Issue Fifteen, December, 2013
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2013!
A record of 90 graduates from 37 countries!
EAHM
A note from The Managing Director
Mr Ron Hilvert, Managing Director
Editorial Team Marketing Team at EAHM Issue 15, December 2013 The writers for this issue include: Aline Paulus, Angela Anthonisz, Ariella Adachi, Dwayne Fernandes, Dyno Mark Duque, Helen Morris, Janine Niklas, Karyn Williams-Sykes, Kushal Ramani, Marianne Saulwick, Michael Kitts, Nina Badri, Philipp Roesch, Radhika Budhbhatti, Samuel Moult, Veronica Pino, William Oakley, Zafar Khan Photos by: Marketing Team, Nick England and others. Cover Photo: Graduation 2013
I can truly say that 2013 brought some of the most incredible things to Dubai and The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM). As we all know, Dubai has won the bid to host Expo 2020, and we, at EAHM, couldn’t be more excited for the incredible opportunities this will bring to the region and our students. There has never been a better time to enter the local Hospitality and Tourism Industry – Whereas the worldwide statistics indicate that 9 – 11% are currently working in our industry, the projection is that by 2020 possibly 25%, or 500,000 people of Dubai’s population will be employed in our industry. What great opportunities! Looking back at the year I see a year of profound achievement. We celebrated record enrollment at EAHM and the largest graduating class to date, a total of ninety students from thirty-seven different countries. It is a great pleasure to be able to say that 96% of our graduates find employment within the first six months of graduation. This year EAHM made huge strides as a leader not only for its sector, but also in the United Arab Emirates. The International Star for Leadership in Quality Award in the Gold Category recognises entrepreneurial achievement and dedication to continuous improvement and innovation. I am very proud to say that EAHM now holds this award and we will continue to strive for excellence and quality in everything we do. This was also a year of culinary achievement. Our team achieved a gold award at the Sri Lanka Dilmah Real High Tea Challenge and took part in several prestigious competitions such as the Taste of Ireland, the Italian World Summit, and the Dubai World Culinary Challenge. In addition, I would like to congratulate Chef Michael Kitts for his achievements this year being placed number 10 in the Hotelier Middle East Caterer Power 50 2013 and additionally for being awarded ‘Culinary Ambassador’ in the inaugural ProChef awards. We look forward to 2014 with profound excitement. EAHM will host the EuroCHRIE conference in October, and I truly believe that there couldn’t be a better time to reflect on the changes happening in the world of Tourism and Hospitality, in “The City of the Future”.
Visit our Website! www.emiratesacademy.edu The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management PO Box 29662 Dubai, United Arab Emirates Telephone: +9714 315 5555 Fax: +9714 315 5556 Email: info@emiratesacademy.edu
The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management celebrates its largest Graduating Class!
I extend utmost thanks to those who have been so very supportive of EAHM over the years. I know, with confidence that 2014 will bring even further achievement and success. Best wishes, Ron Hilvert The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management
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Congratulations Class of 2013! The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM) is proud to have celebrated the graduation ceremony for its 9th graduating class at Jumeirah Emirates Towers in November. We celebrated the largest graduating class to date with a total of 90 students from 37 different countries receiving their degrees from EAHM. Of those graduates, 80 completed the “Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in International Hospitality Management” programme and 10 completed their “Master of Science in International Hospitality Management” degree. The keynote address was delivered by Mr Ghaith Al Ghaith, the Chief Executive Officer of flydubai. Commenting on the record number of graduates, Mr Ron Hilvert,
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Managing Director of EAHM said: “With Dubai’s growth in the hospitality and tourism sector, there will be many opportunities for our graduates to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have acquired during their time with us at EAHM. We will continue to deliver to the industry the highest calibre of individuals who will be leading the growth of the industry both locally and internationally.” Graduates of EAHM find excellent professional placement opportunities with 96% being employed within the first six months of graduation. More than 450 alumni are now working in over 90 countries and have been employed by more than 100 companies worldwide. Page 3
Industry Liaison
International Internships Internship in Germany at Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
Industry Presentations
by Aline Paulus & Philipp Roesch
by Marianne Saulwick
Two of EAHM’s students, Philipp Roesch and Aline Paulus, both second year students, are currently interning at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin. Working in the Concierge department, Philipp ensures an enjoyable experience for the guests. His tasks include welcoming them to the hotel and wishing a warm farewell, managing their luggage and vehicles, taking care of in-house deliveries, and assisting the guests with their Berlin itineraries. He was placed in all available positions, as bellboy, porter, and doorman. Interning in the F&B department, Aline is ensuring the international guest’s satisfaction in the different F&B outlets by providing a highclass service. An important aspect here is the application of the LQA Kempinski standards and the personalisation aspect during the service procedure. At times she faces certain challenges as the management of guest complaints. She mostly enjoys meeting new guests from various countries and with interesting personalities. Both are enjoying their internships very much, as they finally can put the theoretical knowledge learnt at EAHM into practice. Therefore, efficient organisation, good product knowledge, and especially teamwork are essential. Kempinski, the world’s oldest and one of the most luxurious hotel brands goes in a perfect symbiosis with The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management and provides an unforgettable experience. Both students are looking forward to returning to Kempinski in the future and are grateful for the amazing start to their hospitality careers.
