How to Become a Private Chef
We hope you enjoy our HOW TO BECOME A PRIVATE CHEF – HOW TO BECOME A PERSONAL CHEF? blog post. Check out our master chef certificate programs AND don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated!
“It is a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together…”
Do you love to cook? Is cooking your passion? Is becoming a chef a good career choice?
First, let’s consider the differences between a private and a personal chef:
A Private chef takes care of meals for a single household and may live-in or live-out. A private chef is both a luxury and a convenience! The average salary for a private chef is $85,536 per year in the United States.
What are the benefits of becoming a private chef? Personal relationships, stability, autonomy, networking, earning potential, and creativity.
A Personal Chef prepares meals for multiple clients, either in a client’s kitchen or out of a commercial kitchen. Personal chefs are typically independent contractors rather than employees. The average salary for a personal chef is $77,500 per year in the United States.
What are the benefits of becoming a personal chef? Flexibility, freedom, autonomy, business ownership, and creativity.
Whether you want to become a private or a personal chef – you’ll need to undergo professional training. Learn about different cooking techniques, sanitation and hygiene protocols, dietary restrictions, time management, and more. Chef Eric discloses everything you need to know to become a private or personal chef.
HOW TO BECOME A PRIVATE CHEF?
1. Enroll in culinary courses:
Joining culinary programs and obtaining certification will help you get that dream job. Certificate programs set you apart as a professional chef, providing security to your prospective client. If you are interested in becoming a personal or private chef, check out Chef Eric’s Master Chef Certificate Program. This 14-week program teaches everything you need to know to start your career – from cooking intro, knife skills, different cooking techniques, pairings to plating….and MORE! Many of Chef Eric’s students cook professionally and have found culinary confidence in private kitchens. Chef Eric’s certificate programs cover current cooking techniques, and original recipes to compete with the best of the culinary world.
2. Practice and experiment at home:
Reinforce your professional training at home! Practice daily, you can remake recipes done in class or experiment by making new dishes. Practice is essential in making you more experienced! Chef Eric’s Tip: Stock up on the different kitchen tools needed to achieve your goals. These tools will help you in the future when you become a private or personal chef. Use them daily to get to know them, become agile in the kitchen – a chef will always be working against time!
3. Cook for others:
Invite your family, roommates, and friends to try your new dishes and techniques.[1] Your guest can give you important feedback to keep in mind for the future. Make sure to let them know about your techniques, and recipes, so they can give you an honest opinion about your dishes. Your skills will develop with confidence when you practice at home! Chef Eric’s Tip: Volunteer at family gatherings – Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are perfect to practice your cooking skills, or any special occasion!
4. Build professional experience:
Once you have nailed your comfort zone – look for a job where you can start to gain real work experience. You can start as an intern or a Chef’s assistant. Chef Eric’s Tip: Become a great observer, and learn new techniques from the chefs you work with! Don’t be afraid to start from the bottom to gain experience and work your way up. Get to know the day-to-day kitchen life and enjoy the process!
5. Networking:
The right relationships can help you in your culinary journey. Take advantage of your social network as you move up the culinary ladder.[2] Connect with restaurant owners and renowned chefs! Chef Eric’s Tip: Maintain healthy and lasting relationships, this will help you achieve your goals.
6. Personal qualities:
A Chef must meet certain standards to succeed in the culinary world. Here are the main qualities a chef must have:
• Neatness
• Punctuality
• Organization
• Planning
• Good personal relationships/interpersonal skills
• Proper Hygiene
We hope you enjoyed reading our post “HOW TO BECOME A PRIVATE CHEF – HOW TO BECOME A PERSONAL CHEF?” Chef Eric offers different certificate programs to help you achieve your ultimate culinary goals. Chef Eric’s culinary courses are held weekly for 14 weeks. Registration includes the CIA’s Professional Chef Textbook, an Embroidered Chef Jacket, and Apron. Certificates are awarded upon completion of the Program. It is super easy to register – If you have any questions or want to review our Payment Plans, please visit our FAQ page or email cheferic@culinaryclassroom.com. YOU MUST REGISTER ON THIS PAGE TO GET THE PAYMENT PLAN.
We can’t wait to cook with you!
