Ashmita Prasad who graduated with a Diploma in Hotel Management (Accommodation and Food Beverage) from the Fiji National University (FNU) said she was able to easily secure employment at a Coffee Club in Auckland, New Zealand after she migrated seven years ago.
Born and raised in Nausori, a career in the food and beverage industry was always going to be a natural choice for Prasad who aspired to shine as a chef after selecting food and nutrition classes as her subject combination in high school.
Prasad graduated from the FNU’s College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies (CBHTS) in 2010. She started her career as a chef at the MHCC Food Court in Suva before joining the I-Crave Bistro as a Head Chef.
Moving to a foreign country after getting married in 2013 came with challenges as Prasad had to adapt to a completely new lifestyle, however, the FNU graduate was always confident of securing a job for herself as she was well equipped with the necessary skills and experience in her field.
“At Coffee Club, my role is to ensure the smooth running of the kitchen, proper food handling and safety and to meet the appropriate quality and quantity of foodservice as per the standards,” mentioned Prasad.
A decade later, Prasad is full of praise for the Fiji National University (FNU) and looks back on her time as a student from the College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies (CBHTS) as a sense of pride.
“I took this programme not only because of my immense interest but the fact that the demand for job opportunities in this field was high at that time. I was also keen to learn the managerial side of the role in restaurants and hotels,” stated Prasad.
The mother of two also expressed that through her education and training at the FNU, she was able to specialise in different roles in reception, accommodation, food and beverage and housekeeping.
“When you finish the programme, you will have options to select the suitable area that you want to continue with. The best part is that FNU’s Diploma in Hotel Management (Accommodation and Food Beverage) programme can enable you to find a job anywhere in the world.”
“I was able to learn different culinary skills, how to provide fast and efficient services, how to organise fine and presentable plating styles, leadership role and being organised, which I still practise at my current workplace.”
Other than working as a Head Chef at the Coffee Club, Prasad is also a Bachelor of Health Science student at the Auckland University of Technology.
“Studying at the Fiji National University (FNU) was hugely satisfying and has proven to be a vital part of success in my career. My message to prospective and current students is to keep striving. Although there may be uncertainties due to the current global situation and it may be difficult to make right decisions, but time will change and things will settle back,” she mentioned.
Admission for Semester 1, Quarter 1 and Trimester 1, 2022 is currently underway and interested students can apply via the Admission Application portal on the FNU website. Click on https://www.fnu.ac.fj/study/apply/ to apply.
Prospective students can also text on 857 or email on admission@fnu.ac.fj if they face difficulties completing the process online or need further admission information.