Monique Wade

Place of Employment: Ballantyne Resort

Networking paid off for Monique Wade who tried unsuccessfully for months to get a job at Ballantyne Resort. Then, at Portfolio Review she ran into the Executive Chef who, it turned out, was someone she knew. Later, she struck up a conversation with the General Manager of the resort, without knowing who he was, and between the two encounters she got the job. Monique is a line cook at the resort. She prepares much of the room service and bar food and assists with preparation for special events.

“Sometimes I work 12-hour days but I don’t even feel tired. I love it,” said Monique. She added that her degree from The Art Institute of Charlotte gives her an advantage over others in the kitchen. Even if she doesn’t know how to do something, “I can pick it up.” She credits her AiCH chefs who “didn’t let us slide but instilled in us that work ethic.”

Monique’s advice to students: Take advantage of any and every opportunity to network because you never know when it’s going to help you cross the next bridge.