Cooks and Chefs

You may explore your interest in cooking right at home. Prepare meals for your family, offer to make a special dessert for a friend's birthday, or create your own recipes. Any such hands-on experiences will build your skills and help you determine what type of cooking you enjoy the most.

Volunteer opportunities may be available at local kitchens that serve the homeless or others in need. You can also get a paying part-time or summer job at a fast-food or other restaurant. Large and institutional kitchens, such as those in nursing homes, may offer positions such as sandwich or salad maker, soda-fountain attendant, or kitchen helper; while doing one of these jobs, you can observe the work of chefs and cooks.