Can I get a good job as a chef with a culinary arts certificate?

Question

Today I went to go visit the Career Academy of NY for info on their culinary arts program. The admission counselor was very nice but I know they have a tendency to tell you whatever you want to hear just to get you enrolled in school. My question is what are the chances of me landing a good job working in a kitchen after I graduate in 9 months with a certificate? I already have a AAS in Criminal Justice and it's been very hard for me to try to find work. in NJ. Jersey has an odd way or hiring police officers & because I'm not a veteran I have been getting passed up. Realistically can I get a job in a restaurant and eventually become a chef with a certificate? Or should I try to get another AAS in culinary arts?

Answer 1

The answer is:  It depends.  

You are right to not believe all of the hype.  You need to find out if they have a placement service for the Career Academy and if they do, find out how many of their students have been placed and where.  Are any of them now famous chefs or are they all working at fast food places as cooks?  

If their statistics aren't any good, find other culinary arts colleges in your area and do the same thing all over again with them.  You must do this to ensure that you won't be wasting your money.

You can also visit the kinds of restaurants you would like to work in and see if you can talk with the chef.  Find out what he/she did to get started and if they like their jobs and why.  You may need to make an appointment though because chefs can be very busy.

Call several local high end restaurant and ask what their qualifications are to get hired.  Find out if a degree is necessary whether it be a certificate, diploma or a two or four year trade school degree.  Find out what the turnover rate is and how often they hire.

The bottom line is, before shelling out any money, be sure to do your research.  The culinary arts schools are very expensive but the field is supposed to be growing.  

Find out a bit more at http://www.culinaryartscollegesite.com