Internship in Dubai at Madinat Jumeirah Conferences & Events by Veronica Pino Before the internship starts there is always that hint of excitement and curiosity, as you don’t really know what to expect, but, I have to say, I have been very lucky in working for the Events Department in Madinat Jumeirah. The actual work is hectic, you know what time you start but you never know when you finish. However, it is never boring because you are always dealing with different people and the events are always unique in their own way. I have helped in organising big events such as Fashion Forward, the GPCA Forum, the Islamic Forum, and was lucky to be here when the EXPO 2020 bid and Dubai International Film Festival took place. Dubai really is where the East meets the West and Jumeirah is the heart of its hospitality industry. The team is incredible and helped me a lot by involving me in events, teaching me the processes and procedures and supporting me at all times. The department is composed of a very strong team, and I am definitely looking forward to applying here once I finish my degree!
Internship in Maldives at Jumeirah Dhevanafushi Resort by Nina Badri For my internship I worked as a Personal Assistant (PA) to the General Manager of Jumeirah Dhevanfushi in the Maldives. I have also had the opportunity to receive cross-training in various departments, such as Sales & Marketing, Spa, Front Office, and Human Resources. My role as a PA has improved my ability to multitask and I certainly feel a lot more confident in the work I deliver. Furthermore, I have learned to deal with all kinds of different cultures, personalities, and situations, but most importantly I do not second-guess my decisions anymore. - “Just do it” and “Stay Different”!
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Andy Cuthbert, General Manager, Madinat Jumeirah Coferencing & Incentives, talking about internship and career opportunities with Jumeirah When students first arrive at the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, they are confronted with a dizzying array of hotels operating in Dubai and beyond. They hear the words ‘Starwood, IHG, Conrad, Marriott and Emaar Hospitality’ but how to make sense of them? For instance, Hilton has ten brands in its portfolio. This is where the series of Industry Presentations comes in. Representatives from various major hotel companies visit EAHM to introduce their parent company and their various brands to first year students. Each company has a well- developed ethos/ culture for their company as a whole and then they will foster a particular cultural environment for a certain brand. For example
a brand that caters to hip millennials, eg W by Starwood, will have a completely different feel to a traditional Ritz Carlton. Hotels aiming to attract younger guests may have staff with tattoos whereas older market segments may prefer to see hotel staff in traditional livery. The Industry Presentations give students an introduction into the world of hotel companies, be they owning or management companies. This is a very necessary basis for students deciding where they would like to do their internship. One company might greatly appeal to a student based on the market segment it is targeting whereas another student may be impressed by the history of the hotel or the architectural style.
The presentations give the students an idea of what to expect, should they choose a hotel internship. Another aspect of the Presentations is a separate segment aimed at our graduating and Masters Students. Many hotel companies have developed graduate management training programmes in order to train promising graduates to be future leaders. EAHM is now firmly on the recruitment calendar for these programmes with Sofitel coming in from Paris and Fairmont coming from Canada, along with many others, to specifically recruit our graduates. The competition is fierce but EAHM has a number of graduates in these programmes internationally.
