Getting a pastry chef job.

How did you get your start doing pastry chef work, and what career moves did you make to get to your current position?

Do you need a particular educational background?

I have been trying to get a job and no one wants to hire me. I went to Culinary school and everything and I have been a baker for 1 year and one half. I have the talent. I have many first place ribbons and 2 best of shows in the Durham Fair in the past years. This is my love and I am always baking at home. If anyone can give me guidance please let me know.

I was lucky a long time ago. I had experience making cakes for weddings and a little catering. I was able to be hired into a new hotel where the chef totally trained the staff. Even the people that had a lot of experience, so that we would do things the way he wanted them. He was very strict, but I really appreciated that later when I worked in other jobs. I was able to be organized and diciplined.
I started in the pantry area and on the cold line, but when he saw that I could do really nice cheese and fruit platters and cakes he began to let me have more duties. All this time I would watch everything that went on in the kitchen, especially what the bakers were doing, because I really wanted that job. Eventually they let the pastry chef go and I was given the opportunity to try to do the job. I knew it was sink or swim, so I swam for my life and was able to do what was necessary and I just kept studying on my own and improving each day.

Culinary was my passion when I was young (I almost became a chef). I found that if you have a paying job on the side, VOLUNTEER. Many places especially smaller places love to have volunteers in the kitchen and over time they'll train you. So find a place that makes lovely pastry and ask them if you can volunteer a few hours a day or week. Then once you're in the door connect with the pastry chef and slowly approach them for training.

You get good culinary positions by either attending a fancy school or by being mentored by a good chef. Keep your eye out for opportunities.

Hope this helps,

Mrs. Advice

Thanks for the advice...I love to be in the kitchen and when I am home I am always looking for something to bake...anything. I get better and better with time and I have won many first place ribbons in my local fair. I also have 2 best of show ribbons so I guess I must be pretty good at what I do. I just wish someone would hire me to bake because it is my passion. I found its so very hard to get into the field and no one wants to take the time to show me what they do. I guess I will just to have to keep on trying and I haven't given up yet.