Chef careers don’t always have to involve hotel kitchens, restaurants or catering companies. Sometimes, culinary passions can lead our graduates to slightly unusual chef careers. If you’re a culinary arts student at International Hotel School, why not consider one of these bespoke careers in the food industry:

Trendologist or Restaurant Influencer

Okay, technically a trendologist is a made-up word however it is undoubtedly a super cool career…if you can get it. Basically, knowing what to put on a restaurant menu is largely driven by people who research what people want, and then consult to restaurants or any F&B outlets on what trends are going to be big. It gives restaurants the inside edge on what their customers would like to see on menus, so it’s a great job to be involved in. However, it’s not just down to what you think is going to be hot or popular in the coming months. In order to be an influencer, you must become an expert on what people want, and the only way you can achieve that is through constant research – reading industry news, blogs, food magazines, attending food shows, talking to people who are in the food business, scanning menus from around the country and so much more.cu

Recipe Developer

A recipe developer is someone who mixes art and creativity with the science of cooking. Having a solid culinary background helps those who wish to extend their culinary careers into recipe development because it grounds students in the knowledge of textures, flavours and ingredients, and how they could or should work together. The ability to test and try out new ideas by combining scientific understandings of how cooking process and ingredients work, as well as using an artistic and fun approach to cooking makes for a successful developer. Of course, the ability to write all of these recipes, quantities and methods down in a readable and understandable format is supremely important!

Professional Food Taster

A food taster’s primary role is to analyse a food sample by using their senses, in order to give feedback on whether or not the product is suitable for retail. They are required to check the products smell, visual appeal, consistency, flavour and sensation. Testers are given very small sizes of the food product to taste which they often (not always) will spit out after tasting it, instead of swallowing. Many food tasters have a culinary qualification and they also couple that with a scientific one or food sciences degree.  Having a good understanding of food safety is also a vitally important part of this position. Sometimes you have to taste foods that aren’t ideal – like dog foods. Sometimes you have to taste foods that you wish you could eat more of. The most important part of the tasting process is that it remains objective – would you buy the product? Would you eat it? Would you serve it for tea? Would you give it to your kids? When you start asking the right questions, you’re likely to be objective and honest.

Food Stylist

Food stylists are becoming a more popular career trend. Once you know how to prepare delicious food, you need to learn how to plate the food so that it looks as good as it tastes. Whilst plating techniques are covered in culinary arts training, some very artistic chefs are able to take the look of the food to the next level. Magazine, publications, advertising agencies and recipe book authors are employing food stylists to help represent visually the food that they are preparing. A good eye for detail is essential.

Food Truck Owner

Food trucks are becoming a great new way of enjoying delicious gourmet meals without having to sit down and be served. The internet, smartphones and social media make it easy to promote your food truck business and gain loyal customers. Food truck food options can vary from simple and tasty breakfast baps to gourmet steaks, stir-fries, cocktails and decadent desserts. There’s no limit to the creativity you can enjoy when you run your own food truck. Turn up at festivals, get a regular gig at a beachfront or sporting arena, or simply tweet your fans your next location and wait for them to turn up at your truck window for their lunch. Obtaining the correct licenses can be tricky sometimes, but if you persevere and you’re passionate about food, this may be a great way for you to showcase your culinary skills around town.

Of course, there are many more unusual culinary careers one can pursue, so if you have any suggestions, please drop us a line in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you!! Alternatively, visit our website or Facebook page for information, recipes, inspiration and so much more.

(Sources: http://restaurantengine.com/rise-food-truck/; http://www.delish.com/food/g2011/food-jobs/?slide=5; https://blog.udemy.com/culinary-careers/)