You’ve been the go-to person for cakes and pies since you graduated high school. You also have a knack for creating mouth-watering cookies and candies from scratch. For you, baking is more than a mere hobby – it’s a passion. Unfortunately, the daily grind of a nine-to-five requires you to push that passion to the bottom of your list of priorities until the weekend. However, baking can be so much more than that. With a bit of planning and preparation, it can be a full-time career.
Figure Out Your Niche
Success in your career will depend heavily upon how much you genuinely enjoy baking. Although you enjoy baking, there are things that you will enjoy making more than others. Take some time to really connect with your talent. Set aside time to create a variety of desserts. Pay attention to each process and how you feel about them. Pay close attention to the ones that feel like second-nature and the ones you find tedious. Here’s a hint: stick with the ones that are fun to make.
Once you’ve found your niche, take a few cooking classes at a local facility. You’ll learn a few new cooking techniques that will make your time in the kitchen easier.
Decide Where You Want to Work
Once you know the types of baked goods you want to make, choose an arena for your career. Although no technical training is required to become a baker, different positions may require different levels of training. Commercial and retail bakeries offer a variety of opportunities for individuals in the baking world. If you wish to work in a commercial or retail bakery, then you will be required to complete either a certification exam or culinary school.
Starting your own business will grant you infinite creative freedom. It will also remove the need for any forms of formal education. However, most business owners find it beneficial to first obtain a firm understanding of business and finance.
Find a Job
Now that you know what you want to do, it’s time to put it into action. If you’re choosing to go the commercial route, then you’ll have to gain some experience in the baking world. Try asking around at local bakeries for internships and apprentice programs. You may not be paid right away, but the experience will look great on a résumé.
Starting your own baking business will require a bit more work. If you haven’t already, then start putting together a collection of your own recipes. Once you have those together, submit your business license and get your products out to the public. Have taste-testings at local businesses and collect contact information from people who enjoy your products. In no time at all, you’ll be on your way to success.
