Being A Culinary Student

Being a culinary student is not an easy job. Ever since I started culinary school in July of 2015, it has been a real struggle and I have been faced with many challenges along the way. I have seen a lot of students leave after only just a few weeks after school started. Here are three obstacles that culinary students face every day.

1. Harsh Critique

If you're the sensitive type of person that cannot withstand a harsh critique from your Chef, then you do not need to be in culinary. The Chef instructors will not hold back just because you are extremely sensitive to harsh comments. Your dish may look good and appetizing to you, but the Chef will be the judge of that. He/she may say that Chicken Chardonnay "has good flavor, but your sauce tastes like garbage and looks like water."

2. Physical Demand

Those who have been working in the culinary field for many years can tell you that there can be quite a bit of physical discomfort associated with this job. As a culinary student, you will be in the kitchen and standing on your feet for long periods of time. It can be really frustrating, but in the end, it is all worth the stand. Back problems are a common complaint for those who have worked in the culinary field for a long time and may impact the longevity of your career. Most commercial kitchens have tile or cement flooring, which can put a strain on your feet and back.

3. Cuts and Burns

As a culinary student, you are going to cut and burn yourself every time you're in the kitchen. Hot burners, fryers, grills, and open flames increase your chances of burns or other fire-related injuries. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 12,000 burns each year in the culinary field. Even with a knife, cooks will slice the ends of their fingers off from time to time. Even though the injuries are minor, it is still best to get stitches or medical attention.

Here is a little something to keep in mind. My Chef showed me this video when I first started at the Art Institute. This video is quite scary, but keep your eyes open. There is no such thing as accidents when in the kitchen.