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Originally Posted by CnZielinski  Ok so I have read a ton of posts/threads and am still confused as ever!! I am a 24yr old mom who has always dreamed of being a cake decorator. Being a mom at such a young age forced me to put things on hold and now I have no idea where to start! My choices are a community college that has the Midwest Culinary Institute, that offers associate's degrees in Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts. Additionally, four certificates-Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, Personal Chef and Dietary Management-are available in the MCI. Or there is the baking and pastry program at the International Culinary Schools at the Art Institute- but I have yet to find any specific info on this. Can anyone give me any guidance??? I'm so confused and have no clue what to do. I'm worried about my age hurting me, because I have no formal training at all, and just want to move on with things as quickly as possible. Thank you so much for any help!! |
I wasn't familiar with MCI but when looking it up, it is the one affiliated with Cincy State. I have heard some good things about this program and it seems reasonable.
Avoid the Art Institute system and take the others advice of working in the industry in some capacity, before, during, and especially after school.
On a side note, I hear Community College being thrown around as the best option. I don't think that all community college programs are created equal. Some are much better than others and in doing comparisons with the school I work at (none listed below), we actually provided about double the amount of hours spent in the kitchen with a local CC.
Like big named schools with advertising budgets (LCB and AI) and big named schools with advertising budgets and a solid alumni list (CIA, J+W for example), just do your homework and don't get "sold." AI and LCB will sell you. Trust me.
Also, if you get a degree, you could usually transfer some or all credits to other institutions to earn a BA/BS so if you ever want to move into the corporate side of food industry, it's easier than just having a certificate.