Sunday, December 29, 2019

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How to of the Day


How to Shelve Books in a Library

Posted: 29 Dec 2019 04:00 PM PST

If you are thinking of volunteering or getting a job at a library, you likely will be shelving books. Books have to be ordered on shelves for library patrons to find and check out. To make sorting easier, libraries arrange books according to classification systems. Most public and school libraries use the Dewey Decimal System, while many universities and specialty libraries use the Library of Congress Classification system. Find out which system your library uses, then take advantage of the call number tags taped to books to ensure each one has a place on the shelves.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Ordering Books Neatly

  1. Read the call number on the book to figure out where it belongs. Look at the book's spine for an identification tag. The call number will correspond to the Dewey Decimal System, Library of Congress classification system, or another alternative depending on which one your library uses. Read the letter or number listing on the tag to identify the book's subject matter and find out where it belongs.[1]
    Shelve Books in a Library Step 1 Version 4.jpg
    • Note that the sorting rules will vary depending on what system your library uses. Each library can do things in a slightly different way, so get accustomed to the sorting style before attempting to shelve anything.
    • If the book doesn't have a call number, ask a librarian where it belongs. Let them look up the correct call number and tag the book to make the identification process easier for both guests and shelvers alike!
    • Keep in mind that children's books follow the same rules as adult books. Separate the books by type, such as fiction, non-fiction, and picture book. Then, use the call number if they are available or alphabetical order by author if they are not.
  2. Take the book to the correct section according to the call number. The call number will be an actual number if you're going by the Dewey Decimal Classification system (DDC) or a letter if you're using the Library of Congress (LCC) classification. Books are sorted by subject matter through these systems. Find the shelf corresponding to the subject matter indicated by the tag.[2]
    Shelve Books in a Library Step 2 Version 4.jpg
    • For example, a DCC call number of 780 is used to mark a book on music. For the LCC system, the call number is M. Take the book to the music section or look for other books with similar call numbers.
    • Libraries often separate books by section, such as fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, and young adult. Familiarize yourself with the library's layout to make shelving easier. That way, you don't accidentally stick a children's book on the adult section!
  3. Sort fiction books alphabetically according to their author. Use the author's last name, followed by their first and middle names, to position books from left to right on a shelf. If you don't see an author listed, sort by the name of the publisher instead. Fiction books take up a large part of most libraries, so they often aren't listed with call numbers. You will have to reason your way through the alphabet to shelve them correctly![3]
    Shelve Books in a Library Step 03.jpg
    • For instance, the author of the Harry Potter series is J. K. Rowling. Bring the books to the R shelf in the fiction section.
    • Collections of poems and short stories from modern and popular authors often get grouped into the fiction section. This can vary from library to library, but most shelvers do it this way so patrons don't have to look in multiple places to find popular books.
  4. Arrange fiction books by series when they share the same author. For books that have the same author, sort them left to right alphabetically according to the series name. Then, sort the books in the series by number order. Standalone books come after series books and are also sorted alphabetically by title.[4]
    Shelve Books in a Library Step 04.jpg
    • For instance, you would put the Harry Potter books from the first to the last. The release dates listed on each book's spine can help with this.
    • Ignore articles like "a," "and," and "the" when they start titles. Include prepositions like "of" and "into." If you're looking at books by Michael Crichton, The Andromeda Strain would come first since it starts with an A.
  5. Organize nonfiction books according to their call numbers. The most important part of shelving these books is getting them to the right section. Take the book to the proper shelf and then refer to the book's call number tag. Fit the book by number first and then alphabetically by author if books share the same number.[5]
    Shelve Books in a Library Step 5 Version 4.jpg
    • In the DDC system, you may have a couple of medical books labeled as 613. A possible order would be 616.3 ASL, 616.3 ART, and 616.3 BAI.
    • For the LCC system, sort by the starting letters in the call number, then arrange by number. For instance, PR 8914 J46 comes before PR 8914 J6.
    • Note that plays and poetry are often placed in the literature section of the sorting system unless they are from modern authors, but this varies a lot between libraries.
  6. Arrange biographies according to the people they are about. Biographies and memoirs are unique because they are typically sorted by subject matter instead of author. Doing it this way helps patrons find topics with ease. The subject and the author are part of the call number. Sort the books alphabetically by the person's name first and then the author's name second.[6]
    Shelve Books in a Library Step 6 Version 3.jpg
    • For example, you might have a range of books on the Kennedys. Sort them by name, such as Edward, Jack, Jacqueline, John, and Rose.
    • If you're unsure where a book goes, check the call number. No matter what classification system your library uses, you can compare call numbers to figure out where a book fits on the shelf.
  7. Glance at the shelves for books placed in the wrong spot. Before putting a book back where it belongs, look along the shelf for anything that has been put into the wrong place. On average, try to look about 4 spots to the left and right of where you plan on placing a book. Use the call number tags as a reference. If a book appears to be in the wrong spot, pull it off the shelf.[7]
    Shelve Books in a Library Step 7 Version 3.jpg
    • If you don't pay attention to the call numbers, you could end up putting a book in the wrong place. You might spot a similar call number and place a book next to it only to realize that both of them belong elsewhere.
    • If you spot any loose books scattered around, take them with you to shelve them later. Books that are only slightly out of place can be shelved right away. For books that are far from where they belong, take them to the circulation desk to ensure they haven't been reported as missing.
  8. Neaten the shelves to keep them accessible to patrons. It wouldn't be right if the books didn't look inviting to potential readers! Position the books so the spines face outward and are flush with the front edge of the shelf. Also, leave a little bit of space on the shelves so the books stay standing but are still easy to remove. You can test this by attempting to pull books out after shelving them.[8]
    Shelve Books in a Library Step 8 Version 3.jpg
    • If you pack the books too tightly, you won't be able to pull them out easily and may end up losing some through the back end of the shelf. However, if you pack them too loosely, they may fall over and leave a bigger mess.
    • If you don't have enough space for books on a shelf, then plan on moving some to a different shelf. Check with any available librarians to make sure this is okay.

