Does anyone here have one from like a community college,

art institute, or Johnston&Whales?


I'm thinking about getting one, not really sure if it is worth it.

I don't have much experience with baking + pastry, and have sabotaged my culinary education and destroyed my career about a year ago, so you can take everything I say with a grain of salt, but I learned a few things from the chefs I worked with.

Most don't put a degree as a priority when reviewing you for a position. Technique/experience is best acquired on the job through hands-on experienced in a fast paced kitchen, something you aren't going to get in a school. Actually, I worked for a chef who actually preferred people who didn't go to culinary school, because he said in his experience they are much more arrogant and think a degree prepares them for the actual environment of a kitchen.

Now, I'm not saying getting a formal education is a waste, if it's something that's important to you, go do it, especially if you are NOT trying to pursue a career in baking + pastry. I think it's just a fallacy to think a degree is necessary to qualify for an actual job.

a degree can be good when it comes to money, though. the place im at now told me that they wouldnt pay me more than a crap salary since i dont have certification. (nevermind that im the best chef who ever worked there...) of course, theyre cheap bastards anyway, and may have just been using that as an excuse. another guy who was w hired somewhat recently (and then quit recently) who DID have a degree, as well as 30 years experience, wasnt getting paid much more than i am.


culinary school is what you make of it, as well. we had a guy who had just graduated come to a restaurant i was working at a while back for an internship type thing. he didnt really seem to know all that much and cut himself within five minutes of picking up a knife. if its something you want/need and youre the type to be able to make something of it, then do it. if youre just gonna screw around and not learn anything, then save your time.

I actually have considered this heavily.
My community college wants 2k
the art institute wants like 28k

so yeah \:

Thank you

get an engineering degree

problem solved