RHIM students excel in the WSET Level One Exam

By Ashley Ryan, College of Human Sciences Marketing and Communications

Wines of the World course supplies competitive edge in future retail and hospitality careers

The College of Human Sciences' Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management (RHIM) students recently excelled in their attempt at the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level One Exam.

In conjunction with the Department of Plant and Soil Science (PSS) RHIM and PSS students who are age 21 or older can choose to take the PSS 4311: Wines of the World course, of which the Level One WSET Exam is a requirement. All RHIM and PSS students from the Wines of the World course not only passed, but the majority scored above 90 percent.

Professor of the Wines of the World course and doctoral student Matthias Bougreau comments on his students' success.

"I am happy for them. They showed great interest for this course, so I was sure they would all succeed. I hope it will give them even more desire to pursue a career related to the wine industry. It is a flourishing industry, especially in the Texas High Plains. I would feel great to have given them a good start."

Matthias says that he hopes his students are able to gain knowledge in wine so that they are able to understand the many aspects and styles of wines around the world with the desire to possibly pursue the field.

The WSET is the leading international professional qualification examination that tests students on their knowledge of the main types and styles of wine, proper wine storage and serving, issues regarding the safety and consumption of wine, and the basic principles of food and wine pairing. The WSET Level One Exam that our students successfully passed is one of four levels, which progressively delve deeper into the knowledge of wine.

Natalie Velikova, Ph.D., Associate Director of the Texas Wine Marketing Research Institute and Associate RHIM Professor, reflects on the students' achievement.

"I am extremely proud that all RHIM students enrolled in this class have passed this rigorous exam. As an Approved Program Provider, we get annual statistics from WSET with the overall results in different parts of the world. It is wonderful to see 100 percent passing rate at Texas Tech. This prestigious qualification will greatly enhance our students' employability upon graduation."

Casey Witherspoon, a senior RHIM major, describes her experience in the class as an exciting opportunity to learn the differences in wine around the world. Casey says she thinks the exam was very useful in teaching her that wines have the ability to transform a dish into a wonderful experience for the consumer.

"It is nice being a RHIM major and taking this course because it gives you information that you can use in your career. Whether working in a restaurant or a hotel, it gives you an advantage over your competition."

Students who complete the exam are able to head into their future careers with a unique edge on their peers and a great understanding of wine. Students with the WSET Level One certification can confidently look toward a career in hospitality with the confidence they are better equipped to provide their guests with a wonderful experience.