If you love to cook and are passionate about food, then why not develop your interest in cooking and turn it into a career?
It’s no secret that the food and hospitality industry is one of the fastest growing industries locally and internationally, allowing graduates to work anywhere in the world. If you have talent and are willing to work hard, being a chef is a rewarding and exciting job and one that is much in demand.
Capsicum Culinary Studio, with a campus in Durban, offer these reasons as to why you may want to consider studying to become a chef.
As well as the job satisfaction, being a chef offers great career progression from Commis Chef to Demi Chef, Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine and finally Executive Chef. You also have the option of working at many different venues including restaurants, hotels, resorts, cruise liners, catering companies and corporate or private events.
It’s a growth-industry job
People will always want to eat out and as the hospitality industry is steadily growing year on year, there are many new and challenging positions on offer.
Take your career global
Wherever you choose to live, finding work as a chef will always be an option. Whether you fancy preparing meals on a luxury liner or taking one of the jobs in a posh restaurant in London, New York or Paris, a career as a chef is highly portable!
You can specialise
Chefs learn by preparing and cooking all kinds of food to give them an overall understanding and a wide repertoire. But there’s plenty of opportunity to specialise if you have a passion for a certain cuisine – be it Chinese, French or Mexican. Or, if you love cakes and desserts, you can become a pastry chef. Whatever your obsession, there are plenty of options to branch out and challenge yourself.
Self-employment
Some chefs spend a few years in a restaurant or hotel kitchen, making a name for themselves before branching out and opening their own eatery. Some set up catering companies, preparing meals for private functions and events, while others invest in a food truck and sell their wares at markets and social gatherings. Where there’s a gathering of people, there’s always a need for food!
It’s creative
Plating up food and creating new dishes is an art in itself, so the perfect profession for those with a creative streak. Chefs are always looking to create new taste sensations, new food combinations and new recipes that will bring something different to the taste buds.
You make people happy
People love eating out, so whether you are helping to make a special event even more memorable or a lunchtime meal more delicious, it’s good to know your work is being appreciated.
There is never a dull moment
Working in a kitchen can be challenging as you are under pressure to deliver, and you spend a lot of time on your feet. However, if you are passionate about food and good at what you do, being a chef can create a real buzz and deliver a highly rewarding career.
Varied hours
This is no 9-to-5 job. Chefs work a variety of hours depending on where they work. Some restaurants are only open at night, others only during the day. Most hotels are open 24 hours (for guest who want a late-night snack), while catering companies work shifts and corporate catering can find you prepping breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Best of all – you don’t have to wear a suit! No ties for the men, high heels for the women or business suits for both. Which means less money spent on a wardrobe that’s needed for that corporate gig.
Details: For more information go to capsicumcooking.com.
