As is usual with these questions, there is no single answer that works for everyone. Culinary schools are great places to learn all about the culinary arts, whether you've finished school, are an ambitious graduate, or are changing careers. Most culinary schools in the United States and Europe require culinary arts internships as part of their programs. On the other hand, let's say you're not the college type (or, in your case, you already have a degree), so you want to learn formal cooking skills and join the culinary workforce as soon as possible.
Culinary school graduates are in high demand in the industry because employers value not only the content of the course, but also the type of discipline that a culinary degree program will instill in students. In addition to demonstrating that you have learned the right variety of skills you'll need, a culinary education will demonstrate to employers that you have a determination and commitment to the culinary arts. That's fine, but if you really want to achieve the highest standards, studying for a culinary degree at a renowned culinary arts school is definitely something you should consider. I know this may seem like surprising advice from a culinary educator, but employers are desperate to find talent, culinary school is expensive, and a popular misconception is that you need a degree to get in.
But if you have a real passion for the culinary arts and want to get to the top, studying at a culinary school is one of the best ways to get there. Known for its gastronomic approach and first-class resources, the Culinary Institute of America university campus in Hyde Park, New York, offers a full suite of degree programs in applied food studies, culinary sciences, food business administration and hospitality management, as well as associate degrees in culinary arts or the arts of baking and pastry.
