AUGUSTA, Ga. – Helms College students are getting an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience in the hospitality and culinary fields during Masters Week, working at some of Augusta’s most prestigious venues. Students are engaging with industry professionals through placements at the Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta Country Club, Edgars Hospitality Group venues, and various exclusive hospitality locations.

For many students, including culinary student Hannah Williams, this hands-on experience is a significant step in their career development. Williams, who is new to the food industry, is excited about the chance to observe chefs in action and immerse herself in the high-stakes environment of professional kitchens. “This opportunity is really important for me because I’m learning experience in the kitchen. I’ve never worked in the food industry before, so this has been a really exciting experience for me,” she explained.

Samuel Saxon, Certified Executive Chef at Helms College, emphasized the value of this real-world experience for students. “A lot of students here, all around in the community working. We do have a tremendous amount of alumni that are out at the National. Some are permanent chefs there that are actually employed year-round for the Augusta National,” Saxon said. “As well as just students learning. Trying to get an aspect of what the industry is.”

The experience offers more than just culinary skills. It allows students to network with professionals in the industry, opening doors for future opportunities. Williams, eager to expand her connections, shared, “Getting my name out there and just being able to connect with a bunch of different cooks and a bunch of different kitchens is what I’m really looking forward to.”

Helms College, founded by Goodwill Industries, combines classroom education with hands-on training, preparing students for the demands of real-world careers. Saxon notes that while the classroom setting provides essential foundational knowledge, it is the on-the-job experience that truly shapes the students’ understanding of the industry. “We can teach them so much in the classroom, but it’s the real-world feel where they’re actually working in a kitchen,” he said.

For students at Helms College, the Masters Week internship provides a unique opportunity to gain experience, make valuable connections, and learn firsthand what it takes to succeed in the fast-paced world of hospitality and culinary arts.