Beyond the Kitchen: Alternative Career Paths for Culinary Arts Diploma Holders

When you think of a career in the culinary arts, the image of a chef standing over a hot stove in a bustling kitchen likely comes to mind. And probably getting yelled at (or maybe you’re the one doing the yelling).

But did you know there's a whole world out there beyond the grease and the grime? Uh-huh, as common as it seems, it’s most definitely not the only option available.

Say you’re passionate about food, but you’re not really feeling the classic chef route. You’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of non-traditional career paths waiting for you. For one, earning a Diplôme de Cuisine from Sunway Le Cordon Bleu opens doors to a wide range of opportunities beyond the kitchen floor.

Today, we’ll explore some of the myths surrounding a Diploma in Culinary Arts and 6 alternative professions that might just be your perfect match.

LCB Mythbusters: There’s More to a Culinary Arts Diploma Than You Think 

There are a lot of misconceptions about pursuing an education in culinary arts in Malaysia. You might be familiar with the ones we’re about to show you.

So let’s turn up the heat and roast these myths to rest:

Myth #1: You Only Learn How to Cook 

Sure, cooking is a fundamental skill and a significant part of the curriculum, but it's far from the only thing you'll learn. Contrary to popular belief, it's not just about mastering 10,000 recipes and making the perfect French omelette.

You’ll come across food safety, kitchen management, menu planning, and even Business 101. It's about acquiring a versatile skillset that can open doors to different paths beyond the sizzling pans.

Myth #2: Your Career is Limited to the Kitchen 

Yes, some people dream of cooking in restaurants. But others, not so much. So if you don’t work in a kitchen, does that mean you have nowhere else to go?

We’re here to make it clear: It is simply not true! Nuh-uh. Ya-da. No.

You are not confined to only the grill or the oven after getting a Diploma in Culinary Arts. The truth is that this certification equips you with universal knowledge that can be applied across various fields within the food industry.

So What are the Benefits of Getting a Diploma in Culinary Arts? 

As with any curriculum, there’s more to it than meets the eye. At the outset, you'll gain a foundational understanding of the core subjects like knife skills, food safety, basic cooking techniques, etc.

But as you progress, you’ll begin to uncover the true depth and richness of the culinary arts. It's like peeling back an onion—each layer reveals more complexity, flavour, and insight. You’ll find hidden connections between concepts, uncover new perspectives, and gain greater respect for the artistry and science of cuisine.

• Life Skills

Learning how to make delicious and healthy meals is a practical skill that you’ll carry with you forever. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, preparing a meal for your family, or hosting a dinner party, your culinary expertise will always come in handy. Working with different tools and ingredients will also come intuitively to you. These skills foster a sense of independence and self-reliance, qualities that can enrich your life in many ways.

• Stress Management and Adaptability

The culinary world is notorious for its fast-paced and high-pressure environment, especially at the top. Training in such conditions teaches you how to manage stress, adjust quickly, and maintain focus amid chaos. You’ll learn to juggle multiple tasks, meet tight deadlines, and deliver consistently high-quality results, all while keeping your cool. The ability to stay calm under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances will serve you well, no matter where your journey takes you.

• Diverse Employment Opportunities

A culinary arts course doesn’t just prepare you to be a chef. You’ll have the flexibility to explore other trades related to the culinary industry. This means you can find a career direction that aligns with your passions and strengths. Become a creator, planner, or instructor—the world’s your oyster (and it’s yummy!).

If you’ve already made up your mind about getting a culinary arts diploma regardless of your future career path in the industry, feel free to reach out to us for more information about Sunway Le Cordon Bleu’s courses.

Top 6 Non-Traditional Career Paths For You to Consider 

The world of gastronomy is vast and full of unexpected avenues that extend far beyond the conventional kitchen. So let’s dive into the 6 other options for culinary graduates that might surprise you.

1. Culinary Event Planner

If you have a flair for creativity on the plate, you can translate it to large-scale events too. Combine these qualities by becoming a culinary event planner. It’s a dynamic role where you’ll organise and manage food-centric events such as cooking classes, chef's tables, food festivals, corporate events, or private dining experiences.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing event concepts and themes
• Designing menus and coordinating food preparation
• Creating and managing budgets
• Sourcing and booking venues
• Liaising with vendors and staff
• Overseeing event logistics and on-site management

This career path offers a rewarding mix of culinary expertise, creativity, organisation, and interpersonal skills. Whether it’s a gourmet wedding reception or a themed food fair, you’re there to ensure every detail is picture perfect, from menu to ambience.

