The traditional route to becoming a chef is to either enter a dedicated culinary school (with many English-language options available in countries like France and Italy) or serve an apprenticeship and learn on the job.
Bachelor's degrees in culinary arts are a relatively recent phenomenon. These may be taken either at a school specializing in training employees for the hospitality sector or, more rarely, at a university that offers a wider selection of elective subjects. A degree typically runs for three years and includes one or several internship placements.
By contrast with a shorter course on cooking and kitchen fundamentals, a bachelor's degree in culinary arts also teaches some additional subjects in detail. These include entrepreneurship, management, marketing, and public relations.
Students are expected to have at least some skill in the kitchen, with professional experience preferred. Excellent teamwork, time management, and organizational skills are needed, as is a willingness to work awkward hours.
