Chefs are professionals who have been trained to gain in-depth knowledge and a full understanding of all aspects of food preparation, including cooking methods, different flavors, and ingredients. Chefs usually have a specific area of specialization. They can prepare a meal from scratch that everyone will enjoy.
Hierarchy in a professional kitchen
- Chef de kitchen (head of the kitchen): Also known as the chef or head chef, they are the most experienced and skilled chefs in an establishment. They are the highest in the pyramid and are responsible for the operation of the kitchen;
- Sous Chef (under chef): The sous chef ranks second after the head chef. They oversee the quality of the food and may have the responsibility of running the kitchen, as the chef may have more important functions;
- Chef de party (team leader): Also known as line cooks or station cooks, they are responsible for managing different areas of the kitchen. These are usually chefs who have a specialty and work specifically in the part of the kitchen that relates to their specialty. Examples include butcher, fish cook, pastry chef, vegetable cook, etc;
- Senior Chef (Junior Chef): Also known as apprentice chefs, they work alongside other more experienced chefs to gain experience. They usually work under the line cook, where they report to the line cooks and learn all about the station;
- Plonger (kitchen porter): Also known as kitchen assistants, they are cooks who perform the simplest and most labor-intensive tasks such as peeling vegetables and cleaning dishes;
- Eskelier (dishwasher): As this role suggests, dishwashers are responsible for collecting dirty dishes and preparing them for the dishwasher or washing them by hand.
It is extremely unlikely that you will get a position as a chef once you start. It is more likely, and more beneficial to you, that you will start in a lower position, such as a kitchen assistant or junior chef. Don’t shy away from a dishwashing position, as this could be the perfect stepping stone to reach a higher position.
How to become a chef
Develop your culinary skills
Your path to becoming a chef starts with a passion for creating delicious dishes that people will enjoy. You must have a genuine love for food. If you have this passion, you don’t have to wait until you become a professional chef. You can start improving your skills even from home, trying different recipes and experimenting with different ingredients to create your recipes. Share your dishes with family and friends so that they can contribute. This will help you get a basic idea of flavors and learn some cooking skills before you start learning to cook professionally.
Enroll in culinary school
Eventually, if you want to become a professional chef, you will have to take formal training at a culinary school. It’s not absolutely necessary, but it will help you in your career. It will help you get a solid foundation of culinary skills and learn basic cooking techniques.
Make sure you look into culinary programs and enroll in the appropriate schools. Culinary courses may be offered at colleges, vocational schools, or culinary institutes.
Seek specialization and get professional qualifications
While you don’t need to get a certificate to become a chef, it will enhance your standing when looking for a job. There are many specializations in the culinary world, including baking and pastry, international cuisine, farm-to-table cooking, and more. Choose the one that best feeds your passion and develop your skills on it.
Build your experience
Gaining hands-on experience will not only improve your culinary skills, but it will also improve your resume and make you more qualified for a job. You can work at a small restaurant near you or get an internship or training at larger restaurants. Training with experienced professionals will help you develop your skills, learn all the basics and introduce you to advanced skills.
Get a job
Start your professional career as a chef by applying for jobs. There are several paths you can take as a professional chef; you can work as a personal chef for families, open your own restaurant or look for a job in a restaurant.
Whichever path you choose is up to you, but you will benefit from working alongside other chefs in restaurants, especially when you are just starting out. There, you can meet more senior chefs, learn from them, and make strong connections.
