Prasad Excels in NZ Through Skills Learned at FNU
Ashmita Prasad managed to secure employment at Coffee Club in Auckland, New Zealand after migrating there seven years ago.
The Fiji National University (FNU) Diploma in Hotel Management (Accommodation and Food Beverage) graduate, who was born and raised in Nausori, said a career in the food and beverage industry was always going to be a natural choice.
Ms Prasad, who aspired to shine as a chef after selecting food and nutrition classes as her subject combination in high school, managed to graduate from the FNU’s College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies (CBHTS) in 2010.
She started her career as a chef at the MHCC Food Court in Suva before joining the I-Crave Bistro as a Head Chef.
Moving abroad
Moving to a foreign country after getting married in 2013 came with challenges as Ms Prasad had to adapt to a new lifestyle.
However, the FNU graduate was always confident of securing a job for herself as she was well equipped with the necessary skills and experience in her field.
She says at the Coffee Club, her role is to ensure the smooth running of the kitchen, proper food handling and safety and to meet the appropriate quality and quantity of foodservice as per the standards.
A look back at FNU
A decade later, Ms Prasad has praised the University (FNU) and looks back on her time as a student with a sense of pride.
“I took this programme not only because of my immense interest but the fact that the demand for job opportunities in this field was high at that time. I was also keen to learn the managerial side of the role in restaurants and hotels,” she said.
The mother of two expressed that through her education and training at the university, she was able to specialise in different roles in reception, accommodation, food and beverage and housekeeping.
She said the best part is that FNU’s Diploma in Hotel Management (Accommodation and Food Beverage) programme can enable you to find a job anywhere in the world.
Other than working as a Head Chef at the Coffee Club, Ms Prasad is also a Bachelor of Health Science student at the Auckland University of Technology.
“Studying at the Fiji National University (FNU) was hugely satisfying and has proven to be a vital part of success in my career. My message to prospective and current students is to keep striving,” she said.
Admission for Semester 1, Quarter 1 and Trimester 1, 2022 is currently underway and interested students can apply via the Admission Application portal on the FNU website.
Prospective students can also text on 857 or email on admission@fnu. ac.fj if they face difficulties completing the process online or need further admission information.