The food service and hospitality industry is booming, and there are more diverse job opportunities for properly trained professionals than ever before. Experts at the Bureau of Labor Statistics say that by 2005, the demand for trained chefs in the United States will exceed the supply. 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 more restaurants and companies look for bachelor's degrees on prospective employees' resumes.
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. Many graduates become entrepreneurs, managers, food writers and editors, food stylists, caterers and event planners, culinary educators, product development specialists, and TV hosts and producers. The opportunities are virtually endless.