Hospitality Just the Tonic for Annabel

Completing a Level 3 in Hospitality through the school links programme gave former Glenola Collegiate student Annabel McNutt a clear path for a career in hospitality and tourism, with a generous portion of ‘confidence boost’ on the side.

Annabel said, “As part of my A-Level course at school, I did a Level 3 in Hospitality at SERC. It proved to be my favourite subject and the one I succeeded in most, gaining an overall Distinction. I soon realised I had a passion for hospitality and knew I wanted to pursue a career in the sector.  University didn’t seem the right pathway for me but having experienced the College, I knew it offered the perfect place for further study and progression.

Annabel enrolled on the Ulster University Foundation Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management with Specialisms, which she again completed with a Distinction.  She added, “College was extremely different from school.   I found it much calmer and because the classes were smaller, it was easier to get to know everyone including the tutor. My fellow students quickly became a close-knit group.

“I didn’t have much experience in hospitality, but my CV was filling up with valuable experience gained through the course, all designed to put my skills and knowledge into action from a 1970s themed tea party to the Mayor’s Thanksgiving Dinner to the Dining at the Docks food showcase in Portavogie and working in The Birches Restaurant in the College.   I was lucky to start my first and current role in Jenny Watts, a popular pub restaurant  in Bangor, through connections with my course."  

Eager to build on her success, the young woman spent two weeks on a bridging course this summer which allows her to proceed to the final year of the Ulster University BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Management starting this September.  

Annabel concluded, “I was an extremely shy and socially awkward person, but since coming to SERC and working in hospitality, my confidence has sky rocketed.  So if the thought of going to university straight from school seems a bit daunting, then I would recommend progressing to SERC first.   It has proved the right pathway for me and has allowed me to flourish and become more confident.  I am ready for my first and final year of university and my dream career in hospitality.”  

Find out more about Hospitality programmes at SERC unlock your future #BetterOffAtSERC.

Photo by Burak The Weekender: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-formal-table-setting-735869/