Hospitality alumni network meeting
3 November 2011
Staff, students and alumni of the University were given a valuable opportunity to hear from one of the most well-respected chefs in the hospitality industry, Marcus Wareing as he spoke at our annual hospitality alumni network meeting in London.
The Michelin star chef gave a fascinating insight into life in the kitchen, providing great inspiration as he discussed his progression within the sector and the development of his restaurants, Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley and The Gilbert Scott.
Giving a candid account of his experience and what it takes to work in hospitality, he described what he looks for as an employer and his strong support for education.
He said: 'To be able to move forward you need to know your past and where you've come from – a bit like education. If you don't have an education, it's very difficult to move forward.'
He also had some useful advice about employability for our alumni: 'Be vocal about what you want to get from your career. It's about you as individuals. Use your experiences, grow your experiences and store what you've learnt so you become a better, more rounded person.'
Joining Marcus as keynote speakers were Jane Sunley of talent management experts learnpurple and John Dunning, principal lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University who expanded on what Marcus said as he talked about professionalism. The speeches were followed by refreshments and the chance to network with professionals from across the industry.
Kindly sponsored by food services and contract caterers Compass Group, the hospitality alumni meeting was held at the RICS, Parliament Square – a stunning listed building that dates from 1899 and overlooks Westminster Abbey.
Listen now
Listen to all the keynote speeches from this event below.