Written By: Prakhar Sood
Edited By: Ocean Croft
Designed By: Andria Sahar
Published By: Mannat Malhan
As students, we continuously top the charts when it comes to food consumption. Simultaneously, the hidden urge to grow financially independent and start a side hustle of our own is a wish waiting to be ticked on any bucket list. Yet many fail to realize that the food industry welcomes young minds into the culinary network, providing endless opportunities to fuel passion and interest in students.
A notable success story is that of Flynn McGarry, often cited as the Justin Bieber of Food. The immense dislike for his mother’s cooking led to a complete transformation of his bedroom into a mock-up kitchen at a modest age of 10. The kitchen became well equipped with induction burners, a large convection oven, a 10-foot-long plating area, and four distinct cooking stations. Not yet satisfied with the investment, Flynn yearned for a reputable following, kickstarting the transformation of his hobby into a career.
At age 11, he launched a monthly home-based supper club known as Eureka, serving 10-14 course items for $160 per head. The intimate gathering allowed customers to eat and engage in conversation together, while being served Flynn’s signature dish known as the Beef Wellington. The dish delighted taste buds and later became a mainstay in Flynn’s current restaurant, The Cove, which resides in the heart of New York City. Flynn McGarry’s story highlights that passion paired with determination and the willingness to take risks can transform a mere hobby into a culinary career.
Similar to Flynn McGarry, several of the most celebrated names in culinary history started at the bottom of the kitchen ladder while they were still young. Many high schoolers dreaming of a food career share a bottom line with these legends. A young age, entry-level, and a drive to learn. Fortunately, you do not have to wait until graduation, as many of the following culinary jobs are realistically open to apply for right now! For instance, the dishwasher is critically acclaimed to be the easiest entry-level role to obtain. The role requires minimal previous experience or formal education, with employers providing on-site training to effectively prepare students for the requirements.
Nonetheless, it is important not to mistake the role’s accessibility with the experience a young employee may gain. The dishwasher’s description can paint a picture of drudgery and boredom, with many students fearing little attachment to the job. Appreciating the job’s resume value requires a perspective shift for many of us, as reframing the requirements can unlock hidden benefits. The dishwasher is largely considered to be the foundational stepping stone into a professional kitchen, allowing young students to step into the lens of the operations that take place in a fast-paced environment. Several other entry-level roles follow the “experience-first” mindset, including prep cooks, line chefs, and pastry assistants. All these follow a direct path into learning kitchen basics and chopping until finally advancing. However, many of us still prefer the self-instructed business option, abstaining from working in a traditional work environment.
The options don’t cease to exist for startup ventures, but rather open up an even wider pool of possibilities matching each and every skillset. Students have the option to practice their own culinary technique through small food businesses and stalls, similar to that of Flynn. Notably, it is crucial to abide by local food laws and be proactive in terms of sanitation. These are factors which differentiate a quality business from one which lacks discipline.
On a side note, a career in the food industry does not compel you to be directly involved in food production, but can also be complemented with modern media knowledge and general marketing. Blogging, much like YFS, is an excellent extracurricular to strengthen written communication skills and enhance your general knowledge around the many aspects of food. Similarly, many students choose to showcase their creativity visually through carefully crafted reels and edited content as a freelancer or independent creator.
Ultimately, the culinary industry is not restricted to those striving to become chefs. Whether it’s occupying a first job in a professional kitchen, establishing a side hustle, or mastering content creation, there is a spot for anyone willing to take risks. The most difficult part is just taking that first step.
References
Escoffier, A. (n.d.). Culinary jobs for high school students. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. https://www.escoffier.edu/blog/culinary-pastry-careers/culinary-jobs-for-high-school-students/
Gordan, L. (2016). FLYNN McGARRY: WUNDERKIND CHEF | Epicurean Traveler. Epicurean-Traveler.Com. https://epicurean-traveler.com/flynn-mcgarry-wunderkind-chef/