Culinary Externship: Hands-On Kitchen Experience

Hei Hotels Inc.; Fairfield (CT); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and Dental

Vision insurance

Paid time off (Vacation/Sick/Holidays)

401(k) with company match

DailyPay access

Job summary

HEI Hotels and Resorts is offering a Culinary Externship designed for students from The Culinary Institute of America to gain hands-on experience in a busy hotel kitchen, working alongside the culinary team to prepare high-quality food according to brand standards.

The program emphasizes mise en place, sanitation, knife skills, inventory, and learning from line cooks and chefs during service, with opportunities to participate in tastings and meetings.

Qualifications

• Current student enrolled at The Culinary Institute of America (externship required for graduation).
• Prior kitchen experience preferred but not required.
• Basic understanding of culinary fundamentals and sanitation practices.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Effective verbal communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food items according to standardized recipes, production methods, and presentation standards.
• Assist in daily mise en place, including prepping vegetables, proteins, sauces, and garnishes.
• Maintain proper food handling, sanitation, and safety procedures per local health regulations.
• Label, date, and rotate food products (FIFO).
• Support line cooks and chefs during service to ensure timely plates.
• Learn knife skills, butchery fundamentals, sauces, and station organization.
• Assist with inventory management and portion control.
• Operate and maintain kitchen equipment (ovens, ranges, grills, fryers, mixers, slicers, processors).
• Maintain a clean, organized workstation at all times.
• Participate in menu tastings and culinary meetings.
• Perform additional culinary duties to support learning objectives.

Skills

CIA externship student

Culinary fundamentals

Sanitation practices

Team player

Attention to detail

Education

The Culinary Institute of America

Job description

HEI Hotels and Resorts is offering a Culinary Externship designed for students from The Culinary Institute of America to gain hands-on experience in a busy hotel kitchen, working alongside the culinary team to prepare high-quality food according to brand standards.

The program emphasizes mise en place, sanitation, knife skills, inventory, and learning from line cooks and chefs during service, with opportunities to participate in tastings and meetings.