Graduate progresses up the Hospitality ladder

International Hospitality Management graduate Tom Richens recently visited UCLan to attend a dinner staged by current first year students.

We spoke to Tom to find out how his career had progressed since he graduated in 2011: "When I left UCLan I did a three month contract for Party Ingredients, London.

"I was responsible for packing and delivering catering equipment across various London venues and assisting the management of high profile events such as royal banquets, state banquets and VIP ceremonies.

"During that time I worked on events for the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke of York, Boris Johnson and on a State Parliamentary Dinner with guests including Condoleezza Rice, the former US Secretary of State.

"I moved on to do two ski seasons as a Chalet Manager in Les Gets, France. These were hard work, but good fun, and enabled me to put my degree to good use. I also improved my French whilst of course enjoying the chance to ski and snowboard when I had the time.

"In between ski seasons I had a short-term contract as a Catering Supervisor. I'm now the Events and Catering Manager at the University of York, where I'm responsible for managing the catering offering from snacks and refectory meals to events and formal dinners.

"I'd recommend students to get involved with everything you possibly can do, including the Students' Union. It adds to your CV and will develop your people management and teamwork skills."