Cooking food might sound like a standalone chore, but the truth is that it is an amalgam of several tasks, ranging from choosing the right ingredients, deciding their exact proportion, preparing the food item, and presenting it in an eye-catching form. The modern-day hospitality industry requires professionals who are not just chefs but masters of culinary art. Now, simply pursuing a hotel management course might land you in the role of a chef or a housekeeping staff or a food and beverage service personnel; however, to be a skilled culinary professional, you need to pursue the culinary arts course. To get an insight into what this course offers and which career avenues would it unlock for you, read on.
Culinary Arts; The programme
At the undergraduate level, BA in culinary arts is a degree programme that aims to transform students into confident professionals with exceptional cooking skills. The curriculum of the culinary arts course is designed to provide the students with the knowledge of professional culinary skills as well as management skills. Acquiring knowledge of the former, the students will learn to cook different cuisines from around the world, along with baking and pastry-making. As for the latter, the students will be imparted knowledge of various aspects of the food business such as organizational management, financial planning, human resource management, entrepreneurship, etc.
Potential career avenues
As diverse as the curriculum of B.A. in culinary arts is, so is the spectrum of fields for the students to serve in. A culinary arts degree holder can choose to serve different organizations in capacities of the likes of Culinary Managers, Nutritionists, Cooks, Catering Managers, Cooking School Instructors, Sous Chefs, Food Stylists, and even Food Scientists. The reason for such a diverse choice of careers after the completion of the course is the holistic inclusion of the varied aspects of the food and culinary industry. The course includes the following important aspects of foods and cuisines:
- Evolution of taste from the past to the present.
- Nutritional requirements of the present generation.
- Formulation of new menu concepts.
- Preparation of business plans in accordance with the upcoming trends in the food industry.
- Development of important insights regarding the emerging concepts in kitchen management.
Leading institutes in India
Today, a hoard of colleges offers a degree in hotel management. However, a course in culinary arts is offered by a select few. Some reputed universities offering this course provide the students with not just a bachelor’s degree but also an academic certification from international hospitality and culinary schools. When seeking admission in the culinary arts course, look for such a reputed university. Also, ensure that it has well-qualified teaching professionals who have had a thorough exposure to the culinary industry.
Conclusion
To venture into the hospitality industry with a professional degree that is a class apart, students may choose BA in culinary arts. The programme exposes students to the different facets of the culinary landscape, right from its past to the shape it in the present day. It is a great programme that offers exciting opportunities for students to serve as professionals in the hospitality and allied industries.
