Professional chefs work hard to master the skills required for top positions.
Professional chefs are highly trained and skilled individuals. Years of study, practice and preparation are required to master the skills required to prepare complicated culinary dishes. A chef never stops learning and trying new things. Resources such as membership in professional associations, continuing education and access to quality tools of the trade are just some of the things that keep a professional chef at the top of his game.
Professional Memberships
Chefs benefit from membership in professional culinary organizations such as the American Culinary Federation and the American Personal & Private Chef Association. Professional organizations offer benefits such as meetings at local chapters where chefs can network with others in their profession, regular publications and newsletters, discounts on tools of the trade, continuing education, discussion forums and job boards.
Culinary Software
Culinary computer programs are available to assist the chef in managing the kitchen.
Culinary software makes a chef's job easier. Software programs provide the ability for chefs to track and calculate food preparation costs, compute nutritional analysis, track inventory and record purchasing and ordering details. Software is also available to enable the professional chef to create a database of recipes. Software that defines culinary terms, offers suggestions for substitutions and equivalents and adjusts measurements and quantities in recipes for serving an exact number of patrons are also available.
Culinary Conventions
Culinary conventions, both regional and national, provide an opportunity for chefs to view the latest cooking gadgets and technology, explore innovations in kitchen equipment and connect with other professionals in their field. Conventions allow chefs to renew their enthusiasm for, and interest in, their profession.
Culinary Books and Videos
Culinary books and videos are concrete ways to study new combinations of ingredients, complicated techniques and innovative inventions. Videos provide step-by-step visual instruction on preparation and cooking techniques and can be watched repeatedly to assist in mastering new methods. A wide variety of materials are available through websites, culinary schools and professional associations.
Culinary Job Boards
Industry job boards are a useful resource for the chef looking for a new position. Focused solely on culinary positions, these boards allow the chef to post her resume for prospective employers to observe or to submit it privately in response to jobs she has an interest in.
Culinary Competitions
Culinary competitions are an option for chefs who want to compete against others in their field for cash, prizes and recognition. Any chef who wants to build name recognition, and widen his circle of professional contacts, should enter competitions. Contests allow chefs to test and measure skills against others in their field.
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