Mark Dunne, who is the general manager of the five-star Mount Juliet Estate autograph collection 'Exactly , Like Nothing Else' which is part of Marriott International, Lady Helen's Michelin starred restaurant and Jack Nicklaus' designed golf course, took time to inspire SETU students from the Higher Certificates in Business, Culinary, Tourism and Hospitality programmes by extending to them a field trip to MJE.
HR manager Maja Vita, as well as Miriam Cuddihy and Mary Liam Pinto who are members of MJE's human resource management team, led a schedule for the students from 9.45am to 4.00pm.
Students also met with Patrick Hennessy, Irine Doody, and John Walsh who are all members of the front of house and food service team as well as Agata Korytkowska, Accommodation Manager and Martin Quinlan, Linen porter.
Maja Vitas got the digital native's attention through an engaging and informative presentation on careers at MJE but started with a "mentimeter" quiz. Colm Smith, a hospitality student, topped the leader board taking home a MJE voucher. It was also during this presentation that students heard about an upcoming fundraising event at MJE for the Laura Lynn Foundation on May 1, 2023.
Miriam Cuddihy, another SETU Business graduate, led the group around the five-star property. Tom Phelan and Stephen Murphy, both SETU Culinary Arts graduates, stepped out of the kitchen and chatted about the opportunities they have taken at Lady Helen's restaurant. The students heard "take control of life rather than life controlling you".
After students enjoyed a lovely lunch, Mark Dunne addressed the group himself and outlined all the benefits of working with MJE with students given the opportunity to discuss completing their placement with MJE.
The living classroom experience at MJE was organised by Jacinta Greene for the second year as part of personal development and career planning.