[Edit]Using the Dewey Decimal System to Shelve Books

  1. Check the first digit of the call number to determine the book's subject. The Dewey Decimal System is a handy classification method used by most public libraries. Essentially, every subject is assigned a category number you can use to group individual books. Librarians place a tag on the book's spine that displays its unique call number. The system consists of 10 classes:[9]
    Shelve Books in a Library Step 9 Version 3.jpg
    • 000 corresponds with books on computer science, information, and general works.
    • 100 stands for philosophy and psychology.
    • 200 represents books on religion.
    • 300 is for social sciences
    • 400 is reserved for books on language.
    • 500 corresponds to pure science.
    • 600 stands for technology and applied science.
    • 700 represents arts and recreation.
    • 800 means literature.
    • 900 relates to history and geography.
  2. Use the second digit to more specifically classify the book's subject. The remaining digits in the call number are for subdivisions used in the classification system. Always read them after noting the broader category the book belongs to. The second digit breaks books down into slightly more specific categories. There are over 100 subcategories, so look for them at https://www.oclc.org/content/dam/oclc/dewey/resources/summaries/deweysummaries.pdf.
    Shelve Books in a Library Step 10 Version 3.jpg
    • For example, books on astronomy have a call number of 520. The 5 classifies it as a science book, while the 2 corresponds to astronomy.
    • Another example is an English language book with a call number of 420. The 4 places it in the language section while the 2 identifies it as a book about English.
  3. Look at the third digit for an additional subdivision. The third digit is an extra classification explaining the book's subject matter. It is meant to be used after classifying the book through the previous digits. When you take the book to the proper shelf, you can then group it with other books that have the same starting call number. Read about the 1,000 subdivisions at https://www.oclc.org/content/dam/oclc/dewey/resources/summaries/deweysummaries.pdf.[10]
    Shelve Books in a Library Step 11 Version 3.jpg
    • For instance, you may see an astronomy book labeled 523. The 3 means the book is about planets and other objects in space. In comparison, a book about Earth will be listed as 525.
    • Another example is an American literature book. Its call number starts with an 8 for American literature, followed by a 1 for some category of literature. An 811 means poetry, an 812 means drama, and so on.
  4. Read the decimal number to organize books with the same call number. The decimal number is called the book's cutter number. It is used to sort books up into even smaller categories, but you won't be able to figure this out unless you're looking at the library's organizing system on a computer. However, it can still help you shelve books in numerical order. The author's name will be listed at the end of the cutter number as well.[11]
    Shelve Books in a Library Step 12 Version 3.jpg
    • For example, a cutter number of 595.789 corresponds to a book about butterflies. The call number directs you to the natural science section. The cutter number then gives you a more precise idea of what the book is about.
    • For an American literature book, a call number of 813.4 represents an American literature book written between 1861 and 1900. The 813 tells you the book is about American fiction, while the .4 narrows it down to a certain time period.
    • More digits in the call number mean a more specific subject. Think of each digit as a separate subdivision.

