Why Is Gastronomy So Important?
Culinary and food culture has gained tremendous popularity in recent years — serving as a gateway from the kitchen to life itself. What is gastronomy? Why should young people study it? What career opportunities does it offer?
Gastronomy is one of the most popular fields young people choose at university… Many young people who are interested in gastronomy to become a great chef or cook discover, after entering the program, that gastronomy goes far beyond the culinary arts. Prof. Dr. Y. Birol Saygı, Head of the Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department at Beykoz University, defines gastronomy as "the knowledge and understanding of everything related to human nutrition." Noting that gastronomy education offers exciting career opportunities, Saygı says, "Thanks to the multidisciplinary nature of a gastronomy degree, you can find opportunities to work not only in the restaurant industry, but in many fields that concern food and people."
Over the course of a lifetime, the average human eats about 70,000 meals. This amounts to consuming roughly 30 tons of food. Yes, the vast majority of that food is consumed for nourishment — but nutrition also plays a tremendous role in human health and happiness. In developed societies, the relationship people form with food goes far beyond mere sustenance… Culinary and food culture, which contributes to everything from socializing to discovering other cultures, has become one of the most popular career choices among young people in recent years. Young people who want to become great chefs and cooks are competing with one another to study in university gastronomy programs.
Gastronomy Has a Broad Definition
In its popular usage — and in the language of chefs — gastronomy refers to the study of food and culture with a particular focus on gourmet cuisine, but it doesn't stop there… In the literature, gastronomy is used to describe everything from fine dining experiences to specific studies on the chemical manipulation of foods. It is also defined as "the study of cultures and their interaction with food — the entirety of the relationship between people, food, and the world we live in." The term not only encompasses cooking techniques, nutritional facts, food science, and flavor, as well as the application of taste and aroma in food products; it also includes the exploration, tasting, experiencing, researching, understanding, and writing about the preparation of food and the sensory qualities of human nutrition as a whole. For this reason, gastronomy provides a broad foundation that brings together many different disciplines.
Why Should Young People Study Gastronomy?
Prof. Dr. Y. Birol Saygı, Head of the Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department, defines gastronomy as "the knowledge and understanding of everything related to human nutrition." Professor Saygı advises young people to consider studying gastronomy, saying: "If your passion for food goes beyond simply wanting to be a great chef, you should think about studying gastronomy. Gastronomy is not just about preparing food — it is the opportunity to examine the relationships we build between culture and the foods we prepare and eat." He explains the difference between a typical culinary degree and a gastronomy degree with the following words: "Gastronomy is a field where you will explore new and fascinating subjects such as food policy, food anthropology, food ethics, and food in film and literature. It means constant change, constant excitement, and a constant love of life. One of the biggest differences between a typical culinary degree and a gastronomy degree is that in gastronomy, you pay special attention not only to food preparation, but also to the ingredients themselves, how they are processed, and the social significance they carry. As a result, your dishes will not only impress even the most sophisticated palate, but you can also impress your guests with your in-depth knowledge of your creations."
Career Opportunities
Saygı, who notes that Beykoz University's Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department offers its graduates significant career opportunities, continues: "One of the greatest advantages of a gastronomy education is that it opens the door to exciting career opportunities. Thanks to the multidisciplinary nature of a gastronomy degree, you can find opportunities to work not only in the restaurant industry, but in many fields that concern food and people. Our students who graduate from Beykoz University leave with the culinary and practical management skills needed for a professional career both at home and abroad.
To give you an idea: In addition to becoming chefs, gastronomy degree graduates often find work as restaurant managers, culinary instructors, or executive chefs. From a business and marketing perspective, many students go on to become food marketing coordinators, social media managers, and operations directors for large food production companies."
Career Opportunities for Gastronomy Graduates
Countless job opportunities: The hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors are among the fastest-growing industries in the world. While some other fields experience economic downturns, the food industry continues to grow and consistently offers a steady stream of reliable job opportunities. When you pursue a career in the culinary arts, finding work is straightforward. You have the freedom to find a job that suits your interests and lifestyle.
A dynamic industry: The saying "no two days are the same" fits the culinary arts remarkably well. At its core, the culinary arts is a dynamic industry. While chefs cook for different customers every day, they adapt their menus to seasonal produce and food trends. You will never grow bored of such variety and richness of opportunity across every aspect of your career. Every day, you can expand your portfolio of skills and experience while generating new concepts and ideas through your creativity.
The opportunity to work anywhere in the world: Once you complete your culinary training and become qualified in your field, you can work wherever you choose, anywhere in the world. Chefs, who deliver one of the most fundamental elements of life — food — have the opportunity to work and travel anywhere on the globe. Whether you want to settle permanently in one place or work in various countries throughout your life, becoming a chef is a wonderful way to travel while exploring a country's food culture.
Fast advancement up the ladder: In the culinary field, job opportunities are also wide-ranging. There is an abundance of opportunity here both in terms of career development and financial investment. As you climb the career ladder, you will discover increasing benefits — whether in travel or business opportunities. In this field, you can advance to a senior position relatively quickly while enjoying the journey every step of the way.
