Q&A for How to Become a Chef

Help at home and other places, such as volunteer charity kitchens. Even learning the simple, basic yet fundamental practices at home can contribute to the proper understanding and essential learning of cooking skills that will underpin your future. Learn to appreciate flavors, textures and a wide range of different foods, so that you will know what goes well with what. Read many cookbooks and the biographies of cooks and chefs to learn their many secrets.

First, you have to love cooking. Being a chef and not loving to cook is not easy. Doing something every day that you don't like is hard. Second, you have to learn a lot about cooking. Third, you have to move on with cooking, also known as learning new skills. Fourth, you should make yourself noticeable on the internet so that some other chef can hire you to work. Now the work begins!

Yes. Never run in the kitchen, and always let know others if you're walking through behind them by saying, "behind you." Just be aware and communicate.

Start work at a good restaurant as a prep cook, if possible. Watch. Listen. Learn to do everything in the kitchen. Most important, show up on time.

While this is a choice, it is a sensible thing to do as a restaurant is more likely to employ someone with known credentials, especially at the higher end. However, it's not essential but you do need to demonstrate that you can cook really well, you enjoy it and you're good at kitchen management.

No. You don't. You will just have to work your way up through the ranks. It wouldn't hurt to have some business experience.

In general, yes. There is typically much to learn and it is a hierarchical industry. When you climb a ladder you always start at the bottom.

As soon as you graduate from high school or get your GED.

Yes, if you put your mind to it. Along the way, take classes in hotel and business management, and excel in your duties, no matter what position.

When cooking vegetables, immediately put them in a ice bath to preserve their bright color. Also, use fresh herbs. This adds not only flavor, but a freshness and brightness to any dish.

It depends on your level of experience and education. It will likely take a few years to complete this goal.

Take a few classes to get your feet wet and see if being a chef is for you. You can also talk to chefs in your area to see what it is really like to be a chef.

You don't really need a degree at all. However, if you want to pursue an educational path in the culinary arts, you can go to a culinary school.

Almost every celebrity chef started out as a regular chef who eventually had the opportunity to make a show, so your best bet would be to start out trying to become a great chef. You can go to culinary school if you have the means, but you can teach yourself otherwise. Another tip for becoming a celebrity chef would be to specialize in some kind of specific food or cooking style. The more unique you are, the more likely you'd be an asset to a network.

It depends on the country/province/state. “Rookie” chefs who are starting out can make anywhere from $15-17 an hour. Professional and experienced chefs can make $20 and up. It all depends on who is hiring you and how much experience you have in the culinary field.

The average age is about 16-24+. But the more experience you have, the better off you will be.

Typically 3 years of vocational training.

Chefs are paid, on US national average, about $21/hour.

No. Height has nothing to do with it.

You could, but it is unlikely. On the job training is the best if you want to make it in the food industry.

Most cooking jobs will typically hire teens at about 16-18, depending on overall experience.

Yes, anyone can become a chef at any age. There is no problem with switching careers, no matter how old you are.

A culinary arts school is a facility where you learn the art of cooking, among other things. If you pursue an education in culinary arts, you will learn how a kitchen runs efficiently, how certain types of food are cooked, how to store food properly so you don’t create any health hazards, how to prep food before a restaurant will open, kitchen safety protocols, and so forth.

You will need to have a 2-4 year Bachelor's degree, or something related to the culinary field.

No. If you don’t have knowledge on how a kitchen runs or in-depth knowledge of food principles, you will never get hired. Most people who go to school for culinary usually finish within 2 - 3 years, so it’s not an extremely long process.

The number of months it will take can vary. You can start in a restaurant without a formal education in culinary arts. If you want to go to school for a culinary arts degree, you can choose between a 6- or 9-month certificate, a 2-year associate's degree, or a 4-year degree.

Do a great job as a prep cook to get a good reference from your boss and to show them that you're a good worker. It helps to take on extra responsibilities, such as helping the line cooks when things are busy. Then, apply for line cook jobs that open up at your restaurant or other restaurants in the area. Once you have the skills and experience local restaurants want, you'll be able to move into the position of line cook.

You might be able to work as a chef if you build up your skills by working in restaurants. You don't need a formal culinary arts degree to be a chef, though it does make it easier to get a job.

If you enjoy cooking and creating dishes, being a chef may be a good career for you. It's a demanding job and a lot of hard work, but it can be very fulfilling if you enjoy doing it.

Your first step should be practicing your cooking skills at home or while working in a restaurant. If you want a formal education, get a culinary arts degree or certification from a trade school, vocational school, college, university, or culinary institute. However, you don't need a degree to be a chef. After that, apply for entry level jobs at restaurants.