“To Be Or Not To Be A Professional Chef?” & Should You Get A Diploma in Culinary Arts?

November 30, 2022

Are you a fresh graduate from a Culinary school in Malaysia and stuck at a crossroads? Do you plan to have a Diploma in Culinary Arts but are worried it might be a misguided career choice?

The culinary world has changed dramatically in recent years, and new cooking approaches are making headlines worldwide. Since many culinary schools in Malaysia establish the groundwork for both sweet and savory career tracks within the same curriculum — such as a diploma in pastry and a certificate in culinary arts — it has been proven that the atmosphere and tempo, as well as exposure to the culture, effectively hone your skills.

But does that mean you should enroll in a professional diploma in culinary arts program? And how do you know if it’s right for you? Here are the pros and cons of attending a culinary school for you to decide on your own!

Things To Expect When You Get A Diploma in Culinary Arts in Malaysia

The Good

#1 Explore Your Passion for Food

In-depth culinary education isn’t necessary to work in a professional kitchen or in the food industry. However, it can certainly help. Attending a culinary course in Malaysia can also support your commitment to food as a career rather than merely a job. Someone who’s devoted to a career in the food industry may be preferred by chefs over one who only views the position as temporary employment in a field where turnover might be significant.

#2 Freedom and Creativity

The art of cooking is a wonderful medium for self-expression and social interaction. During your time in culinary school in Malaysia, you’ll have the chance to create new recipes, experiment with unusual ingredients, and create your own restaurant concept. If you want to express your creativity via food, the diploma in culinary arts is a great field to pursue

#3 Industry Networking/Global Job Opportunities

The only way to truly understand the value of connections is through working. You increase your chances of meeting people from various business sectors by continuously enrolling in relevant culinary courses in Malaysia and going to as many events as possible. You could even seek their guidance on how to deal with challenging situations. Furthermore, capitalizing on your network becomes crucial when you are employed in a profession where relocating for better prospects may become essential.

#4 Start Your Own Restaurant

Starting your own restaurant might sound daunting, but it’s a fulfilling and potentially lucrative career path to embark on. Whether you envision a quaint café or an elegant high-end restaurant, the opportunities are endless. You get to craft a unique menu, sourcing the finest ingredients, and curating a dining experience that leaves a satisfying gasp upon customers tasting your signature dish.

With a steady stream of satisfied customers, glowing reviews, and a reputation for exceptional cuisine, you can create a lasting legacy and establish yourself as a respected figure in the culinary world.

#5 Global Job Opportunities

Having a diploma in pastry or culinary arts opens up numerous global job opportunities, allowing you to explore different cuisines, cultures, and culinary traditions around the world. Michelin-star restaurants, luxury resorts, or even working as a private chef on yachts heading to exotic destinations — these are some of the incredible global job opportunities you could be experiencing.

Maybe it’s mastering the art of sushi in Tokyo or perfecting the art of French pastry in Paris, the world will become your culinary playground, shaping you into a well-rounded and cultured chef.

#6 Become Famous & Write Your Own Cookbook

If you’ve been longing to fulfill your dreams of becoming a celebrity chef, now’s the time to answer that calling! With your culinary arts expertise and a diploma in pastry in hand, you have the power to elevate traditional recipes with your unique touch and share your creations across various media platforms. As an influential figure in the culinary world, you can also educate and inspire people, encouraging aspiring home cooks to chase their culinary dreams.

To sweeten your journey, you can benefit from your fame by writing your own cookbooks. With your name gaining recognition and your culinary skills in the spotlight, you become a walking embodiment of your own brand!

The Bad

#1 The Cost of Culinary School

The expenses of enrolling in a cooking school can be equivalent to those of pursuing a bachelor’s degree, depending on the institution. While scholarships are offered, they often do not cover the entire tuition expenses for most students. Unless certain employers are willing to pay more for culinary school graduates, the latter may not see a financial return on their investment that they benefit from that formal training in the kitchens.

You will therefore need to take loans or save money. Paying for your culinary degree is simple if you take out a student loan from a private lender. In addition to giving you more flexibility for repayment once you start working, this might lessen some of the responsibilities during your schooling.

#2 Physically Demanding Job

Physically demanding yet truly rewarding — a culinary career in Malaysia demands dedication, perseverance, and a passion for the art of cooking. Graduating from any culinary school in Malaysia means beginning from the bottom and gradually climbing the ladder. Embracing a humble lifestyle and making sacrifices are essential elements of the journey toward culinary success. Remember, patience is a virtue whilst the experience you gather through the years is a pot of “gold” at the end of the rainbow.

#3 Require an Organized & Balanced Life

Completing a culinary course presents some challenges in maintaining a work-life balance due to the demands of full-time classes. And juggling work with exhausting kitchen hours could also be a daunting task. But on the bright side, the culinary program in Malaysia can be finished in a much shorter duration, ranging from 30 to 60 weeks, saving valuable time compared to traditional lengthy academic pursuits.

In spite of this, it is important to keep in mind that the knowledge and expertise you accumulate over the years are like a treasure, waiting to be uncovered in the course of your culinary endeavor.

#4 Long Hours

You won’t be as available as usual while you’re in school if you have kids or are in a relationship. You’ll have to return home after a long day and start getting ready for the next. There would be even less time for you to spend with your loved ones if you work as well. While many are passionate about pursuing a culinary career, you must also acknowledge the difficulty of being physically distant from your families during your time in school or working industry.

#5 Missing Out on Festivals & Family Events

As aspiring chefs dedicate themselves to honing their skills and mastering their craft, they often find themselves absorbed in the demanding world of culinary education and training. The intense schedules, long hours in the kitchen, and commitment to learning may lead to sacrificing cherished moments with families during holidays, celebrations, and gatherings.

While the culinary pursuit is a fruitful journey, it’s essential for individuals to weigh the personal sacrifices required and find a balance between their passion for cooking and meaningful connections with loved ones.

#6 Irregular Eating Hours

In fast-paced culinary education and professional kitchens, the need to perfect culinary techniques and deliver exceptional dishes takes precedence over usual meal times. Culinary students and professionals often find themselves working long shifts, late nights, and early mornings, which can disrupt their natural eating patterns and lead to inconsistent meal schedules. The demanding nature of the culinary industry may result in skipped meals or hasty, on-the-go eating — which can have adverse effects on overall well-being.

Still, try not to worry too much because a delightful shift toward work-life balance is evident in the hospitality industry nowadays. Many hotels now adopted a 5-day workweek, and certain restaurants lessen their operating hours to 4 days, allowing their staff to enjoy well-deserved evenings of respite.

The Bottom Line

Join Le Cordon Bleu Today – Malaysia’s Finest Culinary School For All

But fear not the challenges that come with embarking on a culinary journey! At Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Malaysia, we understand your passion for food, and we encourage you to pursue it wholeheartedly. With a curriculum designed to provide practical experience and foster creativity, we empower you to explore a diverse range of techniques. We are proud to offer a variety of curriculums to fit your interests as well as competitive tuition fees. An institute where we are as sharp as our knives and as exquisite as our flavors can be!