Compass Group Role Model Case study – Assistant Catering Manager (Contract Food Service Provider/Food & Service Management) Description This case study comprises a short personal profile about Alice Yu, an Assistant Catering Manager with the Compass Group, a leading Food and Service Management company. The case study records Alice’s replies to a questionnaire about her career and experience and what makes her enthusiastic about the FSM/Hospitality industry. The information and images in this case history were re-produced with the kind permission of Alice Yu and the Compass Group. This case study and example activities are relevant for a range of current hospitality, leisure, and tourism qualifications at levels 1-3, for example the themes ‘The Hospitality Industry’ and ‘People in the Hospitality Industry’ in the Diploma in Hospitality and the WJEC GCSE Hospitality & Catering areas of study ‘The Industry – Food and Drink’ and ‘Job Roles, Employment Opportunities and Relevant Training’.
Suggested learning activities Levels 1 and 2 1. (a) Make a list of all the good things Alice identifies about working in the hospitality industry. (b) Which things are most likely to attract you to work in the industry? 2. Discussion points: (a) What is Food & Service Management and what other terms can be used for FSM? (b) Alice started work as a pot washer – how can this sort of experience help in your future career? (c) Why are education and training particularly important if you want to get on in your career? (d) In addition to direct feedback from customers, how might members of staff find out if they are performing well or not? Level 2 3. It is your first day on work experience. With a partner create 3 role plays in which you demonstrate that you are following Alice’s 3 tips to people entering the industry. Level 3 4. Carry out research to find out: (a) about Compass and one other FSM company including where they are based; the main range of products, brands and services; career opportunities; (b) how important the Hospitality Industry and the FSM sector are to the UK in terms of economy, jobs and the community.
Springboard Education at: http://education.springboarduk.net and http://resource-gateway.co.uk To contact us directly email: education@springboarduk.org.uk
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THE COMPASS GROUP ROLE MODEL CASE STUDY – ASSISTANT CATERING MANAGER (FOOD & SERVICE MANAGEMENT) Background This case history consists of a personal profile of Alice Yu, an Assistant Catering Manager with the Compass Group, a leading Food and Service Management company. It is based on a questionnaire interview with Alice. Many thanks to Alice and to the Compass Group for providing this information.
The Compass Group is a market leader in providing food and a range of selected support services to customers in the workplace, in schools and colleges, in hospitals, at leisure or in remote environments. Interview with Alice Yu Name: Job Title: Location:
Alice Yu Assistant Catering Manager, Compass Central London
1. Why were you attracted into the industry? I knew from a young age that this was the industry for me, I was brought up in the service industry. I love this industry because it’s people orientated, fun, and varied. Springboard Education at: http://education.springboarduk.net and http://resource-gateway.co.uk To contact us directly email: education@springboarduk.org.uk
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2. What was your first job in the industry? I started from the bottom in pot wash. 3. Did you have a mentor who encouraged you during the early stages of your career? If so, who and why were they inspirational? I wasn’t encouraged to come into the industry it was seen as undesirable. I encouraged myself at the early stages. I have always known from seeing my parents working that the industry required commitment and hard work. Later, studying at university encouraged me and inspired me the most, as I was surrounded by people with similar goals and aspirations which helped me along the way. 4. What do you regard as being your biggest achievement to date? My biggest achievement to date was gaining my university degree in International Hospitality Business Management, and being shortlisted as an Olive Barnett Award finalist in 2008 - it was unexpected! 5. What industry ambitions would you still like to achieve? My ambition is to make a difference in the industry. 6. What gives you a buzz about your job? When I receive excellent feedback from clients and customers. 7. Why would you recommend the industry to potential recruits? I would recommend the industry to anyone - the travel and hospitality industry is exciting, fun and challenging! There are so many avenues to take. 8. What are your top 3 tips to people entering the industry? From my experiences my 3 tips on entering the industry are to be open minded, prove yourself, work hard the rest will follow‌. 9. Any other comments you would like to make? Working in this industry can be daunting at times, what I have realised is that you get what you put in. My advice is to get involved, network and attend industry events to build on enthusiasm and industry knowledge. We are in a global industry with global opportunities, I recommend being open minded and try something different. For further information about the Compass Group and job opportunities, visit the website: www.compass-group.com Springboard Education at: http://education.springboarduk.net and http://resource-gateway.co.uk To contact us directly email: education@springboarduk.org.uk
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