Alumni Spotlight - Mati Flezar
“My studies have definitely helped me with a career because when I first went to do cooking, I had no idea what I wanted to do in life. Without Perth College UHI, and the course, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
International student, Mati, studied for five years at Perth College UHI and is now successfully working as a chef.
Introduce yourself
My name is Mateusz Mati Fleszar and I come from Poland.
What course did you study at Perth College UHI?
I studied for five years at Perth College UHI. I did my Hospitality Level 1 all the way up until my HNC qualification in Professional Cookery.
How did you hear about Perth College UHI?
I've heard about Perth College UHI online when I first moved to Perth in 2012.
What were you doing before you came to Perth College UHI?
Previously, I studied Sport and Fitness in Dumfries and Galloway College for two years.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I have always enjoyed cooking, and I didn't know what I wanted to do - especially after doing Sport and Fitness and not enjoying it.
What was your favourite thing about the course?
Going into different places to learn new things and cooking alongside amazing chefs. Going through scholarships to such places as Crieff Hydro and The Gleneagles Hotel, who hosted the Ryder Cup. Being able to go to events and cooking competitions, staying in amazing hotels, and cooking with great chefs. As well as that, meeting new people along my cooking path and working with amazing lecturers who helped me gain confidence as well as skills.
Were there any standout/memorable moments from your course?
When I went to the finals of a very prestigious competition (the Gibby Scholarship) and went to the Kilmarnock Cook School and had to cook in front of judges and chefs from Gleneagles - which was a fantastic experience, but very nerve wracking at the time!
Did you have a favourite dish that you made during your time studying?
My favourite dish I made was a lemon soufflé. I must have made it hundreds of times for my competition, and I mastered it by the end.
What knowledge, skills and experience did you gain from your course that have helped you since leaving Perth College UHI?
I have learned a lot at Perth College UHI, especially with all the placements and scholarships I have been through – during the Ryder Cup, Crieff Hydro, and the Gibby Scholarship. As well as that, I was chosen to go see Michel Roux senior at The Gleneagles Hotel, to see the launch of his new book about cheese, because of my hard work and achievements.
What did you think about the styles of teaching, and the support you received from staff?
I found the staff and learning styles very helpful, especially all of the practical stuff in the kitchen. As well as that, there has always been help with written work from all lecturers and PAT’s. There was even help available for students of other languages with any written work needed for the course. I even managed to pass my numeracy, which I am very weak at, and got my higher level while doing my HNC.
Did you undertake a placement or work experience whilst at Perth College UHI?
I didn’t do any work experience while at College, I just did my scholarships. I also had a full-time job working as a waiter, and then as a chef, while doing my full-time studies.
What did you like about the campus? Were the Food Studies and Hospitality facilities good?
The campus is very well organised. The Food Court offers an amazing range of foods for everyone to pick from - cooked and served by our amazing students, who learn their level 1 and 2 cooking in a busy environmental kitchen for hundreds of students. There was also other stuff available on the campus: gym membership, rock climbing, various fitness classes – all available at the new ASW sports building, which has amazing opportunities for everyone.
Were there any other achievements you gained, on your journey?
During my years at Perth College UHI, I achieved my HNC qualifications and managed to pass numeracy, English, IT - all at Higher level. I also got my Higher Hygiene certificate and Health and Safety. At my current job, I have managed to get First Aid qualifications.
What have you been up to since graduation? Are you currently employed?
Since the graduation, I have been working full-time and learning new things each day. I currently work at the Mercure Perth and I'm enjoying it a lot and learning my way up to be a Sous Chef soon.
Do you feel your studies have helped you with your career?
My studies have definitely helped me with a career because when I first went to do cooking, I had no idea what I wanted to do in life. Without Perth College UHI, and the course, I wouldn't be where I am today.
What are your future career plans?
To gain a Sous Chef position at Mercure Perth and learn more skills for the future, such as: running big events, organising menus for weddings, being in charge of food for sports athletes -all of which we do at Mercure Perth. We host weddings, big parties, events, and sports teams - such as football and curling.
Employee of the Month at Mercure
Since graduating, what has been your favourite dish that you have made?
Since graduating, I have made a large number of dishes which I enjoy. But I have always been a fan of Italian and Indian cuisines, so probably a home stretched tagliatelle carbonara pasta. For an Indian, it has to be haggis pakoras with mango and lime chutney (all homemade).
Do you have anywhere that we can follow your work?
I have created an Instagram account where I showcase all the skills I have learnt on my path, both at college and during all jobs I have ever worked at. My Instagram is @chefmati1992 and during lockdown, I have managed to master and promote my page to a large amount of people around the world. It is currently sitting at over 51K followers.
Did you enjoy studying at Perth College UHI?
I have enjoyed studying at Perth College UHI a lot and made a lot of friends and amazing memories along the way. One of my highlights was going to prestigious hotels and restaurants and working along Scotland's best chefs.
Myself and my friend Woody with chef Praveen Kumar
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at Perth College UHI?
I would definitely encourage them to study at Perth College UHI, because it’s a great place with a lot of things to do around the campus. It’s a great chance to learn a career path and provides opportunities of going amazing places through scholarships and internships all around the world. With hard work and determination, you can achieve anything you want.
