Considering a Career in the Culinary Arts?
From segments on national talk shows to entire programs dedicated to competitions and the art and science of cooking, the field of culinary arts (and the nutritional aspect of preparing food in particular), has never been more popular than it is today. If you’ve considered working in the food industry, the world is your oyster! From working as a degreed nutritionist in a medical facility to a full-time career in professionally preparing and creatively presenting food at 5-star restaurants or local eateries, earning a culinary nutrition degree opens a number of exciting doors for the modern foodie to explore.
Healthcare Operations
Sound nutrition is becoming recognized for its vital role in the healing process. Healthcare facilities are emphasizing the role of a balanced diet for the patients, the staff, and the visitors. Hospitals are eliminating the fried foods and heavy fat content in favor of menus that feature more fruits, vegetables, and non-processed foods. Although it requires a bachelor’s degree to become a nutritionist, the starting median pay averages close to $56,000 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nutritionists and dietitians enjoy a positive job outlook in the near future, with the growth rate expected to reach 22 percent by 2022.
Personal or Private Chef
There is no specific educational requirement to become a personal chef for a family or individual, but a culinary nutrition degree gives you a heads up on this cutting-edge career. A private chef generally works for just one client, while a personal chef can prepare meals for several individuals or families. Chefs with a nutritional background are in demand by professionals who want to eat delicious, healthy food to maintain a vibrant lifestyle. The pay rate varies depending on a number of factors, including geographic location, overall responsibilities and number of meals cooked.
Spa and Resort Food Service
Hob-nob with the rich and famous while working as a nutritionist or chef in a high-end spa or resort. Education and experience are two important factors to move your career forward in this rapidly growing industry. Consider the chef as the creative director of the enterprise, charged with coming up with delicious and interesting presentations that both please and attract customers. Nutritionists work in the background, advising chefs on the use of alternative, healthy ingredients that replace less healthy foods without a loss of taste or texture. Remember that resort diners are looking to create memories and are willing to pay for the experience. Taste will always win out over healthfulness when it comes to vacation dining, which is where most people allow themselves a little leeway from a strict diet.
Hotels & Restaurants
Whether you work at a 5-star hotel and at one of the many restaurants in your city, there will always be a need for a great chef at the establishment. It doesn’t matter how aesthetically-appealing the business is, if the food isn’t fresh and top-notch, customers won’t come back or refer their friends. It’s a fact that most restaurants fail within their first year, but if there’s one advantage in the current health-crazed market, it would go to someone who can make great tasting food that makes people actually feel better.
Catering & Event Services
If working full-time at a restaurant or hotel is not quite what you were looking for, consider a slightly different career you can explore with your culinary nutrition degree. Catering weddings, parties, and other events allows you to develop menus, work with the public, direct staff, meet deadlines, and build a reputation that can carry on into the restaurant world, if you so desire. Although there are no strict educational requirements to start a catering business, a culinary nutrition degree is a good foundation by teaching both diverse culinary skills and comprehensive dietary management.
Schools and Universities
One of the steadiest careers in the food industry is as a food service manager for an educational institution. Whether it’s a private or public school system, college or university, the one universal truth is “kids gotta eat.” In the world of food service management today, there is a demand for healthy options. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay in 2012 for a food service manager was $48,000 per year. The job outlook through 2022 shows little growth, which means a degree in culinary nutrition will be a helpful addition to your resume in order to swing hiring decisions in your favor.
When you’re midway through your culinary education, contact us to receive our special college student discount on a full resume package!
