Skip to main content

Trey

Trey Dutton

Executive Catering Chef
ARAMARK Higher Education, College of Charleston

When did you first become interested in your field of work?

I spent lots of time in my grandmothers’ kitchens growing up, but began to seriously consider this as a career in high school.

What made you decide to go to CIC?

The cost of the education vs. comparable culinary institutions was too good to pass up.

What was the most important thing that you learned at CIC?

To continually ask myself, “How can this be better?”

What was your first paid position in your field?

Mike Lata hired me at Anson in 2000 for $7.25 per hour. I originally went in to apply for a server’s position, but here I am.

What has been the highlight in your career so far?

Too many to list. I’ve worked with over 20 James Beard Award-winning chefs, and have cooked for more celebrities than I can count.

What would be your advice for CIC students?

Expose yourself to as much as possible, volunteer for everything! You’ll get to work with lots of incredible people which will open lots of doors in your career. Never sacrifice your integrity—ever. And don’t go to bars in your chef coat.

Nicole

Nicole Zarzuela

Guest Services Director
The Vendue Art Hotel

When did you first become interested in your field of work?

Working as a waitress, I enjoyed interacting with a variety of guests in a fast-paced environment. Plus the advancement opportunity in the hotel industry is great.

What made you decide to go to CIC?

It seemed like a great place to go, plus some of my family members were attending and gave great feedback about the hospitality program.

What was the most important thing that you learned at CIC?

The most important thing was creating handbooks, spreadsheets, schedules, etc. This really prepared me for what was to come as I took on managerial tasks.

What was your first paid position in your field?

I started out as a paid Front Desk Associate at The Vendue.

What has been the highlight in your career so far?

The growth; I have been with the company going on six years and went from Front Desk Associate to Front Desk Supervisor to Front Desk Manager to Guest Services Manager to Guest Services Director, and this is not the last stop for me. I believe I will continue to grow in this field.

What would be your advice for CIC students?

To keep an open mind when starting a new career. You may not always get the position you want but if you work hard and take the initiative, it will pay off! Always make sure what you do makes you happy!