Experts at the Bureau of Labor Statistics say that by the year 2005, the demand for trained chefs in the United States will exceed the supply. That means chefs will command increasing salaries, benefits, and perks, and they will stand an excellent chance of becoming partners in the food businesses for which they work. The food service and hospitality industry is exciting and challenging, while becoming increasingly competitive and complex. A formal culinary education is almost a prerequisite for acquiring the skills, knowledge, and professionalism needed to be prepared for this rewarding and profitable career. And, the more education, the better, as an ever-increasing number of restaurants and companies are looking for bachelor s degrees on prospective employees resum s.
Some colleges even offer post-graduate masters degrees in hospitality management.
With a formal culinary education, graduates are ready to enter the industry at some of the world s finest restaurants. A career path in this field also can lead to places other than a restaurant kitchen. There is a myriad of exciting careers for tomorrow s leaders in the food service industry. Careers in this burgeoning industry are not just in culinary arts, but also in baking and pastry arts. Properly trained bakers and pastry chefs are in great demand to meet the needs of increasingly sophisticated customers.