Lewis Rogers: My journey to Michelin Star success

I chose to study Culinary Arts Management to get an insight into the hospitality industry and widen my scope of the field. I had never had formal kitchen training before undertaking the course and had limited experience working as a chef.

I wanted to broaden my knowledge and improve as a chef while getting an understanding of the theoretical aspects of running a business.

I have found while studying Culinary Arts Management that I have had excellent advice from the tutors about how to improve my culinary skills and have had opportunities to design my own menu's, learn from professional chefs during Academy events and develop practical skills such as managing a team whilst having expert lecturers to advise me throughout any difficulties.

The main advantage of studying the course has been the tutors actively helping me to build a network within the hospitality industry and providing me with the opportunities to work for critically acclaimed chefs such as Simon Rogan.

This has helped me to achieve a personal aspiration of mine that wouldn't have been possible without the guidance from lecturers and skills I have developed while at Ulster University; to be a chef in a 3 Michelin star restaurant and work alongside incredibly talented chefs at the highest level of the industry.

So far, I have been working at L'enclume for three months. Every day has been an exciting learning curve and I am loving every moment of it.

I have the pleasure of working with some of the best chefs in the country and have learnt to follow their standards in everything I do. It is an amazing opportunity to have such expert guidance and it has helped me to sharpen my culinary skills and knowledge whilst doing a job I am passionate about and delivering food I am proud to serve.

The placement so far has been exactly as intended; something to take me out of my comfort zone that has helped me to grow as a person and as a professional. Also, since it is a three Michelin star restaurant, the placement experience will open up a multitude of career avenues for me to explore in the future.

Ulster University has been a huge part of the reason as to why I am working in such an incredible restaurant now, I have found it to be a fantastic university to attend.

Everything from the lecturers taking an active interest into your personal development to the modern campus and facilities available have made the learning experience superb.

I have also learnt a great deal from other students on the course and it is great to make friends within the course with the same interests and ambitions.

It has also been amazing to work alongside other students and see their own creative ideas when it comes to their style of cooking.

For current students, my advice would be making the most of every opportunity the course gives you, the teaching is brilliant and having the opportunity to work with great chefs during Academy practical's amazing but pay special attention to the extra-curricular activity as this is a huge part of the course.

Take part in competitions as this is a great way to cook what you enjoy and have some fun.

Go on the University trips and see what Northern Ireland has to offer.

And make the most of the lecturer's knowledge and networks, they can have a huge influence in where you can end up working and if you want to work at the highest level or somewhere specialized in a certain style of cooking they will know what advice to give you in order to get to where you want to be.

If you need any advice on anything they will be ready to help and have the experience and knowledge to assist you.

For prospective students, Ulster university is a fantastic place to learn and have a great time while you are studying.

Belfast is a brilliant city to live in and UU will help you to achieve whatever goals you may have. In regards to Culinary Arts Management and International Hospitality Management you will meet an abundance of students with the same interests and hobbies; you will also build a great industry network through the lecturers and other students.

UU specializes in hospitality and has a professional teaching team ready to help and all the lecturers have real industry experience so any problems you may encounter while working they will have already faced.