Back 19.12.2024 All news

Surprising culinary arts careers you probably have not considered

When we think of "art," we often envision expressions of human creativity through music, painting, writing, or theatre. But cooking is another powerful medium through which creativity can flourish, and the term culinary arts encompasses the preparation, cooking, and presentation of food.

From food science and nutrition to food styling, seasonal cooking, and presentation, culinary arts is a broad and diverse field that combines both art and science. While covering a wide range of disciplines, it's often distinct from Baking and Pastry Arts, which focuses on creating baked goods and pastries. Culinary arts tends to centre on creating entrées, appetisers, soups, and main dishes—allowing for more flexibility and improvisation during the cooking process. A pinch of exotic spice or an extra ingredient might be added to enhance flavour. In contrast, pastry requires precision and adherence to formulas for the perfect outcome.

The career paths under the culinary arts umbrella are as varied as they are exciting. While some careers, like Head Chef at a restaurant, may come to mind immediately, there are plenty of lesser-known opportunities for those skilled in the art of cooking. Below are surprising careers a degree in culinary arts could lead to.

1. Private or personal chef

Private chefs work for a single client, preparing all their meals based on personal preferences, dietary needs, and specific requirements. In contrast, a personal chef typically works for multiple clients, offering a range of services from menu planning to cooking meals in clients' homes, yachts, or hotels.

Ben Orora, a successful private chef, credits his journey to the hands-on experience he gained through studying culinary arts.

2. Food stylist

Ever wondered why that bowl of ice cream looks so perfect in advertisements? Often, it's not ice cream at all—it’s mashed potatoes! Food stylists are responsible for making food look as appetising as possible in photos, using clever techniques to enhance the visual appeal. Whether it’s perfecting the way butter melts on pancakes or using tweezers to position herbs just so, food stylists ensure every element is picture-perfect.

This role is ideal for chefs who are drawn to the aesthetic side of cooking and want to showcase their creativity in the visual realm.

3. Culinary consultant

A culinary consultant is an expert who advises restaurants, hotels, and other food services on everything from menu development to operational improvements. Often, these businesses reach out for guidance during tough times or when they want to enhance their offerings.

Culinary consultants are problem-solvers and teachers. They must be experienced enough to assess challenges and offer actionable solutions that can help businesses improve. They must also be capable of communicating their solutions to clients, and able to teach them how to implement proposed changes. While this career requires significant experience, it’s a rewarding and dynamic role for anyone with a deep understanding of the culinary industry.

4. Food critic

If you love food but prefer tasting and critiquing to cooking, becoming a food critic might be the right career for you. While formal culinary training isn’t essential for food critics, having a strong foundation in culinary arts can provide a significant advantage. A food critic needs to have a refined palate, an eye for detail, and knowledge of culinary techniques to evaluate both the food and the restaurant experience as a whole.

Formal culinary training also helps aspiring critics establish credibility and make valuable connections in the industry.

5. Culinary instructor

If you have a passion for teaching, consider becoming a culinary instructor. Culinary instructors train the next generation of chefs, helping students master cooking techniques, improve their skills, and prepare for their own culinary careers. Whether teaching in a culinary school or offering private lessons, this is a fulfilling career for anyone who loves cooking and education.

BHMS graduate Manal Al Faez worked as a culinary instructor before moving into her current role as General Manager at the Gulf Institute of Culinary Arts, demonstrating how culinary education can open many doors.

6. Molecular gastronomy chef

If you have a creative flair and enjoy the scientific process of experimentation, Molecular Gastronomy Chef might be the right choice for you. Molecular gastronomy is an exciting field that merges culinary arts with science. It focuses on experimenting with new techniques to create unique textures and flavours. Think of turning liquids into tiny spheres that burst in the mouth, or using liquid nitrogen to create dramatic, smoky effects.

Molecular gastronomy chefs often work in high-end or experimental restaurants, where they push the boundaries of traditional cooking. Many of the complex cooking techniques which are the foundation of molecular gastronomy are taught in culinary schools, but practical experience and experimentation are key to building on them.

7. Food scientist

Food scientists explore various aspects of food production, from safety standards to nutritional value. They might work in laboratories or agricultural settings, improving food quality, packaging, or preserving nutrients. This could also involve developing new food products, improving production methods, or studying the effects of food processing on health.

Because an in-depth understanding of ingredients and nutrition are key, a background in culinary arts can be an asset for food scientists who want to blend their love of food with the science of its production and consumption.

Ready to kick-start your culinary career?

The culinary industry offers a rich variety of career paths, from restaurant kitchens to food media and education. With a solid culinary foundation, your skills can be applied across diverse roles—whether you're envisioning a future as a Michelin-starred chef, a food critic, or a culinary instructor.

At BHMS, our Culinary Arts programmes provide an immersive, hands-on learning experience designed to set you up for success in any culinary career. You’ll receive instruction in advanced techniques in state-of-the-art kitchens, as well as training in entrepreneurship and creativity, giving you a well-rounded education. Upon graduation, you'll hold dual degrees from both BHMS and Robert Gordon University, expanding your credentials.

Internships are central to building your professional experience and are guaranteed for all BHMS students, with placements available in Switzerland or internationally. These internships allow you to gain practical knowledge and network with industry leaders, helping you to stand out as you move forward in your career. Our broad network will also give you direct access to some of the top employers worldwide.

Choose between two tracks: culinary arts, or baking and pastry to explore another delicious avenue in the food industry. With eight intakes per year, our flexible enrollment allows you to join us in beautiful Lucerne at a time that works best for you.

Want to learn more about how a culinary arts degree from BHMS can open doors in the culinary world? Visit our website for information on career paths, skills, and potential earnings.