A highlight of Michael’s internship – outside hospitality, within hospitality! EAHM BSc Second Year Student, Michael Oleynikov charts the challenges chefs in the UAE face when buying fresh produce from surrounding suppliers. Michael was given an extraordinary opportunity to travel to Spain to understand the supply chain from seed to plate, feedback the chefs’ initial thoughts to the growers, work in the fields,
the pack-houses, and logistics facilities of Grupocatala. Michael presented his findings to a group of students, industry professionals, chefs and company directors to help strategically lessen the challenges faced by chefs when sourcing fresh produce from surrounding suppliers. Well done Michael!
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International
Culinary Events Italian Cuisine World Summit 6 - 10 November 2013 For the first time, Dubai was the host country for the Italian Cuisine World Summit and some of Italy’s finest 1, 2 & 3 Michelin star chefs were involved in various events in some of Dubai’s finest hotels. EAHM also played a major role, hosting a dinner by Michelin star Chef, Emanuele Scarello, for 40 VIP guests, including The Italian & Turkish Ambassadors. Students had the opportunity to work in the kitchen with the chef, assisted by Haresh and the service team. The final event was a workshop and product knowledge session held in the auditorium.
Pro Chef Awards 2013
by Chef Michael Kitts, Chef Helen Morris and Mr Zafar Khan Sri Lanka Dilmah Real High Tea Challenge After winning the UAE heat of the Dilmah Real High Tea Challenge, Mr Michael Kitts, Director of Culinary Arts, and Mr. Haresh Mohinani, F&B lecturer were invited to Sri Lanka to get a closer look into tea production, grading, and sampling. During the trip, two of the dishes produced in the final had to be replicated for an afternoon tea for VIP guests of Dilmah’s teahouse in Chatham Street. The seven day trip was also an opportunity to see what is expected for the grand final which will be held in January 2015!
MLA (Meat & Livestock Australia) Workshop In October, Tarek Ibrahim held two workshops at the MLA. First year students were taken to the storage facility, their retail outlet, Prime Gourmet, and then to a practical session held at EAHM. We are happy to say that this will now become a regular feature on the Culinary 101 programme.
Compass Chef of the Year Finalist On the 29th of October, EAHM played host to the Compass Chef of the Year Dinner. Four winners from various sectors of Compass UK won the prize of a trip to Dubai. During this trip the sponsor RAK China invited guests to savour a four-course dinner prepared by the chefs using their winning dishes and the assistance of our students. The 40 guests enjoyed a reception and the opportunity to meet students during the evening.
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Taste of Ireland For the second time, the Taste of Ireland competition was held on the 31st of October at the Mövenpick Hotel IBN Battuta Gate Dubai. Eleven five-star hotel teams & EAHM had to produce a four-course meal for 30 guests and three judges in an outside function format using only two power sockets! The twelve teams had initially been paper sifted on their menus from over one hundred entries to make the final! A total of six Jumeirah properties were involved and the standard was very high. The EAHM team included:
Director of Culinary Arts, Michael Kitts was awarded the ‘Culinary Ambassador’ in the inaugural ProChef awards held this year at the H Hotel. Michael Kitts said that he “was overwhelmed and honoured to win such a prestigious award”.
ZUMBA4PHILIPPNES Typhoon Haiyan Yolanda, the exceptionally powerful tropical cyclone that devastated portions of South East Asia, and in particular Philippines in early November 2013 affected many Filipino members of the EAHM and Jumeirah community at large. The robust winds and heavy rainfall caused damage to many citizens and children were among those who suffered the most due to the impact of the typhoon on the water supply and sanitation systems! However, where there is a way, there is a will! Mrs Rona Hilvert, wife of Mr Ron Hilvert, EAHM’s Managing Director organised the workout and put together an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorieburning dance fitness-party that aimed to move people towards health, prayer and charity, all in support of the victims of the natural disaster. All the good positive energy in support of the cause was facilitated by Jumeirah’s very own Eric Mandi, Group Exercise Coordinator, Sports and Leisure and his team. A big thank you to all those who made it happen, from building the stage to dancing away…Every little helps, one love, one community!
