What do I need to do to become a chef?

Question

I am a 25 year old United States Marine. I was injured overseas and my dream of being a Sheriff have been shattered. I have always loved cooking and dream of one day owning a Puerto Rican restaurant in California. I have no idea where to start though. Is there anyone that can guide me here. I want to know, what do I need to do to become a chef. Do I need any kind of training before I go to culinary school? I mean I love cooking and have been doing so since I was a little kid, but with no formal training, I just watch the Food Network religiously and and very particular about the way I cook. Thank you for any guidance and support.

-Semper Fidelis,

Anthony P. Derieux

SGT USMC

Answer 1

Los Angeles Trade Tech offers a 2-year culinary degree for a total of $980. Here's the L.A. Trade Tech's culinary website:

http://wellness.lattc.edu/culinary/culin...

Good luck!

Answer 2

Thank you for your service in the Military - Sorry to hear about your injury.  We don't honor our military enough (sadly)...THANK YOU.

Your headed in the right direction.  The first thing I would do, is to enroll in culinary school.  California has some great culinary schools to choose from and your thinking the right way. Graduate from Culinary school and then I would take some business courses to follow up (as a business owner, I know they are needed) - Accounting, Marketing, Advertising, Computer software classes, etc. - Then you would be set to open your restaurant.  Good luck to you, and Thank you again.

Answer 3

There are really two routes to becoming a chef. One is going to culinary school, and the other is jumping straight in and applying as a line chef for a restaurant and getting the business side of cooking under your belt. If you are a very experienced cook, you might want to just apply for a job.

Also, the American Culinary Federation does offer three year apprenticeships with local businesses, but I'm afraid I don't have much information on the program.