Culinary Arts

What can I do in culinary arts?

A culinary professional is someone who has developed the skills and techniques of working in the foodservice industry; and who understands what it takes to be successful in a culinary career. Culinary professionals are responsible for receiving and preparing food, cooking, serving, managing people and maintaining quality standards and proper sanitation throughout the process.

What characteristics and skills do I need to work in this field?

First and foremost, a successful culinary professional must be passionate and excited about what he or she does. You must realize that you want to make people happy with the food you serve and are willing to go the extra mile with that service, and to put in the hours required to become successful. It is also important that you can be flexible and open to change based on the demands and requirements of the foodservice industry. This includes having a strong work ethic and dependability.

Where can I work?

Culinary professionals work in hundreds of different types of jobs. The mindset that you can only work as a cook in a restaurant or hotel is no longer applicable. You can work in health care, sales, catering, supermarkets, research and development, retirement communities, personal and private chef, and, of course, restaurants, clubs, hotels and resorts. You may also be employed as a kitchen manager, in retail or even write cookbooks and articles for culinary publications. The job outlook is excellent. Tourism is one of the area’s largest industries, with opportunities not only in the Charleston area but also across the state.

What does Trident Technical College offer?

Trident Technical College has expertly-equipped facilities at the Thornley Campus in North Charleston and the Palmer Campus in downtown Charleston. Experienced chefs and instructors, including local chefs serving as adjunct instructors, ensure students leave the program prepared and ready to work. TTC’s program also gives students a primer on the hospitality industry and a look at the business side of the industry, which is invaluable.