Catering Management Schools

Considering a Career in Catering Management?

Sometimes being able to craft exceptional food is not enough. Some skilled professionals go beyond their baking or cooking skills and incorporate their love of management and business - taking their love of food to the next level. Such is the role of the Catering Manager. Catering Management Programs offer the basic skills of cooking and pastry arts, but they add the knowledge of how to work with people, creating a team that combines top quality product and excellent service. If you like the idea of being the coordinator, ensuring the best product, think about becoming a Catering Manager.

Average Length of Program

The average length of a Catering Management Program is 1-2 years. Just be aware that this is not the first degree you will enter into. Most schools offer this as an advanced degree to those with a base knowledge in the culinary arts or food industry. Traditionally this program is offered as an Associates, a Bachelors or even a Masters degree program. Students can expect to graduate these programs as business savvy, driven, managerial professionals. Skills such as team building and food service goal setting will be second nature to them, and they can expect to move into a role where they supplement their education with hands-on training, moving up in the ranks to their ultimate goal - Catering Manager.

Opportunities in the Work Force.

The successful completion of a Catering Management Program will allow for career opportunities in restaurants, hotels, cruise ships, catering companies, and a variety of other venues. Program graduates are prepared to face the rigorous demands of management in the culinary arts, and have the skills to succeed - some may even wish to start their own catering company. Opportunities for Catering Managers can be found around the globe. A person with the degree of Catering Management brings a higher level of leadership and commitment into the Hospitality Industry. Your best strategy is to be sure that the culinary school you apply to offers plenty of hands-on training. This should include opportunities to work in a local or nationally recognized restaurant or food service business through an externship, internship or apprenticeship.

Costs and Potential Salary

The cost of attending a Catering Management Program depends on the program length, location and degree type. Associate programs typically take between 18 and 24 months, and generally cost about $20,000 in tuition and fees. Bachelors programs last 4 years or so. They typically run between $25,000 and $35,000 in tuition per year. Masters programs take 2 years and cost about $35,000 per year. Upon graduating, you can expect to earn a starting salary of around $30,000/year. This salary will increase with work experience and is dependent on your role and the type of facility you are managing, as well as its geographical location. Where a typical catering manager might earn between $30,000 and $60,000 a year; one in an upscale or demanding location might earn upwards of $75,000. As always, a good education will put you in competition for higher paying, more demanding positions.

Why Catering Management?

Many people today are passionate about creating a restaurant or catering company that will provide the higest quality food and service. Employers are looking for trained and knowledgeable culinary experts with a background in management who will bring passion into their work environment. By completing a Catering Management Program, you will enter the culinary field with confidence, experience, and professionalism prepared to take on the world.