[FullOn]

Definitely try working for a caterer first. It's much harder than you think it is. But, if you really get a charge out of it and love the exhausted feeling at 2 in the morning like I do, then start getting your hands on some books from Amazon on catering. There are several there from the CIA that will give you a good idea about the business of catering.

Just remember, the business of catering and just cooking large amounts of food for people are VERY different! One is about feeding people and having fun, the other is about making money.

If you decide that you really want to do it, I don't think I would recommend Cordon Bleu or CIA to start. Get the basics down at a j.c. and then start exploring your options. CB and CIA are VERY expensive places to learn and quite frankly, most of what you learn you will never use as a caterer. I would love to go to CIA for the experience and to become a better chef, but I think it would be a waste of money from a business perspective. I can learn all the fancy techniques and get great ideas from interacting with other caterers online and in person for no money and just a small investment in time.