Career Options for the Budding Pastry Chef

Many great culinary schools offer pastry certificate programs, which interest many students involved in the culinary arts. Pastry certificate programs get students ready to begin a rewarding career by teaching students how to bake, deal with customers, maintain a sanitary environment, as well as prepare and decorate pastries, cakes and other desserts.

Once enrolling in a program, many pastry students wonder what careers will be available to them after graduation. Fortunately, there are a variety of careers open to pastry chefs, making it easy for students to choose one that interests them.

Five Careers Budding Pastry Chefs May Want to Consider

1. Apprentice Baker
An apprentice baker is an entry level professional that usually works under an executive baker. An apprentice baker usually works around 40 hours a week, but it can sometimes also be a part time position. These bakers work in restaurants, bakeries and other establishments to prepare pastries, breads, cakes and other desserts.

2. Executive Pastry Chef
Executive pastry chefs work in bakeries, restaurants and at catering companies. These chefs are in charge of the establishment’s desserts, which may include both production and design. An executive pastry chef may work with and manage other, less experienced chefs, depending on the establishment in which they are employed. This position requires a motivated and highly trained individual, that in many cases, has been trained at one of the best pastry certificate programs.

3. Cake Decorator
Cake decorators design wedding cakes, birthday cakes and other specialty cakes and desserts. These cakes are often intricate and artfully designed, as well as delicious. A cake decorator must be creative and artistically talented, as this career choice can be creatively demanding.

4. Pastry Cook
Pastry cooks work in restaurants, hotels or catering companies and specialize in pastries and other desserts. These cooks work with other culinary professionals to create a memorable dining experience for every guest. Many pastry cooks will create their own recipes and may help design the dessert portion of their establishment’s menu.

5. Baking Production Supervisor
Baking production supervisors are employed in bakeries, patisseries and other establishments where baked goods are produced. These supervisors watch and manage other employees to ensure quality and efficiency. A baking production supervisor may also help with production during high volume periods and must be organized and motivated.

After gaining a few years of experience, many pastry chefs decide to open their own businesses. Due to their experience, these professionals are well equipped to own a bakery, specialty cake shop, patisserie and/or candy shop. While this may be a few years on the horizon, the opportunity to own their own business keeps many pastry chefs advancing their careers and moving forward.