Students get valuable insight into world of work

Enthusiastic tourism, hospitality and events foundation degree students from SERC enjoyed a one-day induction to Asian cuisine restaurant Zen, Belfast, to kick-off their new academic term.  

Accompanied by their course tutor Roxana Magee, the students got the opportunity to hear from inspiring staff working in the industry including taking part in round table discussions with Eddie Fung, owner of Zen and Melita Williams Director of Bespoke Northern Ireland. Both shared their knowledge and experience with the students and discussed the challenges and opportunities within the local hospitality sector.  

Industry visits are a fantastic opportunity for the students to get a valuable insight into the world of work. Through links with employers, students get the chance to gain invaluable contacts and employability skills, which are fundamental in today’s working environment.  

As well as having fun and developing their skills, to top the experience off, students were given the opportunity to learn first-hand from Zen staff how to make the perfect cocktail and also learnt how to make sushi. Course Director Roxana Magee said of the induction, “This has been a brilliant opportunity to provide students with the realities of the industry from an early stage of the course which will help to prepare their learning. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bespoke Northern Ireland who is a well-established industry partner for this course and Zen who are a new valuable addition to the industry network supporting this course.

“The day offered students a unique insight into how the industry operates and how they can harness their talent to become well rounded, skillful graduates when entering the industry. Days like this also provide students with high quality work experience which can help them stand out from the crowd, while businesses gain enthusiastic, motivated students keen to bring their skills to projects in the organisation.”  

Roxana added, “We have had great feedback from the students, and it has been a rewarding and engaging experience to set them up for the beginning of the academic year.”  

For more information please call 0345 600 7555, visit www.serc.ac.uk or find us on Facebook, search: SERC.