LCB CareerGuide
LCB CareerGuide
With Additional
Work Experience
Sous Chef
Chef
Pastry Chef
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Culinary Arts
Cooks or chefs are trained culinary professionals who may also be
managers. They may create recipes, plan menus, and prepare a wide
variety of foods that includes everything from soups, salads, and
appetizers to entres, side dishes, and desserts. They may also be
responsible for estimating food requirements, ordering food samples,
and directing the work of other kitchen staff. At certain levels,
management and hiring can be a major part of the job. In fact, large
restaurant operations may have chefs or cooks who almost exclusively
supervise others in the kitchen. The duties that they perform look similar
on paper, but there is a broad difference in what a typical day might be
like depending on where the person is working.
In restaurants that employ several professional cooks and chefs, there
are often many stations where people work at a particular task. There are
professional cooks and chefs who specialize in everything from sauces
to sushi to sweets.
The various titles of chef generally apply to more advanced roles in a professional kitchen
(for example, Sous Chef, Executive Chef). Graduates of a culinary arts training program
should expect to pursue entry-level opportunities and should not expect to become chefs
upon graduation, but are encouraged to work toward becoming a chef through the course
of their careers. Le Cordon Bleu cannot guarantee employment or salary.
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Cook/Line Cook
Station Cook
Station cooks may be named for the item they cook. The saucier, in
a traditional kitchen brigade, is responsible for the preparation of all
stocks and sauces, as well as all meat and poultry. A saucier must be
knowledgeable about the various mixtures and nuances of creating
fine sauces as it can be a complex process.
Caterer
Caterers provide food, beverages, and service for functions and
events such as parties, weddings, conferences, corporate outings,
banquets, film crews, and more. They are responsible for preparing
the food, getting it to the event, setting it up, serving, and taking
it away. Smaller catering companies may employ only a handful of
workers while large caterers may have extensive staff. The size of
catered events can range from small groups to hundreds or even
thousands of people.
Lead Cook
Lead cook is a professional cook with a certain amount of experience,
expertise and/or seniority at an establishment. A lead cook may also be
called a head cook. Head cooks coordinate the work of the kitchen staff
and direct the preparation of meals. They determine serving size, plan
menus, order food supplies, and oversee kitchen operations to ensure
uniform quality and presentation of meals.
Roundsman
The roundsman, also called a swing cook, fills in on various stations
within a professional kitchen. In a kitchen brigade, the roundsman
could get experience working on any or all of the stations from
saucier to garde manger.
Depending on the size and type of restaurant, there may also be an:
Vegetable Cook (legumier)
Entre Cook (entremetier)
Roundsman (tournant)
Fish Cook (poissonier)
Cold-foods (garde manger)
Roast Cook (rtisseur)
Pastry Cook (ptissier)
Grill Cook (grillardin)
Fry Cook (friturier)
Garde Manger
In a kitchen brigade, the garde manger, also called a pantry cook, is a
station cook in charge of preparation and storage of cold foods such
as salads, cold hors doeuvres, and pts and may create decorative
items such as ice carvings and edible centerpieces.
Apprentice Chef
A position as an apprentice chef is a learning opportunity. Usually, an
apprentice chef will work as part of a kitchen team, under the supervision
of a station cook/chef, until they gain experience and understand
the operation and procedures of a particular station or kitchen.
Responsibilities may include food preparation tasks such as slicing and
dicing as well as cooking.
Sous Chef
The sous chef is the second in command behind the executive chef
and typically assumes the role of executive chef in his or her absence.
Sous chefs finish and decorate special dishes or presentations. They
may also have responsibilities that are not cooking related, such as
maintaining kitchen records, estimating the types and quantities of
food that need to be purchased, and inspecting the kitchen along with
its equipment and utensils. While smaller restaurants may not require a
sous chef, larger establishments may have more than one.
Personal Chef
Personal chefs plan and prepare meals in private homes for individual clients.
