Catering Specialist

Why Catering Specialist?

Catering specialists create memorable experiences through food, service, and hospitality. In this program, you will develop the culinary, customer service, and event planning skills needed to support weddings, business events, celebrations, and other special occasions. You'll learn how to prepare quality food, coordinate service, and deliver experiences that keep guests coming back.

At Mid-State, you will gain hands-on experience in professional kitchens and event settings while building skills in food preparation, baking, menu planning, and event service. Through live events, labs, and an industry internship, you'll learn from experienced chefs and hospitality professionals while preparing for careers in catering, hospitality, and event production.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

31 Credits

Degree Type

Technical Degree

Program Length

One Year

Delivery Method

In Person

Location

Wisconsin Rapids

Start Dates

Fall, Spring

Estimated Program Cost

$5,300.79

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Partially Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Independent Caterer

Catering Coordinator

Banquet Server or Assistant

Nutrition or Menu Specialist

$37k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $36,678. Source: Lightcast Data Set

2,890

Average Monthly Hires

2,890 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See below for full course details or talk with your advisor.

Instructors

Meet our full-time instructors.

Ryan Petrouske, AAS
Chef Ryan graduated Phi Theta Kappa with his culinary arts associate degree from Nicolet College. He holds certifications in culinary assistant, hospitality and restaurant management, controlling foodservice, and baking. Ryan has spent most of his working life in the restaurant industry, having progressed up the ranks in both kitchens and dining rooms to ultimately owning and running a successful restaurant in northern Wisconsin. He has a continued passion for the industry, which he is excited to instill in his students. Prior to teaching full-time for Mid-State he also taught part-time at Nicolet College.

“Knowledge is much like working in the hospitality industry—it doesn’t do us any good to hold it just for ourselves. Sharing our experience and talent with others makes the world a better place. This is my reward for being an educator. I not only get to share my knowledge but also get pushed to grow and learn from my students and other industry professionals. I am always pleased to see where our graduates end up after their training!”

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Apply principles of safety, sanitation, and nutrition in professional catering and food service operations to ensure compliance with industry standards and promote health-conscious menu design.
Apply foundational culinary techniques in food preparation, baking, garde manger, and beverage management to produce high-quality presentations for catered events.
Create innovative, balanced menus and catering plans that incorporate client preferences, nutritional guidelines, cost controls, and seasonal ingredients to deliver memorable event experiences.
Evaluate food production processes, event execution, and client feedback to identify improvements in efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction during catering operations.
Create entrepreneurial strategies for catering ventures, including budgeting, marketing, and operational logistics, to support independent or small-business success in the hospitality industry.
Apply professional customer service and communication skills in event coordination and service delivery to build positive client relationships.

Employability Skills

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Diploma

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students (age requirements apply)

“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.

Mid-State Grad

“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”

- Kevin B.

Mid-State Grad

“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.

Mid-State Grad

“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.

Mid-State Grad

“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.

Mid-State Grad

“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.

Mid-State Grad