[Edit]Shelving with the Library of Congress System

  1. Read the first letter in the call number to determine the book's subject matter. The Library of Congress classification system (LCC) breaks books down into 20 separate areas of knowledge. Each one corresponds to a certain letter of the alphabet. This letter will always be the first thing you see listed on the call number tag on a book's spine.[12]
    Shelve Books in a Library Step 13 Version 3.jpg
    • A is for general works, which includes encyclopedias, newspapers, and other collections.
    • B represents philosophy, religion, and psychology.
    • C denotes auxiliary history, including biographies, genealogy, and archaeology.
    • D represents world history.
    • E is specifically reserved for American history.
    • F is also used for American history, but it covers local U.S. history and Latin America.
    • G is for books on geography and anthropology.
    • H contains books on social sciences like economics and sociology.
    • J lists books on political science.
    • K contains any books on law.
    • M is for all music books.
    • N categorizes books on fine art, like architecture and painting.
    • P includes books on language and linguistics.
    • Q has general science and math books.
    • R is reserved for medicine and medical books.
    • S is saved for books on agriculture.
    • T represents books on technology.
    • U is all about military science.
    • V covers naval science.
    • Z contains bibliographies and library science books.
  2. Check the second letter to determine the book's subcategory. Each knowledge category is broken down into smaller subdivisions you can use when shelving. After taking the book to the proper section, read the second letter to arrange it according to its subject matter. It belongs with books that have the same letters in their call numbers. For a list of subdivisions, go to https://www.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/lcco/.[13]
    Shelve Books in a Library Step 14 Version 3.jpg
    • For example, The Catcher In The Rye by J. D. Salinger has a call number of PS3537. The P stands for language, but the S narrows it down to American literature.
  3. Sort the books from left to right according to the call number. The rest of the call number tag contains a string of digits. It isn't as confusing as it first seems and makes sorting books very easy. Read the whole number, then arrange the books in order. Find similar call numbers to find out where a book fits on a shelf.[14]
    Shelve Books in a Library Step 15 Version 3.jpg
    • For example, "PS3537 A426 C3 1951" is the full call number for The Catcher In The Rye. It comes between PS3536 and PS3538 on a shelf.
  4. Place earlier editions before older editions of the same book. The year at the end of the call number indicates when the book was published. Always arrange the editions from left to right. Most libraries don't carry multiple editions, but it's a possibility with older books that were popular enough to be printed several times.[15]
    Shelve Books in a Library Step 16 Version 3.jpg
    • For instance, you may have a 1951 and 1991 edition of The Catcher In The Rye. Place the 1951 edition before the 1991 one.
    • Multiple editions of the same book have the same call number. Only the year differs, so look for it at the end of the call number.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

  • Call numbers are always read from left to right and top to bottom. No matter what system you use, the call numbers are simple and straightforward.
  • All library books, no matter what organization system they are classified under, are meant to be shelved from left to right and top to bottom.
  • Note that all libraries have different rules. Even if libraries use the same classification system, they may have slightly different shelving guidelines that differ from what you are used to.
  • To shelve books faster, organize them in a cart by genre. Arrange them by call number so you can scan across the correct shelf and place them where they belong.
  • If you have a question or run into a problem while shelving books, speak with a librarian for assistance. One of their responsibilities is to ensure all books are labeled and placed neatly on shelves.

[Edit]Warnings

  • Book classification systems are complex, so attempting to memorize them can be a frustrating experience. Instead of memorizing it all, learn the main classifications and subdivisions, then use the library's computer system if you need more help pinpointing specific books.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

How to Water Succulents

Posted: 29 Dec 2019 08:00 AM PST

Succulents are a type of plant that retains water in arid or dry conditions. They're a popular choice of indoor plant because they're exceptionally easy to take care of and require a small amount of effort when compared to other popular plants. To water a succulent, first check to see if it really needs water by checking to see if the soil is dry or the leaves are softening up. If it does need water, give it enough water to soak the soil without allowing puddles to form on the surface of the dirt. Remember, it's always better to underwater a succulent than to overwater it, so be conservative when it comes to the amount of water you give your plants.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Determining If Succulents Need Water

