Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Private Chefs
Sara, a private chef, highlights that entry-level culinary positions for undergraduates include "prep work" and even "dishwashing," emphasizing that a passion for the field can lead to advancement. Many successful chefs started at the bottom, gaining experience in either the kitchen ("back of the house") or front-of-house operations to determine if a culinary career is a good fit.
Entry-Level Positions, Career Exploration, Culinary Arts, Restaurant Industry, Hard Truths
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Sara Mehravar
Private Chef
Compass Diversified
Institution of Culinary Education
General Studies / Not Applicable
Hospitality, Restaurants & Events
Creative
LGBTQ
Video Highlights
1. Entry-level positions in the culinary field are widely accessible to undergraduates.
2. Many successful chefs begin in entry-level roles such as dishwashing or prep work.
3. Starting in front-of-house positions allows students to observe kitchen operations and assess their interest in the field.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
A lot of things. Prep work, for example. Many people who are now executive chefs at their restaurants started at the very bottom, which is dishwashing.
I know it doesn't sound very pleasing, but a lot of people begin there. If you are truly passionate, you can wait and work your way up, for sure.
There are different positions in this industry. Even to start, you can be in the front of the house and just see how the back of the house operates. This way, you can see if it's actually something you like or not.
So, I feel like any starting position, like prep work, dishwashing, or front of the house, is a very good point to begin.
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