Kitchen to Career

From Kitchen to Career: How Cooking Skills Can Boost Your Future

Are you passionate about food and love experimenting in the kitchen? Believe it or not, the skills you're learning while cooking for your DofE Award could be the start of an exciting career path! Whether you’re a beginner or already mastering meals, the time you spend cooking now can open doors to amazing future opportunities.

My career has taken me around the world, working alongside the greatest chefs, teaching incredible students, demonstrating on stages around the country, creating my own business to fit around my family.  I have never been hungry and always had somewhere to live!  There is so much joy, flexibility, creativity and action it is the most wonderful career.  The best part has been that it has evolved with me.  Just look at Mary Berry and Prue Leith (not to mention Jamie and Gordon!)

Cooking Isn’t Just a Hobby

Many teenagers start cooking as a way to gain independence, save money, or impress friends, but it’s so much more than that! By learning how to create balanced meals, understand nutrition, and explore different cuisines, you’re developing essential life skills. But did you know these skills could lead to careers in fields like:

• Nutrition and Dietetics: If you enjoy learning about how food fuels the body, you could become a nutritionist or dietitian, helping people make healthier choices or even working with athletes to optimize performance.

• Culinary Arts: Love the creative side of cooking? A career as a chef could be your calling! Whether you dream of working in a top restaurant or opening your own café, mastering cooking techniques now will give you a head start.

• Food Science: If you’re curious about the science behind food, like how it’s preserved, processed, or packaged, a career in food technology or research could be the perfect fit. You could work on developing new products or ensuring food safety.

• Food Media and Blogging: Got a knack for sharing your creations on social media? Blogging, food photography, or even being a YouTube chef are real opportunities to turn your cooking passion into a career. With some practice, you could inspire others and share your kitchen tips with the world.

Building Transferable Skills

Beyond learning to cook, you’re developing key skills that employers look for, like creativity, time management, problem-solving, and attention to detail. Plus, working in the kitchen builds patience and resilience — valuable traits no matter what career you pursue.

Start Now, Dream Big

Every time you try a new recipe or improve a technique, you’re building a strong foundation for the future. So, whether you’re prepping for an adventurous DofE expedition meal or perfecting your signature dish, remember that your cooking journey could be the start of something much bigger!

Dream big, and who knows — you could be the next top chef, nutrition expert, or food influencer inspiring others with your culinary creations!

Any questions, don’t hesitate to book a chat with me, I’d be thrilled to discuss career options with you.