Alumni Spotlight - Linsey Macdonald
“The experience this course had allowed me to gain is amazing!”
After six years of studying in the Food Studies and Hospitality department, Linsey is all set to graduate this October at our ceremony at Perth Concert Hall. If you’ve been thinking about a career in hospitality, read on to hear about the experience and skills Linsey has gained from her time studying at Perth College UHI.
Can you introduce yourself?
I’m Linsey Macdonald, 24, and from a small village in the middle of Dundee and Perth.
What course did you study at Perth College UHI?
I have been at Perth College UHI in their hospitality department since 2016, and I have only just graduated with my degree in Hospitality Management this year. I started Professional Cookery Level 2 off halfway through the first semester in November of 2016. Since then, it has been a whirlwind of highs and lows, while making lifelong friends during every year there.
How did you hear about Perth College UHI?
I have grown up in the general area - for me, this was common knowledge. However, during my last year of high school - during the UCAS process and picking out further education establishments - was when I became fully aware Perth College UHI and its location.
What were you doing before you came to Perth College UHI?
I had just left Strathallan, my high school. I was working as a waitress at a local golf club over the summer before deciding that I would like to have qualifications in the hospitality sector.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
This was to aid my parents in their business venture as they had just opened-up their own coffee shop/restaurant. However, it also offers many opportunities as it is a course and qualification that can take you all over the world, as it is a universal trade.
There will always be some form of demand from the customers for the hospitality and tourist industry to keep life social, as a result there will always be some form of demand for workers to meet the demands of the consumers. This means that work can almost be guaranteed whether it’s in a restaurant, bar, cruise ship, or yacht.
What was your favourite thing about the course?
My favourite thing about the course was the people in and teaching it. As great as the course was, and as interesting as the modules were, for me it was always the people in my class and my lecturers throughout the years that really made it enjoyable and a memorable experience. Amid the jokes between the classes and the staff, to the energy produced during services, it was an all-round amazing and addictive environment that induced learning without even realising it.
Were there any standout/memorable moments from your course?
The Sodexo Dinner that the Gallery Restaurant and kitchen would host. The experience of working with David Ward and being able to produce the quality and level of dishes that were being executed was not only thrilling, but incredibly fulfilling knowing that you helped to create a work of art that would hopefully leave a lasting impact on the consumers. The entire experience was amazing and only improved each year as he was teaching us techniques that we would not normally learn due to the nature of the course over the nature of that dinner. As it was usually a very high-end fine dining experience, that included some elements of molecular gastronomy. For example, we turned olive oil into a sort of snow/powder through correctly identifying and using stabilising agents.
What knowledge, skills and experience did you gain from your course that have helped you since leaving Perth College UHI?
This course has taught me how to be confident with myself and my abilities. It has also helped my communication, timekeeping, and all-round people skills. It has highlighted the importance of teamwork and clear communication with your team, because if your team is not working like a well-oiled machine then your service will become unnecessarily difficult with issues arising that could have easily been avoided. I feel like that can be translated to everyday life and any job or task that requires teamwork.
The experience this course had allowed me to gain is amazing, not only because of the service opportunities in the college restaurant but because of the conferences and competitions they attended both as viewers and competitors. One of them being ScotHot, this is Scotland’s leading and most prestigious showcase for food, drink, hospitality, and tourism. The college allows you to attend as either a competitor or as a viewer. This gives the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the industry during live demonstrations but if you are a competitor, it can propel any career leaps and bounds, while offering the opportunity for some amazing and influential contacts in the industry to be formed. The opportunities in this department are truly amazing and certainly not lacking, for example some of the students have the chance to attend a trip to London this year.
What did you think about the styles of teaching, and the support you received from staff?
In my opinion the teaching styles in this department are very effective and efficient, but I think that could be down to the individual and how they learn. However, because it is a more practical course where you are graded mainly on physical ability and putting theory into practice, it makes the content easier to learn and retain as it is being applied.
Did you undertake a placement or work experience whilst at Perth College UHI?
I originally started working for my parents at their restaurant for the first couple years however, I decided I wanted to gain a little bit more experience while broadening my horizons, so I moved to the Huntingtower in Perth. After a few months there, I wanted to be challenged, so I moved to a more local restaurant which offered a fresher and more seasonal menu. However, an opportunity to work at Gleneagles presented itself and I was desperate to gain the experience and knowledge from an establishment with such high renown. The experience was fantastic, but I unfortunately had to stop working, but this allowed me to focus fully on my studies.
What did you like about the campus?
The campus offers fantastic facilities and support for the students such as a fully equipped top of the range gym with membership programmes, classes and even a climbing wall. The support offered for the students are also excellent as they help to set up support plans while providing additional support for any kind of issue that can be imagined/fathomed. They are incredibly supportive and non-judgemental while offering flexibility when it comes to trying to help or rectify any issues or situations.
Were there any other achievements you gained, on your journey?
While being a part of this department, I have managed to achieve a silver medal at Sodexo’s Salon Culinare Competition - which was a truly amazing experience and learning opportunity.
What have you been up to since graduation? Are you currently employed?
I have been preparing to return to the college as I am away to start my MBA in Business Administration. I have not been employed, as I have been enjoying the summer before the start of term craziness begins!
Do you feel your studies have helped you with your career?
Yes, I do, massively. Without this course and the opportunities provided within it, there is no way I would have developed the skills; perspectives; thought processes/mindset; confidence; or professional/personal contacts I currently have. This has helped me become sure of who I am and my ability to be confidently decisive.
What are your future career plans?
Once I have completed my MBA, I would like to go and get a PhD. Once completed, I would like to go out and gain some further work experience in business and corporate life. Hopefully giving me the opportunity to open-up and run my own successful hospitality establishment(s), branding myself and my name more than a building. That way any expansion should be easier as it will be my name that is the sign of brand quality.
Did you enjoy studying at Perth College UHI? Any highlights?
Studying at Perth College UHI has been a truly enjoyable experience with many highs and lows and maybe a mental breakdown here or there. That being said, there is not one aspect of this experience I would want to change as it has all been a learning curve that has taught me a lot about myself as a student and an individual.
The main highlights of my experience would be any nights we had service, as the days/nights in the kitchen prepping and cooking were the most fun I have ever had in a place of education. The class and staff have been truly amazing, supportive, and incredibly patient. Goodness knows I’ve put them to the test but because of that, and the last six years I have spent in this department, it feels like they are more like family than staff. I could not pick out one single highlighting moment because for me it is a plethora of moments throughout my time there that has made it a truly memorable and enjoyable experience.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at Perth College UHI?
Be bold and do it. You don’t have anything to lose but everything to gain - from qualifications, experiences and opportunities to relationships and friendships. I have loved my time there and met lifelong friends along the way and memories that will be forever cherished.
