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    « BACK to Nadia Arumugam's portfolio

    Nadia Arumugam

    For an online portfolio, please visit: www.nadia-arumugam.com

    QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION:
    • MA, Magazine Journalism, New York University, 2008- present
    • Professional Diploma in Food and Wine, Leith's School of Food and Wine, London 2003-2004
    • MSc (Distinction) Theory and History of International Relations, London School of Economics, University of London, 2002 -- 2003.
    • MA, St Catherine's College, University of Oxford, 2007
    • BA, English Language and Literature, St. Catherine's College, University of Oxford, 1999 -- 2002.
    • Italian Language and Literature course; History of Italian Art; the Art of Tuscan Cuisine; The British Institute, Florence, Italy, 1999.
    • The Essentials Course, Le Cordon Bleu, London, 1999
    • Intensive Course in Indian Cuisine, Kuala Lumpur, 1998-1999
    • S Level: English Literature [Merit]; A Levels: History [A], French [B], English [B]; Westminster School, London, 1996 -- 1998.

    SKILLS:
    • Food Writing & Recipe Development, Food & Prop Styling
    • Computer Skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), InDesign
    • Languages: French, Italian, Tamil, Malay

    FELLOWSHIPS AND MEMBERSHIPS:
    • Domus Fellow, St Catherine's College, University of Oxford
    • Member, The Guild of Food Writers (UK)

    WORK EXPERIENCE:
    Author, Chop, Sizzle & Stir, Ryland, Peters & Small, Spring 2009

    Food Editor, Fresh Magazine, Trojan Publishing, London, March 2007 -- August 2008
    • Managing editorial control of recipe-led content, which accounts for half of the magazine. Conceiving of and planning all recipe-led features according to seasonality and current food trends. Commissioning recipe writing, food styling, prop styling and photography. Editing all the recipe copy and writing tips and copy on seasonal produce.
    • Undertaking food and prop styling for two to three photo shoots per issue.
    • Writing and developing recipes for a minimum of 2 features per issue.
    • Art directing all photo shoots.
    • Writing regular food related feature articles.
    • Career Progression: April-August 2007: Acting Deputy Food Editor, Sept-Oct 2007: Acting Food Editor, Nov 2007-August 2008: Food Editor

    Freelance Food Writer, 2004- April 2007
    • Writing features and recipes for a number of leading Southeast Asian (English language) and UK Magazines including Malaysia's top women's magazines, Her World and Female, its premier food dedicated publication, Flavours; and RED and Easy Living Magazines in the UK.

    Special Projects Manager, Mosimann's, London, May 2005 -- April 2007
    • Co-ordinated, researched and planned the cook book Mosimann's Fresh, by Anton Mosimann. Compiled and edited recipes and text. Organised book launch and created a market niche for the book within the highly competitive cook book market in non-conventional retail outlets.
    • Created and developed range of gourmet food products and innovative food gift ideas for renowned celebrity chef Anton Mosimann's own brand. Conceptualised project and undertook initial research and business planning to gauge viability and potential of the business. Sourced artisan suppliers and producers, developed recipes and products to bespoke specifications, designed and sourced all packaging. Oversaw the PR and marketing of the range. Developed gift mail order system from the creation of the gift hampers through to the logistics of processing orders and deliveries.
    • Led business planning and research for an innovative, up-market contemporary Food Brand under the Mosimann's Portfolio. Undertook initial planning, SWOT analysis and market research for the development of a new fast-food brand, the Swiss Sausage Co. Worked closely with brand consultants to develop a strong identity from the logo, mission statement to the design concept for retail units and all merchandising.

    Editorial Assistant, Off Duty Cook book, London, December 2004- April 2005
    • Involved in the publication of an international charity cook book collating original recipes from over 40 top chefs across the globe (Including Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay, Gary Rhodes, the Roux brothers, Nigella Lawson, Thomas Keller and Nobu amongst others). Assisted the book designers and publishers with the editing and compiling of the recipes, photography of the food and lifestyle shots of the chefs, and PR and marketing of the project.

    Food & Beverage Management Intern, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, London, Autumn 2004
    • Completed a three month internship at this exclusive 5 star London hotel working directly under the Food & Beverage Director. Secured in-depth experience of the management of a large scale and multifaceted Food & Beverage Operation. Gained knowledge of the accounting and financial systems, the numerous software packages utilised both back of house and within the F&B outlets, the management of staff and the various systems and processes implemented to ensure the efficient provision of service.

    Intern, Bell Pottinger Communications, London, Summer 2001
    • Successfully completed a one month internship at this leading public relations and public affairs consultancy, working on major international, political and commercial projects.
    • Researched and produced in-depth country analyses, detailing the current / past political situation, investigating the socio-economic status and commercial potential.
    • Carried out in-depth research on the political situation in Peru for a project to advise the Peruvian Government on enlisting the international community to force Japan to extradite ex - President Fujimori to face human rights abuse charges.
    • Researched and analysed the commercial potential for the company to pitch for PR work concerning Poland's EU integration campaign.

    Research Intern, London Weekend Television (The Lab), London, Summer 2000
    • Completed a one month internship on the food and restaurant review programme "Dinner Dates" and gained extensive TV production experience.
    • Researched, filmed and edited major features on "London's Most Romantic Restaurants", "Edible Insects" and coffee production.

    Intern, News International Newspapers Ltd, The Times, The Sunday Times, News of the World, London, Summer, 1998
    • Assisted and shadowed reporters on The Times. Researched and produced a (subsequently published) feature article on the history of Hampton Court house for the property pages, which included conducting on-site investigations and interviews.
    • Assisted a reporter on the News of the World investigating a story involving a foreign diplomat who had been abusing his right to diplomatic immunity.
    • Researched the latest fashion and beauty trends for The Sunday Times Style magazine.