How can I pursue a job in baking or cooking without a culinary degree?

I don't have the money or the desire to pay back the amount I'd need to generate to get a culinary degree but I like working with food and I am a good cook so I was wondering how I could get a start being a cook or a baker. Do I need culinary school or are there places that would hire me without school? if so what are some places that would?

Public Comments

1. get a job as a cook and work your way up... some employers would rather have experience than a degree...
2. I suggest you start small and work your way up... a lot of small restaurants will hire you without a degree, and once you get some experience working there, then more will be interested in hiring you. You don't have to start as a cook, you can begin doing food preparation (tell them you want to learn more and help out with cooking as you go along). In a small business, where the jobs are less regulated you will have more opportunity to help with cooking or move into a cook position after proving yourself. Small cafes and similar restaurants with just a few employees are good to start with (even fast food will get you a little experience, if you don't have an option). Start by getting a food handler's permit, then look at the want ads or at a restaurant with a help wanted sign posted!
3. Food Service is the best place to work without a degree. In fact, if you have a degree and no experience you will have a really hard time finding a job!! Apply everywhere, you may be hired as dishwasher, but that is where everyone starts. As you learn the ways of the kitchen you will be moved through the stations. You should learn the entire back of the house operations in 1 year to 18 months. Then it is time to move to another restaurant and do it again. You probably won't have to be a dishwasher again. Once you are ready for the big bucks you can go to school. Many of the big hotel chains will pay for it too so that's a good option for employment once you've learned the ropes. Don't let anyone tell you you need Culinary School. Any school that will accept a student without real restaurant experience is not worth your time or money.