Keen baker, Sakshi Rajesh Mayekar, wanted to study a course that combined theory with practice at a university in her hometown of Mumbai. The Institute for Technology and Management was the perfect location, but it was only once she realised that it ran an internationally-recognised BA International Culinary Arts degree that would offer her the well-rounded learning experience she desired, that she decided to apply.ÌýÌý
The course is validated by Queen Margaret University (QMU) offering a programme with the same academic standards as equivalent awards delivered by the University in Edinburgh. Graduating top of her class in 2023, Sakshi shares how her student experience helped her land her dream role.ÌýÌý
Why did you choose to study at one of QMU’s collaborative partner institutions and what attracted you to the course?ÌýÌý
The BA International Culinary Arts course provided an opportunity for me to learn the concepts, while also helping me to understand how to practically apply these skills in the physical workplace – something that I felt other degrees at the Institute for Technology and Management didn’t fully encompass.ÌýÌý
All the modules in the course were designed to provide students with a better, more rounded way of learning.ÌýÌý
What did you enjoy most about your course?ÌýÌý
The modules had two components to them - one was a written essay, and the other was either a presentation or some form of physical product development.Ìý
I thoroughly enjoyed both elements of the modules, as we got the chance to come up with new ideas for products that are not already available on the market - it was a great learning experience as I knew this was something that would help me immensely in my future career.ÌýÌý
In one specific module, we got the opportunity to film a video which encapsulated Indian culture through food. My group decided to focus on seafood which allowed us to travel around the city, tasting new dishes and experiencing new flavour profiles as well.Ìý
Our course teachers were also so helpful and supportive throughout my time at university.Ìý
What’s your ‘top tip’ for making the most of being a student and what was the most valuable lesson that you learned?ÌýÌý
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to be patient, prepared and make sure to try and apply all of the information you learn at university to your working life in the future as the skills you pick up really are invaluable.ÌýÌý
Can you tell us about your life post-graduation?ÌýÌý
I had the best experience at university, and I will always be grateful to everyone who shaped me into the person I am today.Ìý
Since I’m interested in baking, after graduation, I joined Le15 India - a chain of patisseries owned by Pooja Dhingra, a celebrity pastry chef and businesswoman. I worked in the research and development department with her, creating new products for the brand.ÌýÌý
Now, I am working at Toast Doughnut Shop in Mumbai, owned by chef, Devika Manjrekar. It’s an all-female kitchen and we have just recently opened a new store in Bandra. I was on the store opening team and we are now getting a great response from the industry, as well as the community.Ìý
Since graduating, I really understand the importance of everything I learned at university, and I have been applying so much of that knowledge to my previous and current job.ÌýÌýÌý
