Although the summer is my absolute favorite time of the year, the end of summer means "back to school." After having four sons running through the house for three months creating havoc, the ringing of the school bell always makes me smile! As you prepare your children for going back to school, I invite you to think about your own learning development. It is never too late to "go back to school." I believe you can teach old dogs new tricks. For some, going back to the classroom is scary or just not possible because of work and family schedules. Or, for others, it just seems like it would take too long to obtain a degree or complete a program. Atlantic Cape Community College, your hometown college, understands that and has created a Professional Series that provides credit certificates in specialty areas. You can complete many of the series in less than a year and you can begin and end the program at your own pace. Best of all, the Professional Series can always be applied later toward an associate degree, if you get motivated to go in that direction. Many of the specialties relate directly to the hospitality industry. Some of the more popular programs of this credit certificate series include culinary arts, hotel guest specialist, accounting, human resources, computers, marketing, and travel and tourism. All of these programs rely on industry-based skill sets and prepare you for career advancement. As an Italian-American, I love to cook (and eat) and am always watching what happens at the Academy of Culinary Arts. They have several Professional Series tracks that lead to better jobs, including: [Baking and Pastry Specialization] I have to confess this is my favorite program in the series. You should see the confectionary artworks that students create! Plus, they are so tasty. This series consists of eight courses which provide you with knowledge and expertise in baking. For a total of 17 credits, you will learn both the fundamentals and advanced skill sets, including wedding cake design and baking artisan breads. [Hot Food Specialization] This series could be completed in less than two semesters (that's only eight months!). Not only will you learn the fundamentals of cooking; you will be introduced to diversified and international cuisines, including Italian regional cooking. The Academy also has a catering specialization for those inclined to start up their own business and a food service management specialization for those who lean toward the business end of the industry. My dad, the owner/operator of an Italian restaurant in South Philadelphia for 40 years, would have loved to have had the opportunity to take this program. If you are working in the restaurant business, this specialization will help you know more about menu and facilities design, food purchasing and cost controls, and business, casino and hospitality laws and regulations. For more information on these and more of the Professional Series, go directly to www.atlantic.edu/courses/professional/index.shtml, or for the culinary series, call Connie Lamonaca at 609-343-4944.

By Pat Owens

Pat Owens is the associate dean of continuing education operations at Atlantic Cape Community College.