It certainly is an exciting time for the culinary industry. Thanks to reality shows and cooking programs, chefs are in the spotlight once again. But working in the culinary industry is not all about obtaining superstar status. It’s about passion—a passion for food and a passion for cooking. If you have that genuine passion, culinary school is a great option for you.

 But what should you look for in a culinary program? Here are a few suggestions:

Accreditation: Accreditation means that the school has met standards regarding course content, facilities and quality of instruction. Accreditation also gives you access to financial aid options. There are unaccredited programs that offer a solid culinary education. But if you are thinking about applying for a graduate-level culinary program you will want to attend an accredited school. Most graduate programs and some employers only accept candidates who attended accredited schools.

An Environment Conducive to Learning:
Take a tour to see what the school’s kitchens are like. Check to see if the equipment used meets current industry standards. Also, see if the school has a restaurant that allows you to interact with the public. This enables you to sharpen your cooking and people skills.

Strong Industry Reputation: Attending a culinary school with a strong professional reputation can help open the doors to new career opportunities. Before you decide on a school, check to see if the instructors are well respected in the industry. Also look into the graduation rate and if the school has received any accolades.

Comprehensive Curriculum: Check to see if the school puts an emphasis on hands-on training. Also, find out what percentage of instruction time is actually spent cooking and preparing food? Look for schools that also offer non-technical training along with the basic culinary curriculum. This training can help when it comes to things like developing your interpersonal skills and handling business matters.