Tennessee Culinary Schools

Culinary Schools in Tennessee

Memphis and Nashville are the homes of some of the greatest pieces of culture in the nation, so it’s no surprise that they are also the premiere places to go for a culinary education in Tennessee. There you can find some of the best culinary academies in the state, but there are other places to study as well. One of the most expanding ways to get an education nowadays is getting a degree online. You can actually use a basic internet connection and a bit of your time to get an entire degree. What works best for you though is a matter of personal preference.

There are three basic forms of education you can pursue when seeking some type of culinary education. You might want something simple like a certificate from a vocational school. That would only require a year of study and you could gain entry level employment in the field. For something like a manger or supervisor position, you need to look into a two year program from a community college. Both of the aforementioned institutes are sprinkled throughout the state. Then there are actual universities that offer four year programs to prepare you to work in any position out there. Those focus on the business side of the industry.

Tips for Choosing a Culinary School

There are a few things to consider when selecting the best culinary institute to attend. You should look at the different internship and job placement opportunities that are available through the academy because some have more than others. More importantly though, you have to make sure that you are getting an education from a knowledgeable faculty. Check into the credentials and backgrounds of the professors that will oversee your education.

Learning the Local Food Culture

To get a grasp of the food in your area, you just have to go out and experience it. This can be as simple as going to a local restaurant, or it may involve a trip to a food festival in the area. This will allow you to see what people are making and, more importantly, what people are actually eating in Tennessee. Take a look at some of these options:

• World’s Biggest Fish Fry – Paris
• Ribfest and Wings – Gatlinburg
• National Cornbread Festival – South Pittsburg
• Tennessee Heritage BBQ Festival – Smyrna
• Chili Cook-Off – Pulaski

Get Your Chef’s Whites and Get a Job

There are a few different things that you can do while you’re in school to get your resume ready for employment. A solid internship will be a great start. That will show that you have valid experience in the field. You should also think about getting involved with student organizations and food associations in the area that pertain to your specific degree. Those will be indicators of your passion for culinary arts.

The pay that you make when you start is only the beginning to an array of earning opportunities. Early on you may only make $35,000 a year, but in time that number could potentially double. You just have to seek out the education and positions to do that.

Tennessee Technical Colleges Offering Culinary and Pastry Arts, Restaurant Management, and/or Hospitality Degrees

• The Art Institutes – Nashville
• Remington College – Memphis
• Ashworth College – Online