Simona (Simi) Federova had not planned to move to Scotland from Slovakia. What began as a casual visit to see her brother in Glasgow quickly turned into the start of a life-changing journey.
During her stay, she discovered City of Glasgow College and was immediately captivated by its Hospitality Management programme. The College’s cutting-edge training kitchens and the award-winning Scholars restaurant made a lasting impression, and she soon made the decision to enrol. What initially seemed like a short-term opportunity to improve her English and pick up a few skills evolved into something far greater.
As she settled into College life, Simi’s confidence and abilities flourished. She consistently achieved top marks, including the highest score in her cohort for the WSET Level 2 wine qualification. These accomplishments earned her an invitation to a prestigious dinner at the Trades House of Glasgow, as well as honorary membership in the Incorporation of Maltmen – a rare and historic accolade.
A turning point in her journey came when she began training for the WorldSkills Competition, an elite international skills championship. Supported by her lecturers and under the mentorship of Margaret Darroch, Simi progressed through each competitive stage. In 2019, she claimed Gold at the UK National Finals in Restaurant Service, later representing the UK at the global finals in Switzerland, where she achieved an impressive fourth place finish.
The path to success was far from easy. For two years, Simi balanced full-time studies with a part-time job and an intensive competition schedule, managing her time with military precision.
“I had no days off. The only way I managed was through strict time management, calendars, daily task lists, and discipline.”
Her determination paid off. Today, Simi works at The Ritz London, one of the world’s most iconic luxury hotels, and she was recently named a finalist in the 2024 Gold Service Scholarship, one of the UK’s most prestigious hospitality accolades.
She attributes much of her success to the foundation laid at City of Glasgow College:
“I wouldn’t be where I am without the College. I met incredible people who supported and inspired me every step of the way.”
Looking ahead, Simi hopes to move into senior management in fine dining, start a family, and continue to champion the institution that shaped her career. Her journey stands as a testament to the power of opportunity, hard work, and self-belief.
“Believe in yourself, and take every opportunity - even the scary ones. That’s how you grow.”
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