New International Partners Managing Director of EAHM, Mr Ron Hilvert and the management of KDU University College Damansara Jaya Campus
Kitchen: Veronica Pino, Raaghav Murugappan, Anna Jentgen, Nina Win
The agreements establish academic exchange programmes between The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management and the new international partners. The agreements provide for study abroad programmes for students, faculty exchanges, academic cooperation and programmes for the development of young talent in the hospitality industry.
Ron Hilvert, Managing Director of EAHM with Professor Carmela Decaro of LUISS Guido Carli University at the Endorsement Ceremony during the UAE - Italy Business Forum at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce.
Service: Sehee Kang, William Oakley, Conrad Sokolnicki The students will enjoy dinner at Tokyo@thetowers, Jumeirah Emirates Towers as a thank-you from EAHM for their involvement and commitment. A well-deserved reward!
The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the KDU University College in Malaysia, Bond University in Australia, CMH Academy in France, Karlshochschule in Germany and LUISS Guido Carli University in Italy earlier this Trimester.
We look forward to welcoming students from our new partners to EAHM in the near future for the Study Abroad programmes!
EAHM @ International Day Hochschule Bremen / University of Applied Sciences By Janine Niklas Dubai World Culinary Challenge 15 - 18 November 2013 At the World Culinary Challenge, an original event held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, 12 national teams had to produce a cold buffet, hot main course, and hot dessert for 50 guests and 4 judges under WACS conditions (World Association Chefs Society). Director of Culinary Arts, Michael Kitts, was involved as Team Manager for the UAE national team, which consisted of six chefs. The team achieved a very credible silver award.
After I spent my academic year abroad at the EAHM and completed my internship in Abu Dhabi, I was delighted to represent my lovely host country at the International Day at the University of Applied Sciences in Bremen on the 28th of November. Bremen is situated in the north of Germany, not far from the North Sea. The International Day is held annually. The
focus of the event was to educate students and alumni about the possibilities to study and work abroad. Over 50 countries were present, and I have to say that, Dubai, represented by EAHM, was definitely the most attractive stand. I was asked a lot of questions about the daily life in Dubai and the Study Abroad programme at EAHM. That day helped me to reflect on the many good memories that I have of Dubai. I truly had some unforgettable experiences in the UAE.
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Inside Scoop
Professional Training & Development (PT&D)
by William Oakley
by Karyn Williams-Sykes entertainers – most notably Boy George in his newfound DJ form.
What did you do in the industry, tell me about your experience and why did you choose to study after 1 year of industry experience? My first interaction with the hospitality industry was during a voluntary placement as a teaching assistant for a prep school in Kenya. While there, I found myself helping out at the local golf club’s bar a couple of times a week; generally preparing drinks and other very basic roles associated with running a bar. All in all, it was easy stuff! But this was my first involvement with a bar and sparked my interest and subsequent enthusiasm when I joined the bar staff at a hotel outside London where my friend worked. Admittedly, at that point I never saw hospitality or hotel management as a career but rather a stepping stone to something else. I believed at the beginning that being a cocktail waiter was a menial task without opportunities that I deemed satisfactory – arrogant and ignorant I know! Oh how that changed…. I was very fortunate to be given tasks throughout a fantastic mix of departments during my employment – from FOH, bartending, events coordinating, taking deliveries and storing, waiting in the bar and English, Thai and Italian restaurants etc. I have a great memory of working at the hotel’s annual Garden Party, waiting the VIP marquees. The party had thousands of guests, with music and
