Are you interested in joining the largest, fastest-growing industry in the world? Welcome to the Hospitality and Tourism Industry. Algonquin College’s School of Business and Hospitality has some amazing hands-on learning experiences! These are some of our favourites:
1. Running a Student-Led Restaurant
Do you dream of opening your very own restaurant? That’s great because at Restaurant International, Culinary and Hospitality learners don’t just study, they run the show. Students work with real clients and hone their skills in a full-service student-led restaurant! From curating menus and food prep to dining services and wine pairings, students are involved in every aspect of this establishment as part of their coursework.
When they aren’t cooking up a storm at Restaurant International, our Culinary and Baking students are busy crafting delicious goods to sell at Savoir Fare. This is the campus’s gourmet food shop, offering affordable and tasty to-go options prepared by students. From soups and salads to breads, cakes, pastries, and more, there’s always something new to try!
2. Cook at Prestigious National Events
Students support a wide range of events, from local community initiatives to high-profile national gatherings, gaining hands-on experience and, in some cases, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to work alongside Canada’s top chefs.
One of the most exclusive events is the Canadian Culinary Championship (CCC), an annual national competition where ten elite chefs battle it out for culinary glory. Up to 50 AC students are selected to assist during the championship, working side-by-side with chefs and sous chefs as they prepare showstopping dishes. With limited volunteer spots and major industry exposure, this event is a highlight for many students.
Just as prestigious is the Prime Minister’s Annual Garden Party at 24 Sussex Drive, where select Culinary Management students are invited to prepare and serve food for VIP guests on the Prime Minister’s official residence grounds. The event is a chance for students to shine in a truly iconic setting. Whether you’re garnishing a plate for a top chef or plating hors d’oeuvres for dignitaries, these are the kinds of experiences that don’t just build résumés, they build careers.
3. Cook for a Cause
Accolades and glory aren’t the only reasons students participate in these community events; kindness is always at the forefront. AC students give back to the community whenever they can.
In February 2024, 18 students from the Bachelor of Culinary Arts and Food Science program and six faculty members prepared and donated 2,000 meals to the Ottawa Food Bank. These kind souls partnered with Tablée Des Chefs: The Solidarity Kitchen – Next Generation Edition project to feed vulnerable people in the Ottawa area who were seeking emergency food assistance.
4. Plan Events with Real Clients
In the Bachelor of Event, Sport and Entertainment Management program, students don’t just learn about events, they plan and launch them. From concept to execution, they work directly with real industry clients.
In Fall 2024, learners helped organize a Giving Tuesday fundraiser for the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre, doubling the impact of community donations. Experiences like this let students build professional skills while making a difference.
As student Nicole puts it, “The professors are so hands-on. Everything they’re teaching us will be useful for our careers.”
Ready to serve
Whether you see yourself in a bakery, on a resort, behind the scenes of a major event, or managing a top-tier restaurant, your journey starts at Algonquin College. Grab your apron or a clipboard and explore our Culinary, Hospitality and Tourism programs today!
