“Success is a journey, not a destination.” quote-unquote Ben Sweetland, prominent American author.
We at Lavonne are proud of our students and their achievements. This month, we’d like you to meet Rowena D’Mello from the batch of January 2014.
Tell us where life has taken you after Lavonne.
On completion of my course at Lavonne, I applied for an internship at The Ritz Carlton, Bangalore. On successful completion of my internship, I was offered a permanent position there and I currently hold the post of Commis II in the pastry and bakery department. My job responsibilities include independent charge of either lunch or dinner buffet depending on my shift, production of desserts for the buffet, high tea, club lounge, and for the pastry shop as well.
How and why did you apply for the Diploma program at Lavonne?
I have been blessed with a creative and artistic bent of mind and have always been interested in bakery and confectionery. Subsequent to my BA, I decided to pursue a career in Hotel Management with bakery and confectionery as my specialisation. However, I felt my diploma at IHM Goa needed to be complemented with further learning. In my search for institutes which could help me hone my skills, I chanced upon Lavonne’s website. I liked what I saw, made enquiries, sent in my application and the rest is history!
What was your experience at Lavonne like?
Lavonne truly was an amazing experience. The staff, the facilities, the curriculum, the exposure was unlike anything I have ever experienced before, in a truly positive and enriching manner. I not only learnt a tremendous amount but also got a very true and revealing glimpse into the realities of my chosen field which strengthened my enthusiasm for this career.
How has Lavonne helped in your professional pursuit as a pastry chef?
Being an alumnus of Lavonne which is so well known in Bangalore only served to be a door opener to a choice internship and career in my chosen field. It not only honed my existing skills but also taught me new skills which have helped me gain competitive advantage over other aspiring employees.
Is there a piece of advice that you might like to give current and future students of Lavonne?
Enjoy your course and time at Lavonne. Only when you enjoy what you do can you truly excel and excellence is truly what Lavonne is all about. Make the most of the experienced faculty and the facilities available. Don’t waste opportunities. Before you know it your time at Lavonne is over and you are in the real world of competitive work.
What plans do you have for the future?
For now, all I want to do is gain every possible exposure and experience in all the areas and facets of my particular career choice. I would like to work here till I learn all that I can possibly do from my current employment and then move on to other properties where I can both learn more and ascend the employment ladder. I would love to have a few years of exposure abroad as well but finally I want to open a ‘boutique patisserie’ in my own signature style, in my beloved Goa!