  1. Feel the soil near the base of the plant to see if it's moist. Overwatering your succulent is more dangerous for the health of the plant than underwatering, so you need to really make sure your plant needs water before soaking it. Start by putting your finger into the soil near the base of the plant. If the soil is totally dry, it may need more water. If it's even partially moist, you don't need to water your plant.[1]
    Water Succulents Step 1 Version 2.jpg
  2. Squeeze a leaf on your succulent to see if it's firm. Succulents store their water in the leaves, so you can determine whether a succulent needs water or not based on the thickness and elasticity of the leaves. Gently put your fingers on the tip of a leaf near the top of your plant and give it a soft squeeze. If it feels mostly firm, you're good. If the leaf feels soft or mushy though, the plant likely needs more water.[2]
    Water Succulents Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • If you notice discoloration alongside soft and mushy leaves, it is likely very dehydrated and on the verge of dying.
    • If the leaves are shriveling or getting wrinkly, the plant is probably entirely out of water. Give it some water immediately to try and bring it back.
    • Look at the tips of the leaves to see if they're discolored. On some species with thinner leaves this is a better indicator that the plant needs water.
  3. Inspect the succulent's structure to see if it's slumping over. Look carefully at the central stem of the plant to see if it's leaning over. Study the branches to see if they're starting to droop over or shrink. Shrinking, bending, and leaning are all signs that your plant needs water. If the overall shape and structure of your plant looks solid, it may not need any water.[3]
    Water Succulents Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • This may be hard to do with smaller succulents where you can't notice big changes in the shape of the plant.
  4. Check your succulents to see if they need water once a week. Succulents usually don't need water more than once a month. Check your plants weekly to see if the soil is dry, the leaves are healthy, and the structure is solid. If a plant doesn't look like it needs water, feel free to wait an additional week before checking again.[4]
    Water Succulents Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • Don't worry about your plant if it's 2-3 weeks before it needs water. Some succulents only require water once a month! Even if they do run out of water during the week, most succulents can store water for multiple days before they start to dry out.
    • You may notice some succulents requiring more water in the spring. This is typically the period of the year where succulents grow.

[Edit]Giving Succulents Water

  1. Fill a watering can with room-temperature tap water. Take a watering can and rinse it out if it's dirty. Then, fill it with standard tap water from your sink or a hose. You can distill the water or use rain water if you'd like, but there isn't a ton of evidence that it makes a big difference for the health of the plant.[5]
    Water Succulents Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • You won't need a ton of water, but it doesn't really hurt anything to fill the watering can up.
    • If you're watering potted plants indoors, take the plants to the tub or sink so that they can drain without ruining your windowsill.
  2. Pour the water around the soil of the plant for 3-4 seconds. Tilt your watering can over and pour water around the base of the plant. Water the soil directly—do not pour the water on top of the succulent—and avoid watering it directly where the stem of the plant meets the soil. Move your watering can's spout in a circle around the soil for 3-4 seconds and lift it up.[6]
    Water Succulents Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • Succulents absorb water from the soil, not the leaves. If you pour water over the plant, all you're doing is making it harder for the plant to breathe.
  3. Check the soil to see if it's still partially dry. After you lift the spout of your watering can, wait 3-5 seconds for the water to soak into the soil. Inspect the top of the soil and put the pad of your finger in a section that you didn't water directly. Tap the soil lightly with your finger to see if it's moist. If it is, you've given your plant enough water. If it's still pretty dry, you probably need to give the succulent more water.[7]
    Water Succulents Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • The soil needs to be thoroughly moist before you can stop watering. Check multiple sections of the soil to confirm that it has received enough water.
    • If your succulents are in the ground, check the soil around the plant.
  4. Continue watering the soil for another 2-3 seconds if necessary. If some of the soil is still dry, lean the spout of your watering can over again and continue watering the plant. Give it water for another 2-3 seconds before checking your plant again. Repeat this process as necessary until the soil surrounding the succulent is wet.[8]
    Water Succulents Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • If you're watering an indoor succulent, let the plant drain for 10-15 minutes before putting it back on its tray.
  5. Place the plant's base in a tray of water if you're nervous about overwatering. Some people prefer to water their succulents indirectly to avoid overwatering the roots. To do this, fill a tray bigger than your plant's container with of water. Set your plant's container in the tray and leave it for 2-3 minutes. The plant's soil will absorb the water up through the drainage hole at the bottom of the container.[9]
    Water Succulents Step 9.jpg
    • This method is not preferred since it's impossible to tell whether your plant has received enough water or not.
  6. Wait until the soil completely dries out before watering again. There is no standard answer to how often to water mature succulents. This will depend on the plant variety, the soil, the ambient humidity, and other factors. Generally, you should water more often in the summer when the plant is actively growing than in the winter when the plant goes into semi-dormancy with shorter days.
    Water Succulents Step 10.jpg

