Know The Difference Between Culinary Arts And Hospitality Management

By Author: Rohit Dubey
Total Articles: 12
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Anyone who wants to pursue a professional career in the hospitality industry such as joining a hotel or restaurant, must have the necessary formal education such as a hotel management course. But when it comes to such a diverse industry such as hospitality, there are plenty of career paths to choose from. For example, if you wish to become a chef or sommelier then you are better off pursuing a culinary arts degree over a hotel management degree.

To help students overcome their confusion, here are some key differences between culinary arts and hospitality management so that they can make an informed decision and choose the career path that is best for you.

What is hospitality management?

Hospitality management refers to a field of study that typically deals with hotels, resorts and lodging industry. It involves overseeing the day-to-day activities of such facilities to enhance overall guest experience. More than hotel management, hospitality management also includes areas such as food and beverage, event management and travel agencies as well.

Some of the key things you will ...
... learn under hospitality management are-

Sales and marketing
Cost control
Financial planning
Managerial skills

What are the culinary arts?

Culinary arts is a specialized hotel management course that includes everything from preparation of food to serving them. All the activities in culinary arts revolve around the operations of a restaurant, eatery or even a catering business. This program is meant to impart high quality cooking skills and theoretical knowledge related to the same.

Some of the key things you will learn under culinary arts are-

Kitchen organization
Intricate cooking methods
Fundamentals of baking
Stock control

Career scope of hospitality management and culinary arts

Although similar kinds of places hire hospitality management and culinary arts graduates, the scope of culinary arts is lesser than hospitality since it is a much narrower term than the latter. But then again since it is a specialized skill you’re learning it is a more secure path.

The job options for a hospitality management graduate are much wider at hotel manager, front office, supply manager, event planner whereas the scope of a culinary arts graduate revolves around cooking only in the form of a chef, restaurant manager, sommelier, baker, beverage specialist, etc.

Which course should I enroll in?

Looking at the scope and opportunities at a glance, it may seem like hotel management is the way to go but the specialized skills disseminated in a culinary arts course truly make up for it. Here are some concluding points which will help you make the best choice-

Choose hotel management if-

The operations involved in managing a hotel interest you
You want flexibility in the area of hospitality you wish to join
You might pursue higher education in hospitality later on

Opt for culinary arts if-

Your passion lies in food and cooking
You are sure about this field and don’t wish to change
You aim to open a restaurant or catering business

With these points in mind, you can make an informed decision as per your preferences. No doubt a hotel management course is more popular among undergraduates and also partly includes the culinary arts, but pursuing a culinary arts degree will give you immense specialized knowledge that hotel management courses lack.

Rohit Dubey is a passionate traveler and content writer who loves to write about hotels and everything related to it. His areas of interest include hotel and hospitality management courses in India. To know more about hospitality courses and information visit https://nipsgroup.in/