The Baking & Pastry Program

So here's how the program works(I think, sometimes it's still unclear): Right now I'm in the associates(AOS) program. That takes 21 months to complete with a semester being about 15 weeks long. I'll finish up the first semester of my first year in April, then instead of coming home for summer break like most colleges, I'll start my second semester right away. Then I'll be home for about 3 weeks in July. (Right before my 20th birthday, actually. Surprise welcome home/birthday party? *hint hint*  ;) ) That'll conclude my first year in the program.

Then I'll come back to school for just about 3 weeks in August then go on my externship. Part of the AOS program includes an 18 week externship. We go through a couple seminars on how to write resumes, covers letters, interview skills, etc. Then we pick a place, usually a restaurant/bakery of some sort, apply like you would a normal job, and see if you get hired. Then you must make living arrangements unless provided, and off you go. A lot of people go to very high class, well known, restaurants. Right now I'm thinking of going to Disney World, Charm City Cakes(from the show Ace of Cakes on the FoodNetwork), or working for Godiva Chocolates. Most of the externships are paid, some aren't. I'll keep y'all updated with all my externship stuff as I progress through the semester. It's like a huge deal here.

After extern begins year two which will be roughly 9 months. Much more is expected of you after extern because you have that real-world experience. So after my next two semesters I'll graduate with an associates  degree in Baking & Pastry. From there I can either continue right into the Bachelors program or if possible take time and work. People quite frequently stop after the associates and go back to work where they externed. That's why it's real important to choose a good place.

It's pretty crazy, but that's the just of it I think. Like I said so many different people have told me so many different things, but I think that's how it all plays out.