[Edit]Reviving a Dying Succulent

  1. Stop watering the plant if it's wilting while the soil is wet. If you notice that the leaves are falling over and wilting when you've been watering it regularly, this is a sign that the plant has been overwatered and can't hold all of the water in the leaves. Stop watering it for 3-4 weeks and see if the succulent recovers at all.[10]
    Water Succulents Step 11.jpg
    • If you have a jade plant, the leaves will bloat up and become exceptionally thick if it gets overwatered.
  2. Water the plant more frequently and mist the base of the stem if it has dried out. If the leaves on your succulent seem discolored and dried out, your plant isn't retaining enough water. Give it a thorough watering and use an empty spray bottle to mist the base of the plant where the stem meets the soil to give it a quick influx of water.[11]
    Water Succulents Step 12.jpg
    • Check your plant 1-2 days after giving it some emergency water. If the soil has dried back up in this time frame, give it another watering.
  3. Give your plant more sunlight if leaves fall off. If the plant's soil is moist, the plant looks healthy, and you still have leaves falling off, it's a sign that your succulent isn't getting enough sun. Move the location of your plant so that it's closer to a window and see if the problem resolves itself. It may also help to move the plant to an east-facing window so that the plant gets plenty of sunlight in the morning.[12]
    Water Succulents Step 13.jpg
  4. Move the plant away from the sunlight if it's developing white and brown specks. If your succulent looks structurally sound but has a bunch of white or brown specks, your plant is getting sunburned! Some tropical succulents are designed to only be in filtered sunlight and will get dried out in a ton of direct sun. Move the plant away from the window and see if the color comes back to your plant over the course of a week.[13]
    Water Succulents Step 14.jpg

[Edit]Things You'll Need

  • Watering can
  • Water

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

  1. https://www.reviewjournal.com/life/home-and-garden/three-clues-indicate-when-succulents-need-watering-214468/?returnUrl=https://www.reviewjournal.com/life/home-and-garden/three-clues-indicate-when-succulents-need-watering-214468/?clearUserState=true&clearUserState=true
  2. https://www.reviewjournal.com/life/home-and-garden/three-clues-indicate-when-succulents-need-watering-214468/?returnUrl=https://www.reviewjournal.com/life/home-and-garden/three-clues-indicate-when-succulents-need-watering-214468/?clearUserState=true&clearUserState=true
  3. https://www.reviewjournal.com/life/home-and-garden/three-clues-indicate-when-succulents-need-watering-214468/?returnUrl=https://www.reviewjournal.com/life/home-and-garden/three-clues-indicate-when-succulents-need-watering-214468/?clearUserState=true&clearUserState=true
  4. https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/care/how-to-water-succulents/
  5. https://kansashealthyyards.org/component/allvideoshare/video/how-to-water-succulents-and-cacti
  6. https://kansashealthyyards.org/component/allvideoshare/video/how-to-water-succulents-and-cacti
  7. https://kansashealthyyards.org/component/allvideoshare/video/how-to-water-succulents-and-cacti
  8. https://kansashealthyyards.org/component/allvideoshare/video/how-to-water-succulents-and-cacti
  9. https://www.reviewjournal.com/life/home-and-garden/three-clues-indicate-when-succulents-need-watering-214468/?returnUrl=https://www.reviewjournal.com/life/home-and-garden/three-clues-indicate-when-succulents-need-watering-214468/?clearUserState=true&clearUserState=true
  10. https://www.firstforwomen.com/posts/how-to-save-a-dying-succulent-166195
  11. https://www.firstforwomen.com/posts/how-to-save-a-dying-succulent-166195
  12. https://www.firstforwomen.com/posts/how-to-save-a-dying-succulent-166195
  13. https://www.firstforwomen.com/posts/how-to-save-a-dying-succulent-166195

