\"\n\t\t\t\t\t     width=\"150\" height=\"150\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Lance McWhorter<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExecutive Chef\/Owner, Culture ETX; Food Network \u201cChopped\u201d Contestant; Online Culinary Arts Graduate\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<p><em>*Information may not reflect every student&#8217;s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors, such as geographical region or previous experience.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A hands-on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/how-to-get-a-culinary-internship-or-externship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">industry externship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be a great way to get training in a professional kitchen\u2014and possibly secure your first job by the end of it. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts&#8217; <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/academics\/culinary-arts-online\/#:~:text=want%20the%20guide!-,COURSES,-Professional%20Online%20Culinary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">curriculum<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> requires students to participate in externships where they have the opportunity to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/value-of-culinary-education\/why-its-important-to-find-a-peer-mentor-in-culinary-school\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">work with a mentor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and apply their skills in professional kitchens, possibly with some of the top employers in the food industry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the advantages of a formal culinary education can be that students receive career assistance while in school and support after graduation. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/career\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Career Services<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> staff can provide resume writing assistance, job application and interview preparation, industry referrals, and networking opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Charting Your Path in the Culinary World<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most experienced chefs started in entry-level positions. What often separates those who advance from those who don&#8217;t is attitude, work ethic, and continuous learning. Building your network and taking advantage of educational opportunities may help position you for growth in the culinary industry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Considering a culinary education? <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/contact-us\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact us<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to explore how Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts may help you develop foundational skills for working in professional kitchens.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\n\t<h3 class=\"additional-articles-heading\">DID YOU ENJOY THIS ARTICLE? YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK OUT THESE AS WELL.Did you enjoy this article? You may want to check out these as well.<\/h3>\n\n\t\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/baking-pastry\/the-sweet-life-of-the-pastry-chef\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Do Pastry Chefs Do? A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Role, Responsibilities, and Realities<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/value-of-culinary-education\/day-in-the-life-of-an-online-culinary-student\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Day in the Life of an Online Culinary Student<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/the-essential-guide-to-culinary-occupations\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Essential Guide to Careers in Foodservice<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article was originally published on December 11, 2015, and has since been updated.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p class=\"post-source-text\"><em><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/em><br \/>\n<em>\u00b9 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/career\/prep-cook\/salaries\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indeed<\/a>: Prep cook salary in United States<\/em><br \/>\n<em>\u00b2 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/career\/line-cook\/salaries\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indeed<\/a>: Line cook salary in United States<\/em><br \/>\n<em>\u00b3 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/career\/catering-assistant\/salaries\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indeed<\/a>: Catering assistant salary in United States<\/em><br \/>\n<em><sup>4<\/sup> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ziprecruiter.com\/Salaries\/Roundsman-Salary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ZipRecruiter<\/a>: Roundsman Salary<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how to land your first professional kitchen job with entry-level salary data, essential skills, interview tips, and career advancement strategies.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":70866,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1298],"tags":[1299,1300],"class_list":["post-5825","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culinary-pastry-careers","tag-career-advancement","tag-career-change"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - 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