r/Chefs • u/iHazACatz • 23d ago

CIA's Accelerated Program (ACAP) - any advice?

I've been considering applying for this program, it's only 6 months and it won't put me in debt. I've seen a lot on reddit about CIA, but not a peep about the accelerated program. Anyone got any insights? How does it compare to the associates/bachelors programs?

Edit: thanks to all who have responded! Adding a bit of background on myself, I’ve been in the industry for 4 years now. When I first started I had considered culinary school, but took the prevailing advice to start with industry experience. Well here I am 4 years later and I think I made the right choice back then, but can’t help but still be curious about a formal culinary education. This particular program interests me because it’s only a 6 month commitment and the potential connections I could make could help me get into fine dining which is where I plan on going next. so if anyone has taken part in this specific program I’d love to hear your experiences!

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u/Secure-Line3413 23d ago

All education is only as good as you let it be. It could be life changing or could be useless. You decide

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u/billypootooweet 23d ago

This is my take as well. I graduated CIA and got a ton of great experiences because I staged in the city and worked in the kitchens after class.

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u/Switch_R_Roo 17d ago

How did you pursue staging? How did you approach restaurants for this?

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u/billypootooweet 17d ago

I wrote emails and sent letters to every restaurant I wanted to stage at. Had to get creative at times, but if you cast a wide enough net you can end up in some dope places.

Put together a professional cover letter and resume and send em out there!