How to Become a Chef

Posted: 29 Dec 2019 12:00 AM PST

You might decide to become a chef because you enjoy cooking and like to experiment in the kitchen. While it's a demanding career, it can also be very satisfying if it's something you love. Start building the cooking skills you need to become a chef by practicing at home, getting a restaurant job, and getting feedback from others. Then, pursue training to be a chef, either at school or under the guidance of a mentor. Finally, get a job at a restaurant and work your way up to the role of chef.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Developing Your Cooking Skills

  1. Practice cooking at home to build your skills. Pick recipes that you find appealing, then make them yourself. As you get better at cooking, try recipes that include new skills that you haven't yet tried. Don't be afraid to experiment with recipes to make them your own.[1]
    Become a Chef Step 1 Version 3.jpg
    • Play around with different types of cuisine to see what fits your style and taste. For example, you might make Italian food one night, Mexican food the next night, then your own twist on hamburgers.
  2. Experiment with food to create your own recipes. Part of the fun of being a chef is making your own special dishes. Once you're familiar with common ingredients, start playing around with recipes to make them your own. Take risks so you can create something totally new![2]
    Become a Chef Step 2 Version 3.jpg
    • Start by making changes to an existing recipe to make something different. Then, try mixing ingredients without following a recipe.
    • Some of your creations will be a success, while others might be inedible. This is normal, so don't give up!
  3. Cook for other people to get feedback on your meals. While it's scary to open yourself up to criticism, feedback can help you grow as a chef. Make food for people as often as you can, then ask them what they liked or didn't like about your dishes. Incorporate the feedback that makes sense to you.[3]
    Become a Chef Step 3 Version 3.jpg
    • If you can, serve your food to people who enjoy the type of cuisine you like to make. They'll be able to provide a better opinion. For instance, let's say you enjoy making Indian food. You'll get better feedback from someone who enjoys Indian food.
  4. Watch other chefs to learn their techniques. You can learn a lot from watching others. Watch cooking shows and online tutorials to see how other chefs work. Additionally, observe chefs or chefs-in-training who you know. Try to learn from the way they work.[4]
    Become a Chef Step 4 Version 3.jpg
    • Don't worry about copying the way someone does something. You want to have your own style! However, it helps to watch how they perform certain skills and how they get creative with ingredients.
  5. Get a job at a restaurant to build your skills and resume. While it would be awesome to start out as a chef, it takes time to work your way up the career ladder. Start with a low-level restaurant job that will help you learn the skills you need. Apply for any restaurant jobs that you see advertised locally.[5]
    Become a Chef Step 5 Version 3.jpg
    • Your first restaurant job probably won't be prestigious, but everyone starts at the bottom. You'll likely work as a line cook. This will help you learn the skills you need to move up the career ladder and eventually become a chef.

[Edit]Training to Be a Chef

  1. Enroll in a culinary arts program for a comprehensive education. While attending a culinary school isn't required for chefs, it may help you get a job. Most culinary programs offer a broad education in nutrition, sanitary food preparation techniques, butchery, pastry making, and other basic cooking knowledge. Research culinary programs, then apply to your top 3-5 choices.[6]
    Become a Chef Step 6 Version 3.jpg
    • Programs are offered at trade or vocational schools, colleges, and culinary institutes. You may be able to earn a certificate in culinary arts from a trade or vocational school in 6-9 months. If you want an associate's degree in culinary arts from a community college, expect your program to take about 2 years. Additionally, you can earn a 4-year bachelor's degree in culinary arts from a college, university, or culinary institute.
    • Look for a program that offers classes in business, management, and human resources if you think you might open up your own restaurant someday.
  2. Train at home if you plan to be a self-taught chef. While going to a culinary school helps you learn the skills you need, you might choose to teach yourself what you need to know. Practice cooking in your own kitchen every day. Cook meals for your family or host events in your home to get more practice. Push yourself out of your comfort zone to help you learn the skills you need.[7]
    Become a Chef Step 7 Version 3.jpg
    • Volunteer to cook for parties and events if people buy the ingredients for your recipes.
    • Use online tutorials and cookbooks to learn new skills.
  3. Find an internship at a restaurant to build your resume. While an internship isn't very glamorous, it can open up doors to the job you want. Contact local restaurants to ask about available internships. If you can't find one, ask a local chef or restaurant owner if they'd consider taking you on as a short-term intern. During this time, watch the chef, sous chef, and line cooks to learn new skills. Additionally, follow all of the instructions they give you exactly.[8]
    Become a Chef Step 8 Version 3.jpg
    • Some culinary arts schools have relationships with local restaurants that offer internships for students.
    • Your internship will likely be unpaid. However, treat it like a regular job so you can get a good reference when you apply for jobs.
  4. Get a certification if you focus on a particular area. Typically, you don't need any certifications to be a chef. However, you might choose to get one if you have a specialization that you plan to pursue. If you've trained in a particular area, take a certification test to help you strengthen your resume.[9]
    Become a Chef Step 9 Version 3.jpg
    • For instance, you might get certified as a master pastry chef, a decorator, or a sous chef.
    • If you have the required education and experience, you can take a certification test through the Research Chefs Association, the American Culinary Federation, the Culinary Institute of America, and the United States Personal Chef Association.

