Culinary Careers

Are you known to be the life of the party? Do you find yourself drawn to the glitz and glamour of formal events and festivities? If so, harness this intrinsic quality by pursuing a career in event planning – starting right at your local community college!

To cater towards society’s needs to celebrate, certain community colleges around the country have expanded their curriculum to include event planning courses. Through courses in wedding planning, etiquette, and management, you can learn the necessary skills for a successful career in event planning.

While most community colleges typically do not issue degrees in event planning, there are many applicable courses offered on campus. For example, the Austin Community College District, with campus locations throughout Texas, specifically hosts an “event planning” class which requires students to complete 30 hours of coursework.

In this focused class, students take advantage of hands-on activities and learning opportunities. Specifically, students are taught how to “Take your client's vision and make it a reality by learning how to work with vendors, plan, and organize while staying within the budget.” With this focus, the event planning course covers an array of social gatherings, including baby showers, parties, anniversary celebrations, and much more.

Further highlighting some of ACC’s unique courses, students pursuing training in event planning can deepen their skills and insights through ACC’s Continuing Education program. Specifically, students can enroll in the floral design

While some may believe that wine tasting is simply an enjoyable hobby, an after work indulgence, or a unique cultural phenomenon, the art of wine is truly much more. Today, as the interest in wine continues to grow, students across the country are now pursing this art as the main focus of their college studies. In community colleges across the country, students can study the art of wine tasting, making, and product distribution, which leads to an array of related careers.

Even amidst stressful and uncertain economic times, the wine industry is proving to stand strong, according to MSNBC. Recession-proof careers in the wine industry are continuing to grow. With a myriad of options, alongside stable job security, the art of wine can open up incredible new pastures for today’s community college student.

One of the primary careers in the wine industry begins right at wine’s roots. Viticulture and Enology involve the study of grape growing and wine making. Available at many regionally specific community colleges (especially in areas conducive to growing grapes), students can earn their degrees by learning about the complex details of wine harvesting. From Napa Valley College in California to Piedmont Community College in Virginia, students are preparing for a lucrative career at the core of the wine industry.

This video describes the winemaking program at Napa Valley College.

For example, students attending Surry Community

For individuals seeking a life in the art of food, culinary programs provide information about the chemistry, preparation, skills, and knowledge to become a professional contender in the career of cooking. According to industry professionals, if you want to become a professional chef, it is critical to attend a culinary school – and one may be right in your city, at your local community college.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the culinary and food industry accounted for approximately 3.1 million jobs in 2004. By 2014, it is expected that culinary careers will grow faster than the average for all other occupations.

With a background education from culinary programs, many individuals are able to bypass the lower-skilled positions in a kitchen, while moving more quickly up the ladder towards status as a cook or chef.

Culinary programs provide insight into the important elements of being a successful chef, such as menu planning, nutrition, health regulations, inventory management, and portion control. Also, since culinary programs tend to be hands-on, students are able to gain experience—and sometimes are even provided with internships—which help foster professional experience and connections to job opportunities.

With a stylish on-site restaurant featuring appetizing menu options, Grand Rapids Community College, and its Heritage Restaurant, have been gaining rave reviews and acclaim for its educational opportunities, and delightful dining experience. According