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How Do I Get A Culinary Internship?

Wondering how to get culinary internships while still in university? Check out our tips for finding and securing culinary internships.

For those with a passion for a career in food and everything related to it, a culinary internship is a great fit to gain more experience! With so many different cuisines and styles to choose from, a career in culinary arts is one of both discipline and creativity.

What does a culinary intern do?

Culinary internships provide hands-on experience to aspiring chefs. As a culinary intern, you’ll develop recipes, assist other chefs on projects, and generally learn the ropes of what it takes to work in a real kitchen.

How do I find a culinary internship?

If you’re wondering how to get a culinary internship for summer 2021, try looking on Handshake under filtered searches like “culinary internships near me.” Handshake allows you to focus on employers you want to work for and even network with past interns who may also be alumni from your school. And if you’re looking for a culinary internship in a particular location for summer 2021, try searching for openings by using filters like “culinary internship London” or “culinary internship Singapore.”

How do I get a culinary internship with no experience?

If you’re interested in getting a culinary internship, but have no prior experience, it’s key to play to your strengths and show employers that you’re eager to learn. You can search for culinary internships on Handshake to first get a feel of the requirements they usually list for internships. After that, list your resume and cover letter experiences and previous roles you’ve had where the skills translate over. For example, if you’ve taken a beverage management class or have had experience working in a similar restaurant setting, mention it and how it relates to your desired role!

When should I start applying for culinary internships?

For most positions, start searching for your internship sooner rather than later! If you are planning to have a summer culinary internship, we recommend starting to look for internship positions no later than the season prior. Many industries prefer to recruit as early as the fall, so staying up to date on fall virtual career fairs will be helpful in securing a role! Each company has different deadlines for applications, so sooner is usually better! If you’re searching for a role during the school year, it’s best to get on applying 3-6 months prior so you can inform your internship of your other obligations and classes.

It’s also really important to keep in mind that your university’s career services center will have great insight about specific recruitment periods at your school. Make sure to sign up for a meeting with your career advisor at the start of the school year for additional help in planning ahead!

How much do culinary interns make?

Because the internship roles that require culinary interns vary, there’s no standard answer for a culinary internship payscale. If you’re wondering how much your internship will pay, it might be best to inquire directly with the company you’re considering taking an internship with.. Some internship programs will offer only class credits, while many others are more keen to compensate their interns with an hourly rate or a set stipend.

What skills are relevant for culinary interns?

  • Great communication and teamwork skills
  • Creativity
  • Ability to stay focused under pressure
  • Solid knowledge of managing a team

Where do culinary interns work?

Culinary interns can take their learnings and work into a few different roles like Chefs or Food Scientists. They also can work for many different types of companies, like our constantly growing list of employers hiring now.

How do I write a cover letter for an internship?

Take a look at some great cover letter writing tips to boost your confidence and ace your internship application! And if you need a place to start, try our free cover letter template download here, or reach out to your school’s career center for personalized cover letter guidance.

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