Baking and pastry arts combine the science of cooking with the artistry of presentation, making it an ideal career for those who want to pursue a creative endeavor that involves food. If you are looking to pursue a niche career in this field, then you may want to consider a baking and pastry arts degree. Let’s explore further into this exciting career below.
Is Baking and Pastry a Good Career?
Baking and pastry is an excellent career option for those interested in both the science and business of baking. With career opportunities that range from hands-on bakers to small business ownership, there are options for a wide range of people within this field, and the demand for bakers is expected to grow faster than the average for other occupations in the coming years. While bakers earn a median annual salary, those who specialize in niche areas of baking and pastry may find that there is higher earning potential within the field.
What Is Baking and Pastry Arts?
If you have yet to learn about this profession, you may be wondering, “What is baking and pastry arts?” Baking and pastry arts is defined as a niche area of the baking industry that focuses specifically on breads, pastries, confectionery items, desserts and cakes.
What Are the Career Opportunities in Baking and Pastry?
When it comes to career opportunities in baking and pastry, the possibilities are endless. Below is a wide range of career options for those who earn a baking degree:
- Bakery Assistant
- Bakery Manager
- Bakery Owner
- Cake Decorator
- Chocolatier
- Pastry Cook
- Dough Maker
- Cookie Designer
- Candy Maker
- Fudge Maker
What Can You Do with a Baking and Pastry Degree?
As part of your baking and pastry degree program, you will learn about both the science and art of baking as well as the business aspects of this growing field. As a result, you can pursue a hands-on career as a baker or pastry chef, or you can pursue entrepreneurial opportunities and launch your own business in this industry.
12 Reasons to Pursue a Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts
1. Turn Your Passion Into a Profession
Many people discover their love of baking and the pastry arts during their youth, when they have an opportunity to play around in the kitchen and try out new things. There is a deep sense of personal satisfaction that comes from creating something not only nourishing and delicious, but also beautiful and delicate in its own way. With a formal baking and pastry arts degree, you can build upon your passion and develop the skills needed to embark on a viable and lasting career path.
2. Creative Expression
While some prefer to express their creativity through art or the written word, bakers and pastry artists enjoy pouring their emotions and experiences into edible art. When you pursue a baking and pastry degree, you will be able to study the techniques needed to create a wide range of edible art, including cake decorating, cookie icing, pastry baking and more. These niche skills allow you to set yourself apart from others in the industry and give you a chance to pursue a specialized position in the baking field.
3. Skill Development
Baking is both a science and an art form, and the best bakers consider themselves to be lifelong students. Most people interested in a baking and pastry arts career begin with a basic set of skills that they build upon throughout their lifetime. While it’s possible to become a self-taught baker and pastry artist throughout the course of your career, an associate degree in baking and pastry arts will give you a chance to intensely study the skills needed to succeed in this growing field. Throughout your coursework, you will study a wide range of topics, including dough chemistry, sugar art, specialty cake design, chocolate and confections.
4. Flexibility
A career in baking offers unparalleled flexibility since many bakeries are open during non-traditional business hours. Many baking assistants and baking managers may find that they can work early morning shifts or late afternoon shifts to prepare for the next day. In addition, there are many bakers and pastry artists taking advantage of the power of the gig economy and launching their own businesses or working on a freelance basis, which gives them the ability to set their own schedule.
5. Wide Range of Career Opportunities
On the surface, it may seem like your baking degree will require you to work in a bakery, but the reality is you will be able to enjoy a wide range of career opportunities in various settings. Bakers and pastry chefs work in hotels, restaurants, catering companies, cruise ships and food production companies. With diverse roles available, such as pastry chef, recipe developer and food stylist, you can truly carve out your own niche in this industry.
6. Job Satisfaction
This is a deeply rewarding job. Not only can you pour your passion into your work daily, but you get to witness people truly enjoying what you create. Often, you will receive immediate feedback that offers a sense of instant gratification that many other job opportunities lack.
7. Growing Industry
Consumers today are in search of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. This need has increased demand in the market for local bakers with significant experience creating handmade, artisan products and specialty baked goods. The baking industry is a growing industry with plenty of potential for those starting a new career.
8. High Demand for Specialized Skills
In the culinary industry, there is a strong demand for professionals with specialized skills, particularly in baking and pastry arts. This is driven by consumers’ growing interest in custom products and unique creations made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. As a result, opportunities for pastry chefs are expanding, with the field expected to experience faster-than-average growth compared to other professions.
9. Entrepreneurial Opportunities
While it’s possible to begin learning the basics of baking in your own kitchen, it may be difficult to launch your own culinary business without a formal degree. A baking and pastry arts degree can both provide you with critical hands-on training and allow you to develop the business acumen and industry understanding required to launch your own baking business.
10. Cultural Exploration
Throughout your program, you will also study global baking techniques and traditions. This allows you to begin exploring the role that culture plays in food and the overall dining experience.
11. Professional Recognition
In a competitive and growing field, it’s important to set yourself apart from other candidates. An associate degree in baking and pastry arts can elevate your professional status in the culinary world, as it shows that you have a commitment to the craft, and you have invested in your professional development.
12. Global Career Prospects
While other careers may require you to gain local experience to grow and prosper, the baking and culinary arts field has no boundaries. The skills and techniques you develop as part of your baking degree program will be recognized around the world, allowing you to consider international job opportunities.
What to Look for in a Baking and Pastry Arts Program
As you begin to recognize the value of a baking and pastry arts degree, you will want to begin researching the options available to you. These are the key factors that you should consider when choosing a degree program:
- Accreditation — Choosing an accredited degree program will ensure that you receive an education that aligns with industry standards and expectations.
- Faculty Expertise — You will want to receive hands-on training from knowledgeable and experienced professionals who can guide you as you begin your career.
- Facilities — To develop the most advanced baking and pastry arts skills, you will need to have access to state-of-the-art facilities that include the best industry tools and resources.
- Internship Opportunities — Choosing a degree program at a school that offers internship opportunities allows you to benefit from professional development while earning your baking and pastry degree.
Pursue Your Passion! Start Your Culinary Career Now
At Baker College, we specialize in skills-based, industry-specific degree programs. Our Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry is an innovative degree program designed to equip you with the skills needed to launch a career in this growing field.Don’t hesitate to request more information about our associate degree in baking and pastry arts today!