[Edit]Working Your Way up to Chef

  1. Apply for entry-level kitchen positions at local restaurants. When you're starting your restaurant career, be open to any position that comes your way. Look for jobs in local restaurants, then send them your application, cover letter, and resume. Send out several applications at once to increase your chances of getting a job.[10]
    Become a Chef Step 10.jpg
    • You might start as a kitchen assistant or garde manger, which is the person who prepares appetizers, soups, and cold dishes. The next step up is line cook, then sous chef, which is the position directly under the head chef. Finally, you might become the head chef of a restaurant.
    • If you've previously worked in a kitchen, you'll likely be able to get a better job than someone who's just starting out.
  2. Network with other chefs and restaurant owners to build connections. Connections might help you move up the career ladder faster. Talk to other chefs, meet restaurant owners, and attend industry events to interact with others in your field. This will help you build relationships with people who might help your career.[11]
    Become a Chef Step 11.jpg
    • When you're at an event with served food, ask to talk to the chef.
    • Talk to the people you meet during trainings.
  3. Move restaurants to build your skills and get better positions. Don't expect to spend your entire career at the same restaurant. Instead, you'll probably have to switch restaurants to continue your rise up the career ladder. Be on the constant lookout for new positions, and apply for jobs that will help you reach your goal of becoming a chef.[12]
    Become a Chef Step 12.jpg
    • For instance, if you're currently working as a line cook, apply for sous chef jobs at other local restaurants.
  4. Take a job as a sous chef to learn the skills to be a head chef. A sous chef works directly under a head chef, which helps you build your skills and your resume. Look for a job as a sous chef after you become a line cook. Plan to work in this position for at least 1-3 years before you rise up to a head chef position.[13]
    Become a Chef Step 13.jpg
    • Typically, you'll already have the knowledge and skills necessary to be a chef when you take a sous chef position. However, you might not have the kitchen experience and level of expertise to be a head chef yet, which you'll get as a sous chef.
  5. Rise to the position of head chef when a position is available. After you've reached the position of sous chef, look for opportunities to become head chef. Keep track of restaurant openings and the career paths of the head chefs in your area. Network to meet potential job contacts who might help you get your own kitchen. When a job opens up, reach out to the restaurant owner or hiring manager and offer to show them your skills.[14]
    Become a Chef Step 14.jpg
    • It might take several years for you to become a head chef.
    • Making friends in the restaurant industry is the best way to get your work noticed. Be nice to everyone you meet because you never know who could help you get to your ultimate goal of being a chef.

[Edit]Sample Cover Letter

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

  • Check out culinary programs at the community colleges in your area. More and more schools are offering night classes, certificate programs, and full culinary degrees.
  • Be nice to everyone in the kitchen. The dishwashers, waitstaff, and guests you meet today may be opening the hot new fusion restaurant tomorrow.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment in the kitchen! You might have some failures, but you'll also learn new skills.
  • Have multiple people sample your dishes. What tastes right to you may be too spicy or salty for some.
  • Some culinary schools don't require kitchen experience, so don't feel like you can't pursue a career as a chef if you haven't worked in a restaurant.[15]

[Edit]Warnings

  • Use caution when handling knives because it's easy to cut yourself.
  • You'll likely work long hours as a chef, which will probably include holidays and weekends. This might not be a big deal if you love your job, but it might be hard if you don't enjoy working as a chef.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

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