I don't know what to do when I graduate!!

Hi! I'm new to this Cafe today and I think I'm gonna like it here! I'm a first year Culinary Arts student and I'm loving it, but the biggest thing that concerns me is what I'm going to do when I graduate! Scares me to death! I'm 44 and a single parent so my options are really limited as to where I can go from here. Plus, I really haven't found my forte. I would love to continue my education with an apprenticeship someplace close...Am I getting all knotted up for nothing? I need to wait, right? Yeah, I thought so but any guidance would be great! Thanks!

Welcome. Enjoy!

[lynne]

Welcome to the Cafe! The perfect place to voice your concerns and get some wonderful advice!

I suggest you do as much hands-on as you can. Volunteer for demos, work catering jobs, etc. This will help you find your niche a little easier.

Have fun and don't worry yet!

lynne

[Shimmer]

Lola01-

You don't have to pick one thing when you graduate. A chef I know told me that the best thing to do when you get out of school is to never spend more than three months in one place until you have had a wide range of experiences.

Don't feel stressed out, use cooking to relieve stress! I have learned that many people really want apprentices (free help!) and all you have to do is show interest and BE PERSISTENT.

Your kids must think its great that their Mom loves to cook!

Shimmer

Thanks for all your suggestions, support and ideas! My son started school the same time I did and he proudly told his teacher that his mom was starting school, too and "She's gonna be a Chef!" He is my sunshine and probably the best 6 year old egg cracker around! I'll stay tuned to the Cafe for more info..I've already read about Creme Brulee! TTFN!( Ta Ta For Now)

[momoreg]

Lola01,

If your school offers job placement, take advantage of it. Some schools have counselors that can help guide to to a job that suits your desires and needs. Welcome to cheftalk!

Hi, This is my first chat room message, so bear with me. To answer the question about a specialty, don't worry too much about that now, your expierence in school will help you with that. You will find a class that really interests you and that will point in a direction. Being a single parenet is a challenge but should not stop your culinary career. There are alot of daycare options open to people now, you just have to find the one that fits what you want to do. Look for jobs in restaurants not hotels for good interships. Hope I helped!