Dux winner Eileen Low graduated in 2012 with a Le Cordon Bleu Master of International Hospitality Management. She now works for Pernod Ricard Winemakers, as Brand Experience Manager for St Hugo. “Everything I learned at Le Cordon Bleu has amazing value in the workplace. Without Le Cordon Bleu and my commitment to lifelong learning this job would never have happened.”

After finishing her Le Cordon Bleu Master of International Hospitality Management Eileen completed a Master of Professional Accounting. Soon after graduating she worked at Intercontinental Hotel and SkyCity Adelaide. Her first full time job was at Sean’s Kitchen at Adelaide Casino and subsequently at Madame Hanoi where she was promoted to Duty Manager. While working, Eileen studied at TAFE for her Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Advanced Level 3 certification.

In spite of being raised by family who work in hospitality, Eileen chose a different path straight out of school. After attending secondary school at Compassvale Secondary in Singapore, she studied a Diploma of Business (IT) at Temasek Polytechnic and a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) at RMIT. Eileen was 25 when she decided to study at Le Cordon Bleu. “I started later in the industry, but I worked really hard, studying while working to develop skills.” Her advice to graduates is: “Never stop learning, trust yourself, continuously challenge yourself with work and study.”

A firm believer in the value of working from the bottom to the top, Eileen believes in understanding every aspect of the hospitality industry. She has worked in food and beverage, rooms division, cafés and fine dining. “Passion for the industry is the secret to success. You have to be willing to do every job, to study and improve constantly, otherwise you’ll be left behind.”

Her commitment to learning has paid off as she now excels in a challenging role. “My current role requires me to run daily operations, create strategies, oversee Profit & Loss, manage a team of 25, and more. The hospitality industry is very rewarding and always evolving so you need to be open to discover new things.”

Eileen loves Australia and recommends Adelaide as the place to work and study. “Australia is like my second home, I’ve lived here for over 10 years. I love that Adelaide is peaceful, spacious and uncluttered. The hospitality industry is really growing, new venues are opening up all the time. South Australia is on the verge of a major transformation in the hospitality sector.”

Eileen’s current five year plan involves exploring promotion opportunities with Pernod Ricard. With an eye to the future, Eileen intends to do a Phd in hospitality management and would love to teach for Le Cordon Bleu.

There is no doubt that her incredible drive and commitment to lifelong learning will continue to open doors for this ambitious Le Cordon Bleu alumna.

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