Seneca College RED 2019 - 26

Master of hospitality
Ofir Perelman's journey was advanced by Seneca

Seneca equipped
me with a
solid academic
foundation to
succeed in my
Master's program.

PHOTO: JOANNE RATAJCZAK

AFTER MOVING TO a new country at age 25, Ofir Perelman
decided to follow his passion when seeking a new
career: hospitality. Back in his native Israel, he worked
in the industry since the age of 14 and managed his first
restaurant at 18. Faced with a choice on whether to
continue in a familiar field or have a fresh start trying
something new, he knew one thing: a Canadian education was a must. With the advice of his wife, Perelman
applied to the Hospitality - Hotel & Restaurant Management program at Seneca.
The two-year diploma program was the beginning
of Perelman's academic journey in Canada. Students in
the program work with faculty who are leaders in hospitality, which Perelman says is what "made the experience so valuable."
Immediately following graduation, Perelman started in a management position at an upscale country
club, a position that he landed at a Seneca career fair.
While this education got him in the door, Perelman
wanted to continue his learning to broaden his skills

even further. Upon the advice of his Seneca professors,
Perelman decided to pursue a Master of Arts in Tourism Management at Royal Roads University.
"Seneca equipped me with a solid academic foundation to succeed in my Master's program," says Perelman. "The professors genuinely care about helping
their students succeed, and I credit their mentorship
and support as an integral part of my success."
In 2016, Perelman joined Spectra Food Services as
the Director of Food and Beverage at the Tribute Communities Centre in downtown Oshawa. Perelman oversees all food and beverage services in the multi-purpose
arena, a city landmark and home of the Oshawa Generals. With a team of nearly 200 full- and part-time staff,
Perelman's responsibilities include overseeing all the
restaurants, suites and catering in the stadium where
hockey games, concerts and large-scale events are held.
Since he started in the role, Perelman has taken on
many projects, including revamping the stadium's
menus to incorporate a variety of dietary options and
a major restaurant renovation to modernize its look.
"My job is incredibly rewarding, but I am most
proud of bringing a fresh new culinary experience to
the building. We've changed the typical hot dog and
hamburger concept into a menu that's more eclectic
and international," says Perelman. "I know that is
something people like."
Perelman has continued his relationship with Seneca by teaching in the program and mentoring the future
leaders of the hospitality and tourism industry.
"I love what I do," says Perelman. "Looking back at
where I started when I came to Canada, I can proudly
say that it all started at Seneca."

RED

2019

Seneca College RED 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Seneca College RED 2019