WEEK     JOB: BAKER

LOCATION: BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

EMPLOYER: ONE GIRL COOKIES

WAGE: $25,020 YEAR [Source: BLS]

INDUSTRY IQ:

• Although many colleges offer programs in culinary training, being a baker does not require formal education, just a knack for baking and on-the-job training.

• A pastry chef is a baker, but a baker is not necessarily a pastry chef. Chef means “boss,” which means that a pastry chef is in charge.

• A “baker’s dozen” is thirteen. It began in the thirteenth century when bakers would sometimes give thirteen pieces for the price of twelve to guard against being punished under the Assize of Bread and Ale, which protected customers from being shortchanged. Baking thirteen items also allowed a baker to lose one item to damage and still end up with a dozen.

WHAT I LEARNED: If it’s not right, try something else.

One Girl Cookies co-owner Dawn worked in the fashion industry before she decided to open up the bakery and focus on her passion for food.

“Don’t get too wrapped up in what you’re about to do. Nothing is permanent,” she said. “When you start doing something, you might find out that you love it and you want to continue down that path. Or you might discover it’s not the right thing. And that’s okay, you can change your path and try different things until you find what’s right for you.”