This wide mix of experience although over only a short time period, proved to me the vast scope of our industry and just how wrong I was when I had joined. This is why what was originally a short-term plan, turned into staying for longer and longer until I eventually came here to EAHM to add a qualification (degree) to my CV! I guess that for me, EAHM is a catalyst to take me to where I want to be in the future. Cheesy isn’t it…. What are the challenges or benefits you faced when you moved from industry to education? Wow, where to start? Our industry is hugely challenging; constantly changing with global trends and expectations and therefore creating a need for adaptability as service providers. This is daunting but inherently exciting at the same time! The number of processes and ways of ‘doing things’ ensures that no one could ever know everything there is to know – not even our omnipotent lecturers at EAHM! There are a plethora of benefits available to us here at EAHM, I can’t divulge them all or this will become more of a novel. However, I have been truly amazed at the opportunities we are given here to interact vocationally with our industry. Whether it be working at the Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi, taking part in competitions or regular internship briefings from the Vice-President of Jumeirah – really, we have it all. What interesting things have you done this term? This term has been full on and has been a perfect example of what makes EAHM stand out as a great place to be! Some examples including master chef for the MLA (Meat & Livestock Australia), Mr Tarek Ibrahim, who came to visit us for a master class on beef and other meats. After a tour of a local meat supplier, we visited Prime Gourmet; a superb butchers well worth a
drop-in for anyone! Donned in chef’s whites, Mr. Cec provided a lesson I won’t forget in a hurry. All I’ll say is, being British, I thought myself a beef aficionado – now I’ve realised that was bull - get it? Sorry. Seriously, we all learnt a huge amount from Tarek and probably owe him a steak or two…. Also, I took part in a four-part radio show for Dubai Eye giving my two-pennies worth on ‘The Making of a Hotelier’, which was an experience, short but thoroughly enjoyable. Most recently, I was one of six finalists in the EAHM’s annual flambé competition, although I was pipped to the post by one of my best mates here at EAHM (makes it so much worse!). Oh I nearly forgot to mention this, but I bartended for the official G.H Mumm yacht at the Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi – not the worst way to spend my first experience at the races! I heard you took part in the Taste of Ireland Competition and I would like to know how you feel about it and what was your role in it? Yes, you’ve heard a lot about me haven’t you! On Halloween, I was part of a fantastic group of students pitting wits in the finals of the Taste of Ireland Green Box Competition at the Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel. To say we were excited in the build-up would be an understatement of Big Bang proportions; rivals including professional teams from the Burj Al Arab, Madinat Jumeirah, The Address, Bonnington Hotel and other equally dominant groups provided the best challenge possible to our team of students although our counter-domination plan proved unsuccessful. It was a real honour to have been asked to take part for the Academy, but the heroes are the four student maestros in the kitchen for the event. The competition consisted of the production of a 4 course menu based on any theme but using Irish products as stated in the competition rules & criteria. As part of the service side - we hopefully were able to support them in garnering the respect they deserve.
by Ariella Adachi
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In June, Professional Training & Development turned its focus to Advanced Wines & Sprits certification with the internationally recognised WSET Foundation. The aim of this course was to provide a detailed analysis of the principal wines and spirits of the world. Participants also benefited from in-depth tastings where they learned to identify product style and quality. Some of the topics covered included: Production of Wine: location, viticulture, vinification, maturation and bottling, labelling regulations; Top Wine Producing Regions: France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Central and South Eastern Europe, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, North America, South and Central America; Sparkling Wines; Fortified (Liqueur) Wines, Spirits and Liqueurs; and Information and Advice for Customers and Staff. The prerequisite for this programme was the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines & Spirits, which is offered twice a year at EAHM.
