What can you do with a Baking and Pastry Arts degree from Johnson & Wales University?

First, some facts. Of the Baking and Pastry Arts graduates from Johnson & Wales University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 14 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 70%, Baking and Pastry Arts graduates from Johnson & Wales University have a slightly higher likelihood (+3%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 70%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 21% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Baking and Pastry Arts graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Baking and Pastry Arts graduate from Johnson & Wales University and our analysis:


Relevance score: 100%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2014 from Johnson & Wales University with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Baking and Pastry Arts. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Pastry Cook
The Ocean House
Apr 2014 - Oct 2014
As a Pastry Cook at The Ocean House, the individual directly applies the baking and pastry skills and knowledge gained during their Bachelor of Science in Baking and Pastry Arts on a daily basis.

Pastry Chef
The Duck & Bunny
Oct 2014 - Present
The position of Pastry Chef at The Duck & Bunny requires the specific skills and knowledge from the Bachelor's degree, involving the creative and technical aspects of baking and pastry making on a daily basis.

ABOUT

Young professional seeking growth and creativity in a positive, fast-paced work environment.

What jobs can you get with a Baking and Pastry Arts degree from Johnson & Wales University?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


After checking out the job histories of folks who graduated with a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts from Johnson & Wales University, it’s pretty clear that many of them entered roles that are highly relevant to their studies. Quite a few went on to become Pastry Chefs in various establishments, and positions like Baker or Pastry Cook popped up regularly. These roles clearly align with their culinary training, allowing them to utilize their skills in baking and pastry daily. Were you expecting that? It makes sense, right? If you study something as specific as Baking and Pastry Arts, you’d expect to work in baking-related jobs!

However, not every grad stuck to the pastry path. There were quite a few stragglers venturing into various other roles, like marketing, human resources, and even real estate. While some of these jobs may use transferable skills — like team management or customer service — they don’t really tap into the knowledge about baking and pastry that the grads learned in school. This showcases a mixed bag, where a majority found highly relevant positions directly in the baking and pastry fields, but a noticeable number veered off into totally different careers. So, if you’re thinking about this degree, it’s great for pastry-focused jobs, but it’s worth weighing the broader job market, too!

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Baking and Pastry Arts graduates (this is across all Baking and Pastry Arts graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Johnson & Wales University):

What kind of career trajectories do Baking and Pastry Arts graduates from Johnson & Wales University have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When looking at the career trajectories of graduates from the Baking and Pastry Arts program at Johnson & Wales University, you can see a mix of outcomes, especially in the early stages of their careers. Many of these graduates tend to start off in roles like pastry cooks or assistants in various bakeries, cafes, and even high-end restaurants. A few examples include positions like Pastry Cook or Chef de Partie at renowned restaurants. This indicates that right out of college, there's a significant focus on getting hands-on experience in the industry, which makes sense given the practical nature of baking and pastry arts. However, it also looks like some graduates pivoted toward more unrelated roles, especially in administrative positions, marketing, and even real estate, which suggests that not all are sticking strictly to their culinary roots.

Fast forward a few years—about five to ten after graduation—and the trends start to become clearer. Several alumni have progressed to more advanced positions, like Pastry Chef or even General Manager roles, indicating a degree of upward mobility for those who choose to stay within the culinary field. Some graduates have even managed to carve out niches for themselves with unique roles, such as Marketing Managers at baked good companies, and even getting involved in cake designs or bakery shop management. On the flip side, there’s also a segment that seems to drift away from the pastry arts altogether, taking on jobs that are less related to baking, which could lead one to question the overall alignment of their degree with their eventual career paths. In summary, while many graduates seem to thrive in the baking and pastry world, there is also a notable portion that takes a different path entirely, underscoring the diverse opportunities available to them post-graduation.

How hard is a Baking and Pastry Arts degree from Johnson & Wales University?

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Baking and Pastry Arts at a place like Johnson & Wales can be pretty intense but also super fun if you love baking! There’s a mix of hands-on learning, creative projects, and some serious kitchen skills involved, so it’s not just a walk in the park. You’ll definitely have your share of late nights, especially when it’s crunch time for projects or exams, but if you’re passionate about pastries and desserts, it can feel more like a passion than a chore. Overall, it’s a challenge for sure, but if you’ve got a sweet tooth and a commitment to learning, it can be really rewarding!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Baking and Pastry Arts.

Do Baking and Pastry Arts graduates from Johnson & Wales University tend to make good money?

Looking at these graduates from Johnson & Wales University, it seems like they’ve generally had a range of jobs, but the big bucks might not be rolling in for everyone. Many of the earlier roles, like pastry cook or kitchen manager, are decent starter positions but often don't pay super well, especially in the early years. As they gain experience, some, like the executive pastry chef or general manager roles, could definitely bring in a better paycheck. However, it seems a lot of them have transitioned into management or marketing roles that likely offer higher salaries than just baking. So, while not all of them may be raking in cash right out of school, those who’ve climbed the ladder or mixed in some marketing know-how seem to be on the right track!

What buzzwords do Baking and Pastry Arts graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Baking and Pastry Arts (this is across all Baking and Pastry Arts graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Johnson & Wales University). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Baking and Pastry Arts?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Baking and Pastry Arts (ordered by the average relevance score of their Baking and Pastry Arts graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Johnson & Wales University 70 14