As you begin your journey to a culinary arts education, it’s important to have a plan to maximize your experience in every class. Helms College is committed to providing students the knowledge, skills and experiential learning they need for a successful career—and when students invest in their own education as well, the returns are endless. So what does that look like? Here are a few tips on how you can make the most of your culinary art classes from the start.

• Prepare

Is a degree in your future or will a diploma get you where you want to be professionally? Do you need scholarships and financial aid to be sure culinary school doesn’t break the bank? What knowledge do you already have and which skills need a little more development? Answer these questions before classes start. When you have a plan already in place, you have a solid foundation to build on for success.

• Manage time wisely

You may be attending college while working a part- or full-time job, so you’ll need to make your free time count. Juggling school and work can be stressful, but a consistent schedule—with plenty of study time built in—will help you stay on top of your schoolwork and personal responsibilities.

• Get connected

The word “networking” gets thrown around a lot as a tool in the culinary industry, and for good reason. Develop strong working relationships with your friends, faculty, and mentors and they may be able to help you with job leads and support after you graduate. Joining a professional organization while you’re still in school is another great way to make contacts and get training to be more marketable when it’s time for a job search.

• Use available resources

Take advantage of the services your school offers for your professional and personal development. From their first day of classes, Helms students are assisted in gaining employment and valuable hands-on experience with Goodwill Staffing Services. The office of Career Services provides resume development, employment fairs and weekly classes to help students stand out in the competitive job market. And after graduation, you can use the Job Connection to find employment opportunities and join the Alumni Association to stay in touch with your peers.

• Keep your goals in mind

Supporting your family. Finding an outlet for your creativity. Changing careers to something you love. No matter your motivation, don’t forget what brought you to culinary school in the first place. Set your ultimate goal and then a series of smaller achievable ones to help you get there—then be sure to take time to revisit them, adjust if needed, and celebrate your progress along the way. When you feel overwhelmed or burnt out, these goals will help you stay on track to reach your dreams.

Helms College delivers the education and real-world experience you need to succeed in the culinary industry. Ready to get started? Apply now or click here to request more information.