Career Explorations at JWU Charlotte: A Gateway to Your Future

Author Chela Davis '24 is a Media & Communication major and works as an intern contributing to JWU News.

Johnson & Wales University’s Charlotte Campus offers high school students a unique opportunity to explore their culinary passions during the summer through its Career Explorations program. This immersive, hands-on experience is designed primarily for rising juniors and seniors and serves as a vital steppingstone for those considering a future in the culinary or baking & pastry arts. The program provides a comprehensive look into what it’s like to be a culinary student, making it an invaluable resource for young aspiring chefs.

Kayla Eisenhardt, a senior from Dallas, Texas, shares, "My teacher in high school went to Johnson & Wales, so he encouraged me to attend this program. This opportunity helps me to see what college life is like. I’m in a lab at my school, but it’s nothing as incredible as this."

The Career Exploration program goes beyond typical college visits by offering students a taste of real college life. Participants get professional uniforms, work in state-of-the-art kitchens and even stay in the residence halls, fully immersing themselves in the JWU experience. As Chef Jerry Lanuzza, an associate professor in the College of Food Innovation & Technology, explains, "It’s an opportunity for them to see what a culinarian goes through when they go to school, whether it be in baking and pastry or culinary, the hot side, or back of the house."

Students in the program not only gain hands-on experience in the kitchen but also receive guidance from JWU faculty and staff. Admissions representatives are present throughout the program to help answer questions about the admissions process and explore all the opportunities available to them. Maria Herbert, a JWU admissions counselor, emphasizes the program’s broader perspective: "We want students participating in this program to learn about all the opportunities available to them and that there is so much you can do with a culinary degree outside of the kitchen."

Janelle Battaglia from Hickory, North Carolina, echoes this sentiment, stating, "I love the hands-on experiences. I want to attend JWU, so this program gives me a chance to experience what it would be like to be a student here."

During their two-day culinary adventure, students engage in a variety of cooking labs, experimenting with different techniques and cuisines. Jalen Jordan, a senior from Greenville, South Carolina, shares his excitement: "People are really nice here. I’ve liked the labs and that there is so much variety in what we’re exposed to. Everyone has gotten to do something different, each contributing with different ingredients and skills to make something together."

The program’s activities aren’t just about cooking; they’re about preparing students for the realities of a career in the culinary industry. Chef Lanuzza advises students to approach their future with their "eyes open" and to ask plenty of questions. He believes that the transformation students undergo during their time at JWU is profound: "My favorite thing is to watch a first-year when they come in, and they’re so scared and they don’t know what to do. And then seeing them four years later when they walk across the stage, and they’re a grown-up. I always say college is four linear years, but it’s eight years of growing up and having to be around people not like you."

The program also offers a realistic preview of the culinary world’s expectations. Chef Austin Scoles '18, a CFIT Instructor, shares his passion for helping students: "We hope to give these students a day-in-the-life of a JWU student. I love that the students stay in the residence halls and experience our campus and all that we have to offer. My favorite part of this program is answering everyone’s questions and being a part of organic conversations about cooking, college and the real world."

For many students, the Career Explorations program solidifies their decision to pursue a culinary education at JWU. Jacob Moore, a rising senior from South Brunswick High School, and Lillian Hill, a junior from Vestavia Hills High School, both expressed the program helped them clarify their career paths. Haley Hunt, another participant, sums up her advice for future attendees: "Have fun, don’t take it too seriously; it’s a real learning experience. We get to experience what it’s actually going to be like here, and it’s a good way to adjust to college."

The Career Explorations program at JWU Charlotte offers an enriching and insightful experience for high school students considering a culinary career. Through hands-on labs, direct interaction with faculty and a comprehensive view of college life, participants gain valuable insights into the culinary world and what it takes to succeed at JWU. Whether it’s discovering a passion for sushi rolls or learning about the realities of the food service industry, this program is a gateway to a fulfilling culinary education and career.

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