How to Become an Executive Pastry Chef

Becoming an executive pastry chef can open a lot of doors along with a wide range of opportunities. Executive pastry chefs can find employment in restaurants and bakeries around the world. They can also experience personal satisfaction in being able to express their creative passions in making pastries. The executive pastry chef is in charge of designing new pastries and desserts such as cakes and tortes. They also oversee the dessert creations of the entire kitchen staff. If you want to become an executive pastry chef, you can follow one of two main paths. The first is through an apprenticeship, and the second is through formal education.

Pastry Chef Apprenticeship

• 1

  Contact any pastry chefs you know who may be able to help you get an apprenticeship, or at least give you a lead in the right direction. Pastry apprenticeships are a competitive field so it can help if you have an inside reference.

• 2

  Contact local restaurants and bakeries and ask them if they have any pastry chef apprenticeship programs available. If they do, ask about the application process and how you would go about applying for the apprenticeship.

• 3

  Search local job postings in your area. Try looking in your local newspapers or culinary magazines for any openings. If you've been unsuccessful finding an apprenticeship thus far directly with a bakery, some community colleges offer apprenticeship programs in addition to their regular culinary degree curriculum.

• 4

  Complete your apprenticeship program and begin working in the field as a pastry chef. After you gain experience and prove yourself, you can apply for an executive pastry chef position.

Pastry Chef Formal Education

• 1

  Research pastry schools you feel you may like to attend. Some things you'll want to take into consideration are the reputation of the school, classes offered, tuition, location and anything else that's important to you.

• 2

  Apply to the school of your choice and wait for acceptance into the program.

• 3

  Register for classes and complete the entire degree program.

• 4

  Apply for a job as a pastry chef. Apply to local bakeries and restaurants directly.

• 5

  Work as a pastry chef for a couple of years to gain the experience and skills needed to become an executive pastry chef. After you have the necessary experience under your belt, you can apply for executive pastry chef positions.