They usually purchase the groceries and supplies theyll need and clean the
kitchen after the meal is served. In some cases, a client may request that the chef
serve the meals as well. Most chefs would be informed of their responsibilities
before they accept a position with a prospective client.
Personal chefs can also prepare meals in a clients home on a per occasion basis,
for example a small dinner party.
Some personal chefs run their own business. Rather than work for just one
client, they have several. For these clients, they prepare a variety of meals for
an entire week in their clients kitchens, the chefs own kitchen, or at another
location, depending on how they want to set up their business. Usually a weeks
worth of meals is delivered to the clients or available for the client to pick up.
Managing several individual clients requires time management and
organizational skills in addition to cooking expertise, but it also offers flexibility
and allows chefs to control their own schedule and workload.
Research Chef
Chefs with a background in food science could combine that knowledge with
their culinary expertise in a position as a research chef, testing new products
and equipment for food manufacturers, marketers, restaurant chains, and other
companies involved in the production of food products. This type of job can
involve developing recipes, testing new formulas, and experimenting with taste
and eye appeal of prepared foods.
The various titles of chef generally apply to more advanced roles in a professional kitchen
(for example, Sous Chef, Executive Chef). Graduates of a culinary arts training program
should expect to pursue entry-level opportunities and should not expect to become chefs
upon graduation, but are encouraged to work toward becoming a chef through the course
of their careers. Le Cordon Bleu cannot guarantee employment or salary.
Food Stylist
Food stylists work in photo studios or on location for magazine layouts and
television commercials. They prepare recipes and food products for close-up
beauty shots in advertising or editorial pages. For these purposes, presentation
is paramount the food must look beautiful and appetizing and hold up under
hot studio lights.
Chef Instructor
A chef instructor is a professional, experienced chef who teaches at a culinary
school for people interested in pursuing careers as professional chefs. In addition
to teaching culinary theory and techniques, they can provide students with
insight and tricks of the trade garnered from firsthand experience.
Cooking classes are also offered at places such as local schools, churches,
community centers, and even cooking retailers. Generally those classes are
geared for people who enjoy cooking but do not intend to make it their
profession.
Catering Manager
Catering managers arrange for food service in a hotels meeting and convention
rooms. They coordinate menus and costs for banquets, parties, and events with
meeting and convention planners or individual clients. They also coordinate
staffing needs and arrange schedules with kitchen personnel to ensure
appropriate food service.
Food Writer
Food writing does not require that one be a professional cook, but a trained cook
with writing talent could consider positions as a freelance editorial contributor
or on staff for a magazine publisher or newspaper. Food writing could include
anything from writing recipe articles or cookbooks, to reviewing restaurants.
Master Chef
The title of Certified Master Chef is the measure of accomplishment awarded to
cooking professionals who possess the practiced skills to perform culinary art
to the very highest standards. Certification can be gained through experience
and the intensive testing of the candidates culinary skills and knowledge by the
American Culinary Foundation (ACF).
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edible artistry
The sweet side of the culinary industry is the end of the rainbow for
individuals who are passionate about creating delicious breads and
pastries. They may work under a variety of titles depending on the place
they work or on factors such as level of experience, type of education or
training, or seniority. A passionate field, where professionals love what
they do.
Upon completion of a baking and pastry arts training program, the
graduate should have the skills needed to pursue career opportunities
in the pastry/baking industry at an entry level. Examples of some job
titles for graduates include Baker, Bakery Assistant, Pastry Cook, Cake
Decorator. The various titles of chef generally apply to more advanced
roles in a professional kitchen (for example, Pastry Sous Chef, Executive
Pastry Chef). Graduates should not expect to become chefs or owners
upon graduation, but are encouraged to work toward becoming a chef
or owner through the course of their careers.
Graduates generally should expect to pursue career opportunities in the baking, pastry
and culinary industries at an entry level. The various titles of chef generally apply to
more advanced roles in a professional kitchen (for example, Pastry Chef, Station Chef).
Graduates of a baking and pastry arts training program should expect to pursue entrylevel opportunities and should not expect to become chefs or owners upon graduation,
but are encouraged to work toward becoming a chef through the course of their careers.
