{"id":6677,"date":"2023-08-07T07:00:34","date_gmt":"2023-08-07T12:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/?p=6677"},"modified":"2024-07-20T21:19:31","modified_gmt":"2024-07-21T02:19:31","slug":"what-you-can-learn-from-a-culinary-internship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/value-of-culinary-education\/what-you-can-learn-from-a-culinary-internship\/","title":{"rendered":"What Can You Learn from a Culinary School Externship?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Culinary school can be an exhilarating opportunity for students to get exposed to brand-new techniques and modern concepts in the ever-evolving world of food. But when the classwork ends, it\u2019s time to roll up your sleeves and put those new skills into action!<\/p>\n

A culinary externship can give you the chance to test your new knowledge in a working kitchen, whether that\u2019s in a restaurant, hotel, resort, or convention center.<\/p>\n

But what exactly is a culinary externship, and how is it different from a culinary internship? Why are externships such a critical step in your educational journey? Let\u2019s delve into everything you need to know!<\/p>\n

What Is a Culinary Externship?<\/h2>\n

An externship<\/a> is a practical, hands-on experience in a working kitchen. Students at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts must complete one to two approved industry externships as the final component of their curriculum before they graduate from their chosen culinary program<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The duties performed by students during their externships will differ widely among different food establishments. Students may perform a variety of prep tasks, or they could be on the line, turning out finished dishes for paying guests. Often, externship students will communicate their interests with the externship supervisor, so they can gain experience that directly aligns with their career goals and passions too!<\/p>\n

\n
\n

What\u2019s the Difference Between an Externship and an Internship?<\/h3>\n

The terms \u201cinternship\u201d and \u201cexternship\u201d<\/a> are sometimes used interchangeably, but there is one key difference.<\/p>\n

A culinary internship is often (although not always) a longer-term opportunity, at any point in a student\u2019s curriculum. An externship occurs during a shorter, defined time at the end of the program and is part of the actual curriculum.<\/p>\n

The shorter length of externships also allows students to do more than one, as well as gain exposure in a variety of kitchens to \u201csample\u201d different career paths. For example, a student trying to decide between a career in a hotel or in a restaurant may secure short externships in both industries to see which they prefer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

How Culinary Students Can Benefit From an Externship<\/h2>\n

Escoffier\u2019s externship requirement allows students to gain valuable experience and exploratory insight into the type of kitchen they might like to work in down the line! There are countless benefits to securing a culinary externship. Here are just a few to start.<\/p>\n

\"Escoffier

Escoffier students can secure externships that allow them to apply the culinary techniques and skills they\u2019ve explored.<\/p><\/div>\n

Explore Kitchen Hierarchy<\/h3>\n

Externs may see, firsthand, how the kitchen brigade system<\/a> works in action. And they can gain valuable insight into the career they may want to pursue after they complete their programs. For example, students might start out as a line cook<\/a>, fresh out of the \u201cculinary school\u201d gate. But an externship could provide clarity on the next career move. Perhaps it\u2019s stepping into an executive chef<\/a> or pastry chef<\/a> position.<\/p>\n

Get Invaluable Feedback and Mentorship<\/h3>\n

Externship students can collect invaluable feedback from a number of seasoned chefs and mentors\u2014helping them practice and hone the skills that they explored in culinary school. Most experienced chefs are thrilled to offer guidance and \u201cgive back\u201d to aspiring chefs who are just beginning their thriving careers!<\/p>\n\t

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t<\/iframe>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n

A day in the life of an Escoffier extern.<\/em><\/p>\n

Accelerate Personal Growth<\/h3>\n

When it comes to securing an externship, the \u201cworld can be your oyster.\u201d Many students choose to venture outside of their comfort zones and complete externships all across the world\u2014which inherently fosters personal growth and development.<\/p>\n

For example, at the young age of 18, Boulder Student Oscar Beltran<\/a>, jumped straight into culinary school, post-high school graduation. He felt slightly intimidated when he saw a few adult students in the classroom, but his Chef Instructors<\/a> nudged him to \u201cget out of his shell\u201d to participate! Eventually, Oscar went from being the shyest student in the class to the empowered culinary explorer! He left Boulder, CO to complete an externship at Moon Palace Resorts<\/a>, located off the sandy beaches in Cancun, Mexico, and dove head first into the busy kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe would bring all our produce and product to the second-floor kitchen where we began to prepare our mise en place. I would be assigned to a team member to help [with the breakfast service] from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. After that, [we cleaned] for the dinner service. We would wash all the equipment and reserve any product that could be saved for tomorrow. Then I headed back up to work at a hotel caf\u00e9.\u201d*<\/p>\n

After a bit of time, Beltran encountered a thrilling opportunity to compete in a contest at his externship\u2014tasked to create a taco al pastor recipe without the use of ancho chile. With the assistance of his mentor, Oscar created his own taco masterpiece, incorporating sour orange juice and star anise into his pork marinade and sweet\/spicy strawberry salsa.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Oscar\u201cThe risk I took [doing my externship in] Cancun and joining that competition was amazing. I learned so much and met all kinds of new people and chefs.\u201d*
\nOscar Beltran, Escoffier Boulder Culinary Arts Graduate<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

Beltran went to battle with seasoned hotel chefs during the competition but ended up winning with his taco creation. This victory proved to be a huge milestone for Oscar\u2014especially reflecting back to the start of his culinary school journey at Escoffier.<\/p>\n

Needless to say, plenty of students just like Oscar Beltran have experienced much growth through the externship program.<\/p>\n

\"Escoffier

Escoffier student exploring an immersive farm-to-table experience to elevate his future career.<\/p><\/div>\n

How Can You Secure an Externship?<\/h2>\n

Escoffier students are responsible for securing their own externships, but they certainly have support!<\/p>\n

Each student will be assigned a Career Services<\/a> representative as they approach the Industry Externship Course. These reps introduce students to different segments of the culinary industry and encourage the student to define their career goals. They could help you do a bit of self-reflection and explore questions like:<\/p>\n