An international journey from chef to manager

Alumnus Shawn Yeo started out as a chef in Singapore, today he is Restaurant Duty Manager at Pullman Hotel in Sydney Olympic Park.

What did you study at Le Cordon Bleu?

I studied a Bachelor of Business (International Restaurant Management) at Le Cordon Bleu Adelaide graduating in 2013 with a Meritorious Award for Excellence.

What is your current role?

I’m Restaurant Duty Manager at Pullman Hotel in Sydney Olympic Park.

Why did you want to work in the restaurant industry?

From a young age I knew I wanted to work in hospitality. I fell in love with cooking because I love food, so after high school I studied a Culinary Diploma then worked in the kitchens in Singapore.  

Why did you decide to study with Le Cordon Bleu?

Le Cordon Bleu was the only university that offered a degree specialising in restaurant management. Their subjects really interested me, in particular, business entrepreneurship, small business management, and restaurant concepts management.

What did you enjoy about Adelaide as an international student?

Singapore was always very fast-paced. Adelaide is a completely different world, it is very relaxed, and you can spend time with your friends. South Australia is fantastic wine country, it’s only one hour from the city, there’s picturesque scenery, vineyards, great food and great wine. It just feels like home.

Tell us about your Work Integrated Learning and how that influenced your career outcome?

I went to Pan Pacific for my second placement and they created a middle management opportunity for me as Restaurant Bar & Events Supervisor. At first I was based mainly in the bar, but I ended up running all three restaurants. I learned so much from my industry placements, they really helped me to grow.

What message would you like to share with others?

Success is very fickle, it means different things to different people. The best advice I can give to you is to find your personal definition of success – do not let others determine what success is for you.

What is your plan for the future?

My dream is to one day open my own restaurant.