Hospitality students get catering industry mentor

Students studying for their Hospitality degree at Brookes University in Oxford are being given a rare and valuable insight into the benefits of working in the workplace catering sector.

Catermasters and In House managing director, Richard Moody, has given up his time to act as a volunteer mentor to students.

Moody has had a close involvement with Brookes for eight years and is pleased to be able to pass on his expert knowledge and experience to students.

He is currently acting as a dedicated mentor to two scholars as part of their 'careers' module and has given valuable advice on topics that include writing a strong CV and making the most of an interview situation.

But taking part in the mentoring scheme has also given Moody a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about the merits of establishing a career in the workplace catering sector – something that does not feature heavily on the curriculum at Brookes.

"All the students I've come into contact with have shown an interest in what we do at Catermasters and In House and they've asked a lot of questions to try and get a better understanding of what it's all about," he said.

"A large proportion of the students had preconceived ideas that workplace catering isn't creative, is dull and is generally uninspiring. Of course, the truth is very different. When I've highlighted how contract catering has come a long way and spoken about just some of the typical quality and service requirements from our contracts, the students have been genuinely surprised and impressed.

"I think it's opened their eyes to a different part of the hospitality industry – particularly when they realise the workplace catering sector works to a normal working day and week. That's something that becoming more and more important to youngsters who are just starting out on the career path."

Lindsay Marshall-Ward is one of Moody's mentees and she is currently in the final year of her Hospitality and Tourism degree at Brookes. She said: "The workplace catering sector is an area that you probably wouldn't think about moving into as a graduate but Richard's insight has certainly given me a better understanding of what's involved. There are no guarantees that I'm going to plump for a career in workplace catering but I now know it could be a realistic and challenging option to consider."

Words: Clare Riley

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