Externships at Escoffier

Both internships and externships can offer hands-on experience in professional kitchens, but they differ in a few key ways.

Culinary internships are typically longer experiences—usually three to four months—that expose you to a general range of tasks and responsibilities. They can happen at any point during your studies, giving you broad exposure to kitchen operations.

Externships are shorter and more focused. These skill-set-specific positions can allow you to focus on particular areas of culinary expertise that align with your career goals. For example, you might extern at a hotel, a specialty bakery, or a farm-to-table restaurant to have the chance to build the specific skills you may need for your desired career path.

At Escoffier, either one or two Industry Externship Courses represent the final component of your curriculum—a culminating experience where you can apply your skills before graduation. Many students find the industry externship course the most exciting and satisfying experience in the curriculum.

Externships take place at the end of your program as the final component of your curriculum. Depending on your program of study, you are required to complete either one or two approved industry externships before graduation.

This timing is intentional—it can give you the chance to apply everything you’ve learned in an operational restaurant or related business. Whether you extern at a restaurant, hotel, resort, convention center, or even a cruise ship, you can gain hands-on experience in an operational culinary business.

Because externships happen at this pivotal moment in your education, they can serve as a bridge from your studies into your career. You can have the opportunity to explore your culinary interests, build professional experience, and make industry connections. For many graduates, these connections have even led to job offers, providing a direct pathway into the culinary world.

While it’s up to you to secure your own approved externship, Escoffier’s Career Services Department is available to offer support throughout the process.

In many cases, finding an externship can be as simple as asking. Kitchens are often looking for passionate cooks to join their teams, and your enthusiasm can open doors. Escoffier also partners with national and international businesses, connecting students with opportunities at established operations around the world.

If there’s a particular restaurant, bakery, or type of business you’re interested in, reach out to Career Services when the time comes to select your externship. You might be surprised by the connections they have and the introductions they can make. Don’t hesitate to ask—Career Services has helped many students find an externship that fits their culinary aspirations!

Depending on your program, individual externships last between 160 and 180 clock hours. While your work schedule may vary, typically this requirement can be completed in approximately six weeks.

Your externship requirement also depends on the type of credential you are pursuing. Escoffier requires diploma students to complete one externship, while associate degree students must complete two externships. So while the overall time commitment differs from program to program, students typically devote either six or twelve weeks to their externship(s).

If you have specific questions about Escoffier’s programs, reach out to our Admissions department for more information.

No, you don’t have to relocate to complete your externship. As long as an externship site meets the specified criteria, you have the flexibility to pursue opportunities that work for your situation.

Many students complete their externships close to home. If you’re studying plant-based culinary arts, you might extern at a local vegan restaurant. BBQ enthusiasts could work with a nearby pitmaster or food truck. Those focused on farm-to-table cuisine might find opportunities at sustainable restaurants or even local farms. Completing your externship in your own community can be a rewarding experience—and could help you launch your career right where you already live.

That said, your externship can also be a chance to travel if that’s what you’re looking for. Escoffier students have participated in externships around the world—in places like Mexico, Italy, France, Ireland, and even Antarctica!* Whether you prefer the convenience of staying local or the adventure of exploring a new city or country, the choice is yours.

*This information may not reflect every student’s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors such as geographical region or previous experience.

Culinary school industry externships often can be paid positions. In fact, many externships are paid and may lead to permanent employment in the industry! However, compensation isn’t a requirement for your externship to be approved. You can have the flexibility to seek out an opportunity that works for you.

If you’re currently working in the culinary industry—which is common for students in our flexible online programs—your existing job may qualify as your externship. This means that, if your job is approved by our career services team, then you can continue earning your regular income while meeting this curriculum requirement.

Students who need to develop an externship site may discover that many qualifying opportunities do offer compensation. Whether paid or unpaid, these real-world experiences can be valuable for building your skills and professional network. In many cases, externships have even resulted in permanent job offers, giving graduates a direct path into their culinary careers.