I graduated from the University of Manchester with a 2:1 in French studies and then spent a year learning how to cook to a professional standard at Leiths School of Food and Wine. During my final year at university I incorporated my love of food by writing a dissertation on the cultural differences between France and the UK as seen through food magazines. There was a particular focus on how Christmas is celebrated in the two countries. As well as this I wrote for and co-edited the food and drink section of the student newspaper. After just 6 months we were nominated for, and won, best section at the union awards in 2017.
While at Leiths I learned the theory of cooking and then put that knowledge to use in practical sessions. My year there allowed me to explore many different styles of food and types of career. I completed work experience at Darjeeling Express, where I was taught how to run the pass; at delicious. when I saw how a magazine is created; and I spent an evening assisting at School of Wok, learning how a small cooking school is run.
Work history
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Editorial AssistantDelicious. Magazine UK
- London, United KingdomInternship
Helped the Editorial Assistant by researching articles such as what are the best restaurants for Pancake Day, calling in photos to accompany articles, updating recipe and article spreadsheets. I prepped food for the staff Christmas party.
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Recipe TesterBBC Good Food
- London, United KingdomInternship
Recipe tested for Christmas features such as an edible advent calendar, midweek suppers, and festive bakes. Assisted Sara Buenfield on 3 shoot days, including December 2017 cover/feature shoot and a web shoot, during which I kept the kitchen area tidy, prepped ingredients and helped by making dauphinoise potatoes, salsa, and piñata ghost biscuits for the photos. Helped to set up, cook for and judge the BBC Good Food Show bursaries for the 2018 season.
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Skills
- Cookery
- Feature Writing
- Content and Media Writing
- Editorial
- Anecdotal Writing
- Recipe Development
- Food Blogging
- Food Styling
- Food Writing
- Food Photography
Education
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Three Term Professional Diploma in Food and WineLeith's School of Food and Wine
- London, United Kingdom
- Taught how to cook professionally with a view to running a business; however the course content is wide enough that all careers in the food industry are represented and possible
- Demonstrations gave confidence in the theory of cooking & gave insight into future life through a variety of guest teachers
DIPLOMA IN PROFESSIONAL CULINARY ARTS LEVEL 4
WSET IN WINE LEVEL 2 — MERIT
HEALTH AND SAFETY LEVEL 2
FOOD HYGIENE
FIRST AID
ALLERGEN AWARENESS
COSHH
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2:1 BA (Hons) French StudiesUniversity of Manchester
- Manchester, United Kingdom
- Organised a pop-up shop on behalf of Teenage Cancer Trust. as part of a Career Management Skills module. Skills included time management, team work & report writing. £1100 was raised.
- Third year spent abroad at the University of Poitiers, France. Overcame language barriers to organise & enjoy life there.
- Dissertation compared French & British culture as seen through food magazines with reference to Christmas traditions.
- Took Communicating with Confidence module to improve presenting skills. Learned strategies for coping with stressful situations.