2. Food Entrepreneur or Restaurateur

The modern era has witnessed a remarkable transformation in food culture, driven by a growing appreciation for diverse cuisines and the rise of food as both an art form and a social experience. If you’ve ever dreamt of starting your own food-related business, now might be the best time!

As a food entrepreneur, you could open a fine-dining restaurant, launch a catering company, operate a food truck, or develop a line of gourmet products. This route gives you the freedom to create a brand that reflects your culinary vision and values. Tap into the farm-to-table movement, fuse flavours from different cultures, or resonate with today’s health-conscious consumers with your new snack—the possibilities are endless.

Of course, entrepreneurship comes with its own set of challenges. Thriving in this competitive field demands more than just passion. You’ll need a strong foundation in business and culinary knowledge—both of which you can attain at Sunway Le Cordon Bleu.

3. Food Photographer/Stylist

They say you eat with your eyes first, and it’s absolutely true! Aesthetics is just as important as taste when we’re dealing with food. If you’re passionate about both, consider becoming a food photographer, influencer, or stylist.

As a food photographer or stylist, you’re not just snapping mouth-watering food portraits for cookbooks, magazines, websites, and social media. You’re also:

• Preserving the beauty of food: Transform ordinary meals into extraordinary works of art that stand the test of time.
• Telling compelling stories: Use food as a medium to convey emotions, cultures, and experiences.
• Inspiring others: Share your love for food with a global audience and motivate them to explore new things.
• Collaborating with chefs and brands: Team up with talented culinary professionals to create visually stunning content.

Your culinary background will give you an edge in this field, as you already inherently know how to present food in the most appealing ways for photo shoots or staging.

4. Food Influencer

Nowadays, people are always on the lookout for the best places to eat, the top trending dishes, and new foods to try. If you're passionate about sharing these culinary discoveries, becoming a food influencer is an exciting path. You'll engage with a wide audience by creating and posting engaging content across platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok, reviewing restaurants, showcasing recipes, and highlighting food trends.

As a food influencer, you’ll play a key role in guiding people to the best food experiences. Many influencers also dive into blogging. Through personalised articles, you can offer more in-depth reviews, tips, and recommendations to your audience while positioning yourself as a key opinion leader in the food sphere.

By blending your culinary expertise with creativity, you can develop a personal brand that resonates with food lovers. This path also opens doors for sponsorships, partnerships, and collaborations with top brands and restaurants, making it a rewarding way to share your love of food with the world.

5. Culinary Arts Instructor

If you wish to give back to the industry, an occupation as a culinary arts instructor might be up your alley. You’ll play a part in shaping the future of the culinary world by passing on the knowledge, skills, and values you’ve accumulated throughout your journey.

Be it teaching how to bake a lemon tart, flambé meat, or sharpen a kitchen knife at a culinary institution, community centre, or online cooking class, you’ll guide and mentor students from all sorts of backgrounds to forge their own paths.

Teaching is a powerful way to inspire the next generation of chefs, ensuring that the art and craft of cooking continue to thrive. By sharing your expertise, you’re contributing to the growth of the industry and helping to cultivate a community of spirited, skilled professionals who will carry on the traditions and innovations of the culinary arts for years to come.

6. Equipment Brand Ambassador

Does Marco Pierre White with Knorr stock cubes or George Foreman with his iconic Foreman grill ring any bells? Just imagine being the face of your favourite kitchen gear!

As an equipment brand ambassador, you get to do more than just cooking. You’ll be demonstrating how specific tools work and elevate the cooking process. This role gives you the chance to work with top kitchen brands, showcasing their products in action and explaining why they’re essential to any serious chef or home cook.

Your tasks as a brand ambassador may include:

• Developing recipes specifically designed to highlight the equipment’s features.
• Hosting cooking demos at events, trade shows, or online platforms.
• Creating tutorials and guides to help users get the most out of the equipment.
• Partnering with brands for social media content, increasing their reach while sharing your expertise.

By combining your culinary skills with marketing and content creation, you can provide valuable insights to both brands and consumers. You’ll help bridge the gap between innovative tools and the chefs who rely on them. It’s a great way to share your passion for cooking and the instruments that make it all possible.

Experience the Joy of Working with Food with Le Cordon Bleu 

The myths about limited career options with a Diploma in Culinary Arts are just that—myths. With the right mindset and a willingness to explore new roads, the opportunities are abundant.

Because whether you’re interested in food science, event planning, entrepreneurship, photography, teaching, or supply chain management, you’ll find that you’ve been duly furnished with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in these fields.

If you’re ready to pursue a career in the world of food, consider enrolling in our cuisine courses or baking classes in Malaysia. For more information, drop us a message today!

Your food journey could lead you anywhere you imagine—and perhaps beyond.