COOK

Most cooks need to have a high school diploma in order to be hired. Apprenticeships are very important to the food industry in general, and cooking is no exception. Even if you are a whiz with macaroni and cheese at home, it is unlikely that you will be able to walk into your first job and nab the head cook position. Start out after school or on weekends on a part-time basis if you are really interested. By the time you finish high school, you will have a year or two under your belt, and this will help you immensely if you want to move up at your job or seek employment elsewhere.