Jamie started studying in the BA (Hons) in Culinary Arts after discovering his passion while working in hospitality.
Finding a career in something you love doing is not always a clear path, as Jamie Herrity, a mature student from Sligo, currently in his third year studying Culinary Arts at ATU Donegal realised.
Jamie joined ATU Donegal in 2019 as a mature student after discovering his passion for Culinary Arts while working in Hospitality. Since then, Jamie has enjoyed resounding success competing and winning at the Salon Culinaire at IFEX, Northern Ireland's largest and most prestigious chef competition. Jamie commented, “I was drawn to ATU Donegal as I had heard and seen only good things about the university. The degree programme I study, Culinary Arts, has had many successful and inspiring graduates pass through the programme. Someday, I hope to make this prestigious list of graduates.”
Jamie added, “It’s a great place to study, the campus is like a community, and the support lecturers offer is above and beyond – I have most of their mobile numbers and it feels like more of a friendship and mentorship than a typical lecturer/student dynamic. I am always presented with opportunities to showcase my work and compete against other chefs. This pushes me to excel in a professional capacity. Most of the teaching is carried out in the kitchen and it’s this practical hands-on approach that suits me best, I learn more by seeing and doing. There is theory too and the assessments are a mixture of both practical and theory, so the balance plays to students' strengths.”
ATU Donegal offers a modern learning environment offering academic excellence and close partnerships with industry and employers. Whatever degree programme you choose at ATU Donegal, the academic and student support staff help students to pursue their academic and career ambitions with confidence.
The CAO ‘Change-of-Mind' facility offers students the chance to reflect on their CAO choices and to make final changes to their CAO options. This facility closes at 5.00pm on July 01. With the deadline looming, ATU Donegal is encouraging prospective students to consider ATU Donegal in their CAO choices.
If you are looking for advice or information on your Level 8 and Level 6/7 CAO programme options at ATU Donegal, ahead of the CAO ‘Change of Mind’ deadline, contact the ATU Donegal Schools Engagement Team this week via phone on (074) 9186104 or email on lauren.reynolds@lyit.ie