PT&D July 2013 July is a traditionally quiet month in the UAE as we enter the Holy Month of Ramadan. During this period we spend quality time with family reflecting on our lives and
how we can be better individuals, family members, and contributing members of our communities. While reflecting, we should also think of selfimprovement professionally too. In July, you can enroll in Advanced Presentation Skills, Project Management and a choice of Finance programmes, Cost Control, Budgeting for Better Performance or Finance for NonFinancial Managers. As companies have more time now for investing in their human resources, Professional Training & Development also worked with individual client companies to develop and deliver customised programmes for their teams. We worked with Emirates NBD Private Banking and Tips & Toes Spas and Salons in programmes ranging from customer care to leadership skills; building professional relationships and strategic marketing. PT&D September 2013 As a training and development service provider that specialises in the hospitality industry, we are able to really fine tune supervisory and management programmes with a ‘hospitality’ flair. We offer Human Resources Management for the Hospitality Industry, where examples and procedures from HR are given hospitality life. This programme is now being offered with the option of earning a double certification – one from EAHM and another from world renowned American Hotel & Lodging Education Institute (AH&LEI). We are now also offering a new Dynamic
HSMAI by Ariella Adachi
Inside Scoop – Masters I left Los Angeles on one of the hottest days of the year and flew 15 hours to a place that I knew would be even hotter. Before I left, people would often ask me why I was choosing to go to Dubai, why I would leave the comforts of home for the discomforts that would inevitably come with a new environment and a new place to call home for the next year. Having never been to Dubai, or the Middle East before, and having never stepped foot on the EAHM campus, I wasn’t sure what to
PT&D June 2013
expect, but my hopes were high that the place that everyone called “the heart of hospitality” would welcome me too. It has now been three months that I have been in Dubai and I can truly say that my decision was the right one. I came to EAHM to study. But, learning hasn’t just happened in the classroom. I have worked at many incredible events over the past few months such as the Dubai Expo Bid, Ladies Weddings,
and the European Golf Championship. In addition, I am working on several research projects and really enjoying each and every course of the Master’s Programme. More than anything, I can say that I am having experiences here that I will remember for the rest of my life. My journey to Dubai has been incredible and I am really happy that the journey is not close to being over.
Food Photography programme. An exciting, 2 day course that covers the basics of using a SLR Digital Camera, with special focus on taking mouth-watering photographs of food. This speciality photography area is an ideal programme for up and coming Chefs, Food Bloggers, Restaurant Managers and anyone with an interest in specialised photography.
PT&D October 2013 The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management is very proud to announce its partnership with Dubai SME to develop and deliver a Professional Certificate in Restaurant Management. This programme was piloted in October 2013 with 30 Emirati delegates. There is already a waiting list for 2014 and we have received totally positive feedback from all participants. The programme gives participants a solid foundation for running their own, small restaurant business and includes a short observation placement in an actual commercial restaurant. Successful delegates will complete the programme with a comprehensive business plan and a Certificate of Achievement from The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management.
HSMAI is a global organisation of sales and marketing professionals from all segments of the hospitality industry. During the month of October, the organisation held three conferences at EAHM, to which all students were invited to attend. Noted speakers shared their insights on how to turn big data into smart data, adapt to the ever-changing trends in tourism, and voiced their outlook on the travel industry in the UAE and the Gulf Region. More recently, EAHM students have been given the opportunity to network with industry professionals through events hosted by HSMAI’s sister group, Hot Hoteliers, at noted venues, Mahiki and Vida Hotel. Page 9
Welcome to EAHM!
What happens after EAHM...
First Year Housekeeping 101 – Going from Strength to Strength
by Samuel Moult
by Angela Anthonisz This is now the third time that I have run the housekeeping module since taking over in September 2012 and it is often a problem to make a subject interesting when the main areas cover aspects like cleaning equipment, managing guest room attendants and dealing with bed bugs. As a consequence, students thinking about careers in the housekeeping department are often few and far between.
After a few interviews, I came to the sharp end of the job process, the final presentation. My task: to develop a digital marketing plan for the 2013 festive period. A fake Facebook page, some clever editing in MS paint, a trip to the hotel to Instagram it and I had myself a presentation. Then came the waiting…
However, after several sets of feedback and a bit of networking I am pleased to say that this term is the best so far with some great additions to the content in terms of 3 guest sessions by Hege Aamo, the Resort Executive Housekeeper for Madinat Jumeirah, who covered three areas including Housekeeping Careers, Uniform Design, and Opening and Pre-opening of Hotels. In addition to this, we have been able to visit the Housekeeping Department at the Burj Al Arab and go behind the scenes of this amazing ‘7 star’ operation, see the brand new fully automated tunnel wash at the Jumeirah laundry here on campus, visit Al Qasr to see the Christmas decorations, and talk about the science behind putting together a Christmas tree!
