����ý

Meet Dominique, 22, from London, who has turned her cooking hobby into a career. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.

What is your job?

I have two jobs – I’m a private chef and also a food vlogger. Fine dining is where my heart is but my blogging came from loving to cook for my family. I'm also studying at university.

What skills do you use in your work?

I’m learning about accounting and financing for my own business – how to jot down invoices, and how I need to budget. My English skills, knowing how to speak to people and how to write my emails, help me be professional.

What subjects did you study at school?

Secondary school was hard, as things at home were hard for me to juggle at the time, so I only got four GCSEs. My school luckily allowed me into sixth form, and I took that chance, studied hard, and I managed to do well in my BTEC and A-levels. Now I’m in my final year at university studying PR and Marketing.

What preparations did you make for your business?

I looked at what serious clients wanted, so I have my Level 2 Hygiene Certificate, and I also have my business insured. I did all that registration myself, and now I have my own card machine for clients to pay with.

Was it a smooth ride?

No, because I doubted myself a lot. I’ve only just come into loving myself and loving my career. Now I have a lot more confidence in my food, so I don’t doubt myself as much as I used to. I did the US version of the TV show Culinary Genius and won. It showed me I'm capable.

Top tips

• Everyone’s road is different. It’s very easy to see what someone else is doing and compare yourself to that
• It's normal to doubt yourself – you’ll grow in confidence over time.

Dominique is both a chef and a vlogger. If you want to find out more about what to expect as a vlogger, check out Alice's story.

What to expect if you want to be a chef

• Chef average salary: £15,000 to £30,000 per year (£23,000 to £50,000 per year for head chef)

• Chef typical working hours: 40 to 45 per week

What qualifications do you need to be a chef?

You could get into this role via a university course, a college course – such as a T-level (England-only) – an apprenticeship or by working towards the role via other jobs.

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service pages for and for the latest information and all the qualifications needed. (Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service).

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: , , and .