Le Cordon Bleu cannot guarantee employment or salary.
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Baker
Bakers use various ingredients and mixing methods to produce breads, pastries
and other baked goods. Along with baking expertise, they should have an eye
for detail and be skilled in icing and decorating techniques. Bakers also need to
know about applied chemistry, ingredients and nutrition, government health and
sanitation regulations, business concepts, and production processes. Bakers who
are employed by establishments that sell directly to the consumer, such as
bakeries, pastry shops, boulangeries, hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, and baking
departments in grocery stores, usually produce only small quantities of breads,
pastries, and other baked goods to be sold on the same day. Those who work
for manufacturers, on the other hand, produce goods in large quantities, using
high-volume mixing machines, ovens, and other equipment.
Pastry Cook/Ptissier
In some larger restaurants, a pastry cook (ptissier) may have responsibilities at
a single station within a kitchen that has several station cooks, each responsible
for preparing a particular item to be served to restaurant patrons. The ptissier
is responsible for making the pastries and desserts that are served during or
at the end of the meal. Titles such as First, Second, Third Pastry Cook and so
on can be used.
Cake Decorator
Cake decorators have an artistic flair and design skill. They use special tools
and ingredients such as pastry cream and colored icings to create designs on
everything from petit fours to large wedding cakes, as well as other special
occasion cakes, and pastries. They also shape pastries and cakes into various
forms which are then decorated with edible designs such as flowers and letters.
bakery/Pastry Assistant
Bakery or pastry assistants create baked goods and confections under the
pastry chefs supervision. After they have acquired a certain amount of
experience, a bakery or pastry assistant may move on to the position of pastry
chef where he or she can be responsible for creating a wide variety of pastries
and baked goods and possibly supervise and/or train staff.
Caterer
Caterers provide food, beverages, and service for functions and events such
as parties, weddings, conferences, corporate outings, banquets, film crews,
and more. They are responsible for preparing the food, getting it to the event,
setting it up, serving, and taking it away. The size of catered events can range
from small groups to hundreds or even thousands of people. Pastry cooks or
chefs might have their own business providing pastries, desserts and specialty
items such as chocolate fountains for weddings, teas, black tie functions,
childrens parties and other events, or they may work for a catering company.
Confectioner
Confectioners make all kinds of candies and bite-sized sweets. The gamut
runs from hard candies, marshmallow and jelly candies, to licorice, toffee, and
chocolates.
Chocolatier
Chocolatiers are trained artists who make individual chocolates by hand.
These can range from individual bite-sized chocolates to elaborate chocolate
creations. They must be skilled in the techniques of chocolate making which
include melting, blending and molding different types and kinds of chocolate,
and have an understanding of how different kinds of chocolate react under
varying circumstances that can alter the texture and consistency. The
experienced chocolatier is able to judge the right balance of butter and cocoa,
and develops an eye and feel for when the chocolate mixture is right.
The various titles of chef generally apply to more advanced roles in a professional kitchen
(for example, Sous Chef, Executive Chef). Graduates of a culinary arts training program
should expect to pursue entry-level opportunities and should not expect to become chefs
upon graduation, but are encouraged to work toward becoming a chef through the course
of their careers. Le Cordon Bleu cannot guarantee employment or salary.
Pastry Finisher
Pastry finishers have an artistic flair and design skill. They use special tools
and ingredients such as pastry cream and colored icings to create designs on
everything from petit fours to large wedding cakes, as well as other special
occasion cakes and pastries. They also shape pastries and cakes into various
forms which are then decorated with edible designs such as flowers and letters.
Pastry Chef
Pastry chefs create a wide variety of baked goods and confections everything
from cookies and cakes to chocolates, petit fours, baguettes, tortes, laminated
doughs, and whatever their imagination can dream up! In addition to being
creative and knowledgeable about dessert tastes and flavors, some pastry
chefs may have an administrative role in larger restaurants where theres an
entire pastry staff.
