More people return to school later in life each year, yet culinary school isn't usually one of the top options people choose. It's a shame because culinary schools offer some of the best programs available if you want to learn something that is not only creative but practical as well.
Why People Go Back to School
Most people return to college after years in the workforce or raising a family for one of three reasons:
They want to improve their chances of promotion within their current career.
They want to change careers completely.
They want to broaden their horizons and learn something new and different, but won't necessarily be using it for work.
Improving Your Career through Culinary School
Many people become interested in being a chef or restaurant manager after they've worked in the food service industry in some other capacity. They may be a waiter, hostess or bar tender and become interested in the many delicious and interesting dishes being served every day at the restaurant where they work. Others may be cooks in diners or casual restaurants and realize that while they love cooking, the meals they are called upon to prepare simply aren't challenging or interesting enough, and they decided they want to move to the next level.
With a head start working in the food service or hospitality industry, individuals with a degree from culinary school will be on the fast track to a position in an upscale restaurant, resort or luxury cruise line.
Switching Careers
There are so many people who have been working at their jobs for years and realized that they don't like what they do. It's not their fault; they probably came out of high school or college and went into a traditional career that was going to earn them a good living. These same people may discover after a few years that although they are making a living, they aren't really living. They aren't passionate about what they do. They don't love coming to work each day.
These are the students you find at culinary schools working toward a second career. They are taking what they are passionate about from their personal life, a love of cooking, and turning it from a hobby to a career. These are the individuals who understand that it is as much about loving what you do as about the money you make. Students like this are often the most outstanding students at culinary schools because they have a passion for cooking that they've been practicing in some form for years.
Culinary Schooling for Family and Friends
Some individuals enroll in culinary school purely for the joy of it. They love cooking and want to become even better at it. These are the husbands, wives, parents and friends who find joy in entertaining and cooking for those close to them and are always looking for ways to improve what they have to offer.
This is a growing trend today because more and more people realize that culinary school isn't just about cooking. These are the students who understand that they will also learn about budgeting for meals, shopping for the best quality of food and pairing meals with the appropriate wines and desserts. In fact, culinary school is an excellent way to improve both how and what your family and friends eat on a regular basis.
Even if you are thinking of returning to college because you're now retired and have lots of time on your hands, consider culinary school and you can "wow" your friends and family when you put a gourmet meal in front of them.
The diversity of students attending culinary school is increasing every year, so if you think it may be right for you, you're probably correct.
