Culinary Arts alumna creates perfect career
Erin Turner knows the value of hard work. She earned not only her associates degree though the culinary arts program, but also an additional baking and pastry certification while holding a part-time job.
“I was always interested in culinary arts, even from a young age,” Turner said. “I
wanted to know how things were made, why they were made and how they got put together.”
That’s why her job today working in the test kitchen at Champion Foods fits perfectly
into her life.
From test to success
“I work in the research and development area of the company,” Turner said. “I get to take a product from a small batch idea all the way to full-scale production and final packaging. You may do hundreds of samples for customers so when you finally cross that finish line, it’s a pretty great feeling.”
Her ability to work and adapt in such a dynamic area of the company is something she attributes to WCC.
“At Washtenaw, they set you up for success,” she said. “You learn about different aspects of the industry and that helps you organize yourself and your thoughts at every level as well as helping to understand all aspects of a business.”
Through the Culinary Arts program, Turner had the opportunity to work the front and back of the house at Garrett’s, the student-run restaurant. It’s one of the many out-of-classroom experiences that WCC students get to experience every day.
“Being in the program helped me transition into life outside of going to college,” Turner said. “WCC taught me that you’re never done learning or growing after you finish school.”