Additional Information
If you want to get into catering, get a job in a restaurant first, recommends
Pat Rattray, who owns both a restaurant and a catering business. She stresses
that being a caterer isn't just a cooking job -- it's a managing job. She
says you have to know how everything works before you can manage it, and the
best way to get that experience is from a job.
Even if you start as a dishwasher or a bus person, show some enthusiasm
and make your boss aware of your interests and ambitions.
Small restaurant owners appreciate flexible workers, so before you know
it, you'll be doing the scheduling or ordering the food. Of course, that doesn't
necessarily mean you'll be getting raises. That's why owners like flexible
workers.
You could also try to get work with a caterer. As a cook or server-assistant,
you may not make much money at first, but most catering businesses are small
and you'll gain valuable experience.
Once you're in the field, you may work towards professional certification,
such as the certified professional catering executive (CPCE) or certified
special events professional (CSEP) designations. Designations are granted
through the National Association of Catering Executives.