Behind the Line: Michael M. O'Connor
Topic: Inspirations
Mentorship and Guidance
What career advice do you have for aspiring chefs?
- Michael M. O'Connor
- Sous Chef
- Vic & Anthony's
- Houston, TX
Make it your job to learn from everyone. You're never done learning, and there isn't anyone you can't learn something from. From the lowest member of your dish staff to the highest level of your management, keep an open mind, listen, and watch. You never know where inspiration and knowledge will come from.
Answers from other users
- Jill Barron
- Executive Chef/Owner
- MANA food bar
- Chicago, IL
Be prepared to make this a life journey. Be prepared to learn something new
every day. Eat everything.
- Paul Fehribach
- Executive Chef/Owner
- Big Jones
- Chicago, IL
Don't obsess about money in the short term, as hard as it is when your culinary school loans kick in. Get into great kitchens under great chefs and work your ass off. Do anything. Be the first one ...
more »
- Jimmy Bannos
- Owner
- The Purple Pig and Heaven on Seven
- Chicago, IL
Don't ever lose the passion. Keep on reading and traveling, and don't be afraid of hard work and the hours. That's the business.
- Cary Taylor
- Executive Chef
- The Southern
- Chicago, IL
Work hard. Be honest. Recognize your normal life is over.