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HOSPITALITY &
RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT
Hospitality and Restaurant Management is the business side of the
culinary world. Management professionals take care of business
in the office and the front-of-the-house with the customers
rather than in the kitchen. The field includes establishments that
not only serve food, but also those that just provide lodging,
and others such as large hotels and chains that have at least one
restaurant and often several on the premises.
In most cases the essential responsibilities are similar, but various
job functions may overlap or be bundled into one position
depending on the type and size of establishment. For example,
at a small restaurant, the manager may be responsible for certain
activities that at a larger operation would be divided among
an executive chef, a food and beverage manager, a restaurant
manager, a hotel manager, and an assistant manager. In other
words, depending on where you work, you could have a strictlydefined area of responsibility or be called on to wear several hats.
For that reason, you may find it helpful to read several of the
positions listed here in order to get a better grasp on what each
job might entail, depending on the employer.
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Guest services/Concierge
Catering coordinator
Caterers arrange for food service in a hotels meeting and convention
rooms. They coordinate menus, costs, and staffing needs for banquets,
parties, and events with meeting and convention planners or individual
clients.
Assistant Manager
Assistant managers help run the day-to day operations of a hotel,
restaurant, pastry shop, or bakery. In large hotels, there may be
several assistant managers in charge of different areas such as office
administration, security, or recreational facilities. However, in smaller
hotels, those responsibilities may be combined into one position.
Graduates of a hospitality and restaurant management training program should expect to pursue entry-level positions such as those in event management, or in the
catering or guest services environments. The other titles listed refer to more advanced roles in a professional environment. Graduates should not expect to start out
in advanced positions upon graduation, but are encouraged to work toward advancement in the industry through the course of their careers. Le Cordon Bleu cannot
guarantee employment or salary.
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Supervisor
Supervisors are responsible for overseeing and directing the employees who work
for them in a restaurant, hotel, pastry shop or department within an operation. They
make sure all employees are doing their jobs satisfactorily and help solve problems
that may arise. Depending on the operation, a supervisor may also have additional
administrative responsibilities.
Manager
Managers direct and train the staff and are responsible for the day-to-day operations
of a restaurant, hotel, pastry shop or department within a larger operation. They
make sure the business runs smoothly, that service is prompt and courteous, that
complaints and problems are resolved and that customer requests are carried out.
Professional (FMP)
Restaurant managers may choose to acquire this certification because its a
recognition of their professional achievement. The National Restaurant Association
Educational Foundation awards the FMP designation to managers who achieve a
qualifying score on a written examination, complete a series of courses that cover
a range of foodservice management topics, and meet standards of work experience
in the field.
Graduates of a hospitality and restaurant management training program should expect to pursue
entry-level positions such as those in event management, or in the catering or guest services
environments. The other titles listed refer to more advanced roles in a professional environment.
Graduates should not expect to start out in advanced positions upon graduation, but are encouraged
to work toward advancement in the industry through the course of their careers. Le Cordon Bleu
cannot guarantee employment or salary.
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Matre d
A Matre d oversees the dining room in fine dining establishments and serves as
the host or hostess who welcomes customers, shows them to their tables, and offers
them menus.
Restaurant Owner
Anyone who would like to own their own restaurant is free to do so but its usually
wise to have experience or training in the field, or to partner with someone who does.
Owners make decisions about every aspect of their restaurant. They determine the type
and quality of food, the dcor, the level of service, hours of operation, staffing, and
every other detail that goes into successfully running a restaurant.
Hotel Manager
Hotel managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a hotel. In larger
properties such as chains, one or more hotel managers may assist the general
manager, frequently dividing their time between the food and beverage operations
and the rooms or lodging services. At least one manager, either the general manager
or a hotel manager, is on call 24 hours a day to resolve problems or emergencies.
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General Manager
General managers are responsible for the overall operation of a hotel. They set room
rates, allocate funds to departments, approve expenditures, and ensure expected
standards for guest service, decor, housekeeping, food quality, and banquet operations,
within guidelines established by the owners or executives of the hotel or chain.
