Is there a doctor on the bus?
After sharing a seat on a bus with an old Thai woman, Ann Ashton was motivated to undertake postgraduate study with the School of Tourism.
During the bus trip, Ann explained that she was looking for employment and had resigned from a job in Thailand as a Human Resources Manager for Novatel Hotels and Resorts, where she had responsibility for more than 500 staff.
“No way will you get a job in an office if you are from Asia. The only job you will get in Australia is in a kitchen.” the old lady said. This statement motivated Ann to enrol in a Master of Business in International Hotel Management, which she completed in 2007.
Ann is currently completing a Doctorate of Philosophy with the School, her research aim is to disclose a link between consumers’ evaluation toward hotel restaurant co-branding in relation to how perception of brand fit, risk and value are related to intention to purchase. Ann hopes to demonstrate that hotels can increase food sales as well as occupancy by incorporating a co-branded restaurant.
Ann is also the Research and Higher Degree (RHD) student representative, and continues to work within the School as a tutor and research assistant. Upon graduating, Ann would like to work in academe or as a researcher.
Coincidentally Ann was not employed in a kitchen!