Springboard Programme: Springboard Mentorship Programme

Region: London

Year: 2014

“I have always had a passion for the hospitality industry. My journey began with a Saturday job at a local fishmonger’s, which sparked my interest in culinary arts. I subsequently pursued formal training as a chef at Westminster Kingsway College.

To further expand my knowledge and skills in the field, I decided to undertake a hospitality degree at WKC, it was during this time that I was introduced to Springboard. I participated in a matching day, which was akin to speed dating, where I had the opportunity to meet various industry leaders.

While I initially envisioned myself working in a 5-star hotel, it was during this event that I felt a strong connection with Carl Smith, a director from Sodexo. Fortunately, the feeling was mutual, and we were paired as mentor and mentee.

This experience has been invaluable in shaping my career. Working with Carl has provided me with guidance and insights into the industry, helping me refine my skills and navigate the professional landscape. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from someone with such extensive experience and expertise.

The programme I did with Springboard was a mentorship programme, it really gave me an insight to all sectors within the industry, as my mentor was well connected, he got me experience with his network so I could get a feel for different areas, from doing finance with the team at Ascot racecourse, to a 5* hotel F&B team. It taught me the importance of networking, as since then you constantly bump into people along your professional journey.

Participating in the mentorship programme provided me with invaluable insights into various sectors within the industry. Thanks to my well-connected mentor, I had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in different areas, ranging from finance with the Ascot racecourse team to working alongside a 5-star hotel’s food and beverage department. This exposure taught me the significance of networking, as it has allowed me to establish connections with professionals throughout my career journey.

Engaging with senior individuals in these businesses significantly boosted my confidence and refined my communication skills. I became more comfortable interacting with high-ranking professionals, and their willingness to offer guidance and support to passionate young individuals like myself was truly inspiring.

Furthermore, the mentorship programme provided me with a comprehensive understanding of how different departments collaborate and contribute to the overall success of an organisation. This knowledge has proven invaluable in my current role in operations, where I regularly engage with teams from health and safety, marketing, and finance on a daily basis.

Overall, the mentorship experience has had a profound impact on my personal and professional growth. It has equipped me with the confidence, knowledge, and networking skills necessary to excel in the industry and effectively collaborate with diverse teams across various departments.

I loved meeting new people, in sectors I didn’t think would interest me, and this helped me end up in the position I am in now. I am still in touch with my mentor 10 years later.

I am now General Manager for Vacherin, CH&CO, managing a site in the centre of London.

Something that has always stuck with me is something a teacher at school used to tell me all the time… ‘No one can ever take away your papers’… So go and do the programme, even if you don’t go into hospitality after, it will still teach you things and provide support.”