Having recently graduated from The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM) I was ready to move into the job world. Having never had a ‘proper’ job before, other than my 6 month internship at Mina A’ Salam in Housekeeping whilst studying at EAHM I didn’t really know what to expect. In recent times the job market had become extremely tough. Dubai, in the aftermath of the global recession, is still taking time to fully bounce back and graduates can often be placed at the bottom of the pile when it comes to education vs. experience. Additionally, Dubai has such a vibrant hospitality industry that gaining employment in a hotel, as well as in a department I wanted to be in, Marketing, was becoming more of a dream rather than a reality.
Jumeirah Housekeeping staff has also contributed with practical demonstrations in making towel animals and Christmas flower arranging. If you add an enthusiastic first year cohort into the mix it is hard not to have a good term!
Orientation Week September 2013 by Dyno Mark Duque Orientation week was a great experience. The melting pot of nationalities present from all over the world was astounding. I literally made friends from all over the world during that week! The Orientation Week was jam-packed with activities. My favorite activity was when all of the new students went to the Wild Wadi aqua park. We all bonded through group games in the water! We even built rafts out of lifejackets!
through the next few years ahead. I don’t think my life at EAHM will be the same if I missed out on the orientation week. My first encounter with the people that I now call my friends was during that week.
That said, EAHM was there for me every step of the way as I began my constant CV adjustments and endless checking of career’s websites. Throughout the duration of my studies at
I’m glad I went to the Orientation Week!
by Chef Michael Kitts, Chef Helen Morris and Mr Zafar Khan This Trimester saw the Food & Beverage students broadening their knowledge through industry visits and demonstrations. In the Food & Beverage Management (FABM101) course, students learned about the flow and process of fast food thanks to Mr Richard Ndongo from Wild Wadi Waterpark, a fun-filled presentation on event catering by Mr Andy Cuthbert, and for the first time Mr Nur Nurani, Page 10
The thing about a job is that you never really know when you’re going to get it. I was driving in my car listening to music when I heard my phone go off. I had an email. I picked it up to see the first line of the email… “Dear Sam, we are delighted to announce that we have picked you for the role…” I had got the job. I don’t know how I didn’t crash because of my shouts of joy. I started my job as Marketing & Communications Executive at Jumeirah Emirates Towers in September, and the experience so far has been incredible. I’ve learnt so much and am surrounded by a great team of hard-working individuals. There is no doubt for me that without a background like EAHM I wouldn’t be typing this newsletter piece. So how do I close this? How do I make it relevant for the reader? In the beginning of your career there are a few things that you need to know and do: 1. Accept that you have no experience. As soon as you realise that you are here to learn you will learn so much more and at such a fast pace. Learning is something we do every day of our
lives and it is incredibly useful that we become a sponge for knowledge in the beginning. 2. Make contacts. Hospitality is the best industry to make contacts, because you can have the time of your life with some of the hardest working and most down-to-earth people in the world. Of course, there are some you might not get on with, but there are so many more that will become your friends for life. These people will help you get jobs, make more contacts and give you free hotel stays, so become their friends; life is too short to have enemies. 3. Be active. Volunteer for jobs that might not pay well and sometimes you might even have to do some for free. The pay comes later in experience and knowledge. At EAHM I worked at 2 Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Dubai World Cup and countless private functions as well as organising student events. I’d be lying if I said that I enjoyed them all, but I certainly took something out of them all.
4. Be young. Not everyone who starts in an industry is young, but when we act young we make mistakes, we do something wrong but that’s what we’re here to do. We learn from mistakes and we mature because of them. I’ve had my fair share, and I’m probably not done yet, but combine this with the above three points and you’ll be on the right track for a great start to your career.