Managers who work for chains may also organize and staff a newly built hotel, refurbish
an older hotel, or reorganize a hotel or motel that is not operating successfully.
Sales
Salespersons sell a product or product line to individual customers usually in a retail
environment such as a pastry shop, or to buyers for restaurants, grocery stores and
other businesses. Retail salespersons work in a specific location and assist walk-in
customers. They should be knowledgeable about the products they are selling and
be able to answer customers questions. Sales representatives, on the other hand,
generally call on buyers at a variety of businesses to interest them in their products
and address any of their clients questions and concerns.
Gaming Manager
Gaming is a specialized area that may overlap the hospitality industry but also
requires knowledge very specific to the gaming industry. Gaming managers have
expertise in the casino industry. They organize, direct, control, or coordinate gaming
operations in a casino and formulate gaming policies for their area of responsibility.
Individuals in these positions usually have postsecondary education or training and
work experience in a related occupation.
Culinary / restaurant
industry facts
The culinary and hospitality industries offer a wide range of interesting opportunities
around the corner or around the world. They attract creative and talented people
from all walks of life with the common goal of building their careers around the
preparation and presentation of glorious food.
By the numbers,
culinary is an industry thats cooking!
The culinary and restaurant industry is the nations largest employer
(outside of the government) employing an estimated 13.1 million people
in all levels.
Projected restaurant-industry sales for 2013 is $660 billion.
1.3 million culinary industry jobs are expected to be added over the
next decade.
Restaurant-industry sales are forecast to advance 4.1% and equal 4% of
the U.S. gross domestic product.
The overall economic impact of therestaurant industry is estimated at
$1.8 trillion in 2013.
Every dollar spent by consumers in restaurants generated an additional
$2 spent in our nations economy.
Every additional $1 million in sales generates 34 jobs for the economy.
The restaurant industry employment grew 2.4 percent in the past year.
Resulting in 2012 having 13 consecutive years of growth, outperforming
overall U.S. employment growth.
On a typical day in America, restaurant-industry sales amount to
$1.8 billion.
80% of restaurant owners said their first job in the restaurant industry
was an entry-level position.
88% of restaurant employees said the industry provides the opportunity
to move up to management.
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Career Support
The Career Services specialists at Le Cordon Bleu campuses are dedicated
to helping you prepare for your professional career in the culinary
and hospitality industries. Whether you are a current student, a recent
graduate or an alumnus with many years of working experience, you can
obtain ongoing Career Services assistance. Which means whenever youre
ready to change employers or advance with your current employer, were
ready to provide guidance to help you achieve your goals. While youre a
student, we will assist you in your search for part-time employment and
an employer for your externship.
While you are a student and after you graduate, our Career Services staff
will work with you, one on one, offering a range of services to support
your career planning efforts. We can help you prepare for the interviewing
process. Well suggest ways to improve your resume, work with you on
interviewing skills and help you with job search strategies and networking.
We also arrange career and job fairs with employers in the culinary and
hospitality industries. Our strong network of industry relationships can
introduce you to opportunities throughout North America to help you
obtain a rewarding career.
Graduates generally should expect to pursue career opportunities in the baking, pastry
and culinary industries at an entry level. The various titles of chef generally apply to
more advanced roles in a professional kitchen (for example, Pastry Chef, Station Chef).
Graduates of a baking and pastry arts training program should expect to pursue entrylevel opportunities and should not expect to become chefs or owners upon graduation,
but are encouraged to work toward becoming a chef through the course of their careers.
Le Cordon Bleu cannot guarantee employment or salary.
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Externship programs.
Career and job fairs.
Interview, resume and networking guidance.
Employer network throughout the nation.
Ongoing job search assistance.
Financial Services
Tuition planning is available to all our students and our Financial
Services department will work with you individually to ensure that
you receive all the funding you are eligible for. We participate in
a variety of financial aid programs for the benefit of our students
and can assist you through the application process. Financial aid
is available for those who qualify, and we encourage our students
to apply for it as early as possible after they enroll in order to allow
sufficient time for the application process.