EAHM Student Ambassador Teambuilding
The first few weeks of university are essential for most students. This is when we all make friends; meet people who can support us
Field Trips & Guest Lectures
EAHM I had been a fairly hard-working student, volunteered for several activities at EAHM and had been a member of the Student Council. I felt confident. My CV was strong, much more so than when I had joined, and I had a lot of support and people routing for me.
by Radhika Budhbhatti
EAHM alumni and Assistant Business Excellence Manager at Madinat Jumeirah, presented on the management of quality in restaurants and mystery shoppers. We also visited Dubai World Trade Centre and the catering facility, which is new to EAHM, to see the flow of a food safety management system from delivery to completed food preparation. The Professional Food Preparation (CULN101) & Food and Beverage Service (FABS101) students enjoyed demonstrations from Wet Fish and sushi chef from Tokyo@thetowers. Katinka Socrat,
EAHM Alumni and Managing Partner / Owner at Taste Life, presented a very informative session on intolerances and allergies. The class also learned about the art of the barista, and mixology at Mina A’ Salam. The winners of the Gastronomy (GAST301) course enjoyed their first place prize with dinner at ‘Rhodes 2010’ restaurant with the man himself, Chef Gary Rhodes, cooking in the kitchen and spending some time to talk to the students before and after the dinner.
Our September 2013 intake saw us, the Ambassadors of EAHM and future leaders of the hospitality industry, bonding over a fun-filled day at Wild Wadi, followed by a delicious BBQ at the gardens of Jumeirah Beach Park. This team building event brought us together, allowing us to get to know each other a little better. From the raft building exercise at the Wild Wadi Wave Pool to Body Percussion and Water Balloon fights at the beach, the activities, facilitated by the EAHM Marketing Department and Wild Wadi Life Guards helped us put thought behind the decisions we make in our day to day lives whilst studying in Dubai.
Looking back, it was a great way to engage with a culturally diversified intake, where 43 nationalities reflect in a group of 116 peers! And some of us will be spending up to 3 years with members of this group. After all they say you make your best friends for life at University! The Orientation Week, aka O-Week, was a great way to start university life and the experience keeps us on a steady path to success, right at the heart of hospitality! We look forward to the next event and to welcoming the new batch of EAHM Ambassadors in January 2014!
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Connect with us! The Winchester School @ EAHM by Dwayne Fernandes As a fresh high school graduate from the Winchester School in Dubai, I was so excited to have my old school visit my new home, the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM). Throughout my ‘A’ levels, much like other students, one of my major concerns, along with my results, was where I was going to go on to study after my graduation. Once I had narrowed down the possible industries I would like to be part of, EAHM became my first choice. This was especially confirmed when EAHM had their representatives at my school careers fair. The EAHM reps not only helped explain the admissions process, but also the hospitality industry in general. I personally feel this is one of the main reasons I am in Dubai studying now. I was eager to be a part of the school’s visit to EAHM because I felt it would be a great chance for the current students of the
Winchester School to experience EAHM with a familiar face around. Right from the initial show around with Ashil Shah, the students were keen to know more about the university. The students felt less intimidated and so a lot of questions popped up about how I had heard of EAHM and why I had chosen to study here. Learning about the industry from the Dean himself, Dr Stuart Jauncey, had a positive impact of the students. It showed that EAHM really does believe in a personal experience not only during orientation but throughout their studies at the university. The students were delighted to attend a presentation by Ms Felita Figueredo, Senior Assistant Digital Marketing Manager, Jumeirah Group, about digital marketing strategies used in the industry. It gives me a great deal of pride to represent the Winchester School at EAHM and I can only hope that EAHM becomes a second home to many more of the Winchester School’s alumni.
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RONAI – A Great supporter of EAHM! by Kushal Ramani A company that has just completed 50 years in the rapidly-growing industry In the recent, RONAI has kindly sponsored The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM) with the latest chinaware, a bold selection of glassware, and customised collection of chefswear. EAHM’s Director of Culinary Arts, Chef Michael Kitts stated that “There is no better way to present
food than on a beautiful designed white plate and that in my honest opinion is exactly the opportunity the students have been given by Ronai/Steelite, with their exciting new range.” Mr Gavin Dodd, Managing Director of Ronai commented “EAHM has a good reputation and is one of the best universities in the Middle East”.
The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management PO Box 29662 Umm Suqeim 3, Al Saqool Street, Building 69 Opposite Burj Al Arab Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 315 5555, Fax: +971 4 315 5556 E-mail: info@emiratesacademy.edu www.emiratesacademy.edu Page 12