Scholarship Opportunities
Le Cordon Bleu offers several scholarships to qualified students
from diverse backgrounds and circumstances. For those who love to
compete, you can put your skills to the test against others who share
your passion and compete for a scholarship.
Admissions
Your first contact at a school will be with an Admissions Representative
who can answer your questions about the school, provide a tour
of the campus and industry-equipped kitchens, and discuss
future career opportunities. Our schools admit individuals who
demonstrate a desire and commitment to becoming a professional
in the foodservice industry.
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Culinary / restaurant
industry facts
Few institutions of any kind possess the prestigious reputation of Le Cordon
Bleu. This internationally renowned culinary arts school is synonymous
with expertise, innovation, tradition, and refinement qualities that are
meticulously nurtured by Le Cordon Bleu.
The name Cordon Bleu [meaning Blue Ribbon] is rich with history and
heritage. It has been synonymous with excellence since 1578, when King
Henry III created the LOrdre des Chevaliers du Saint Esprit [The Order of
the Holy Spirit]. It was the most exclusive order in France until 1789. Because
the members, royalty included, were awarded with the Cross of the Holy
Spirit, which hung from a blue ribbon, they were called Cordon Bleus.
The sumptuous banquets which accompanied their award ceremonies
became legendary.
In 1895, Marthe Distel, a French journalist, founded a weekly culinary
publication entitled La Cuisinire Cordon Bleu, which was published over
the next seventy years and became the basis and reference for what is now
perhaps one of the largest recipe collections in the world. It contributed
to the codification of French Cuisine and in essence established some of
the guiding principles of Le Cordon Bleu: informative demonstrations,
hands-on teaching by experienced instructors, fine ingredients, and
foundational techniques.
Following the popularity of the publication, the first Le Cordon Bleu school
officially opened its doors as a culinary school in Paris in 1895. The first
Cordon Bleu cooking class was held on January 14, 1896, in the Palais Royal.
From the beginning, celebrated Chefs of the time came to teach at Le
Cordon Bleu in Paris, including the legendary Chef Henri-Paul Pellaprat. The
cooking classes were an immediate success. The reputation of the school
spread rapidly worldwide. Students in the United States have been able to
locally participate in Le Cordon Bleu inspired cooking courses since 1998
and share in this rich heritage.
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Our Goal
Le Cordon Bleu is dedicated to providing a high standard of education
in the classic and modern culinary arts to help prepare students for
professional opportunities in the culinary and hospitality industries.
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schedule a tour
Contact a Le Cordon Bleu Campus today!
Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco, CA
Austin, TX
Hollywood campus:
6370 West Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
888.900.CHEF [2433]
Chefs.edu/Los-Angeles
Scottsdale, AZ
Boston, MA
Chicago, IL
Dallas, TX
Las Vegas, NV
Pasadena campus:
530 East Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101
Miami, FL
Seattle, WA
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
St. Louis, MO
Orlando, FL
Online
888.557.4222
Chefs.edu/Online
Portland, OR
Our Goal
Sacramento, CA
Find employment rates, financial obligations and other disclosures at www.chefs.edu/disclosures. Le Cordon Bleu cannot guarantee employment or salary. Some Le Cordon Bleu credits may transfer to another
Le Cordon Bleu campus offering a higher degree program should a student choose to pursue one within our network; however, credits earned at Le Cordon Bleu are unlikely to transfer externally. Programs and
extracurricular activities may vary by campus.
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts has an articulation agreement which allows our graduates to transfer into online programs offered by Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale. This articulation agreement
is a formal, written document that defines how courses taken at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts can be applied towards these online programs. Contact an Admissions Representative for more information.
While the look of the facilities at our various campuses may vary, the photographs in this document represent the general type and quality of equipment and facilities at all of our schools.
Le Cordon Bleu and the Le Cordon Bleu logo are registered trademarks of Career Education Corporation. LCB-35434 545616 11/13
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