Vanessa Diller (Germany)
Master of Business (Advanced) in International Travel and Tourism Management
Despite being a massive place to study at and having over 30,000 other students around me, I always felt at home at UQ. It’s a great atmosphere and you get the feeling your faculty knows you best and your teachers care about you as an individual. UQ has a great variety of courses and teachers to learn from, and I liked researching and writing/completing my own piece of work with more than 22,000 words and in-depth interviews. My experience at UQ helps me every day in my current role, and will continue to help me as I walking along my path of success. Enjoy your time at The University of Queensland – the hard work, effort and time invested will be worth the outcome.
Margo Lydon (Australia)
Bachelor of Hospitality Management
My degree provided me with a good foundation and understanding of financial management, general business acumen and marketing/promotion skills. Although the degree largely focused on Hospitality Management, the principles taught have been highly transferable across many sectors. The degree provided me with well-rounded business knowledge and skills that have been beneficial throughout my career. As Executive Officer for SuperFrriend I Oversee the strategic and operational management of SuperFriend to achieve its objectives and mission. My role involves formulating the Foundation’s strategic plans in collaboration with the Board of Directors, and then driving implementation through developing annual business plans ensuring operational delivery to meet key performance measures. SuperFriend is the Industry Funds Forum Mental Health Foundation. It is a nation-wide health promotion charity that aims to reduce the incidence of suicide and the impact of mental illness on individuals, employers, workplaces, friends and families.
Shyam Agarwal (India)
Master of International Hotel and Tourism Management
Some of my most enjoyable sessions where ones which were interactive and involved case studies. I have done lot of team work in my Masters which has helped me in becoming a better manger which suits my current role, it is also vital to my plans for establishing a new hotel in my home city. The idea and planning was initiated because of my master’s degree at UQ. My masters allowed me to developed team work skills, and I was exposed to research where I am now confident in taking calculated risks. Whilst at UQ I was attending a lot of seminars provided by the School and also participating in lot of voluntary programmes which helped me in expanding my skills and knowledge. I am now able to use all this information and experience in my day to day functioning.
Hayato Nagai (Japan)
Master of International Hotel and Tourism Management (Advanced)
The reason why I chose UQ to undertake my postgraduate study was that not only is UQ one of the top tourism research institutes in the world but also UQ’s multicultural study environment and Brisbane’s great living environment. I have been in Queensland since I first arrived in Australia in 2008 and I have had a great time on campus. I am now fully confident that my decision to come to UQ was a brilliant decision in my life.
Wing In Chloe Wong (Hong Kong)
Bachelor of International Hotel and Tourism Management
The event management major has given me an opportunity to gain a better understanding about the industry and its characteristics. After studying event management, I had gained substantial knowledge of the event industry through Professional Development, such as the steps and procedures involved with fundraising activities and event management. It has also prepared me in how to be a useful member of a team, similar to my support role of the fundraising team when help was needed, and I realised the personal qualities I have to match the organisation’s goal.
Ranu Obaha (Papua New Guinea)
Bachelor of International Hotel and Tourism Management
I enjoyed my time at UQ and learnt a great deal in the service and hospitality disciplines which I now practice in my role as a manager at Novotel Brisbane Airport. My degree prepared me by having courses that are very relevant to my industry like Service management, F&B Management and Leisure, Meetings and Convention Management. An added benefit was the industry knowledge of the lecturers and tutors and their real world examples. The skills I learnt I now use in drafting new standards and procedures for the company.
Rebecca Nicholson (Australia)
Bachelor of International Hotel and Tourism Management
There are lots of different reasons I like studying at UQ. Mainly it’s the great resources, like the 24hour library around exam time but also just studying on such a nice campus is good. I mainly chose this degree because its one of the most well respected university degree’s within the hospitality industry. I became interested in hospitality industry because it gave me the opportunity to work with people and also the added possibility of travel I’m still not entirely sure what I want to do in the long term but definitely want to work both locally and internationally within the hospitality sector. UQ have made this a possibility because of their excellent international programs. Through UQ I secured a place at Disney Worlds International Program next year after I finish my degree and will be working in Florida for 6 months.
Nakita Phillips (Australia)
Bachelor of International Hotel and Tourism Management
The variety of courses provided in the program made for an interesting and holistic learning experience. The one aspect that I enjoyed was the opportunity to be involved in hands on learning experiences including the Professional Development course and also the study tour to Venice. There is always something happening at the university and it is great to have so many activities and events at your finger tips. There is such a great social environment at the uni.
Violet Kim (Korea)
Bachelor of International Hotel and Tourism Management
I could easily apply the knowledge gained from the UQ into the workplace. Upon returning home and obtaining a position in the prestigious W Seoul-Walkerhill, I won the first prize for the WoW Idea Competition with the focus being Eco-Friendly Hospitality. The original idea and execution was actually inspired by the ‘Sustainable Tourism’ course I took whilst at UQ.
Nicquel Rhoden (Australia)
Bachelor of International Hotel and Tourism Management
Winner of the ‘Best Job in New Zealand’ describes her experiences:
It is a dream job for a tourism student who has just graduated to start their career. I hope this starts me on the path to a career in tourism. Part of the reason I won the dream job was that I wanted to go into tourism. It set me apart. One of the great things about studying with the School of Tourism at UQ has been that my courses have combined academic learning with hands-on industry experience.
Benjamin Cassim (Singapore)
Master of International Hotel and Tourism Management
I chose UQ because of the program content and syllabus. The emphasis on academic-based research, critical analysis of existing theory and research was appealing. I also found their flexibility in terms of choice of major and electives attractive. I enjoy the presence of renowned academic staff; the St Lucia campus is not only architecturally beautiful but provides an environment that is conducive for learning. The university’s library – facilities, staff and services – is a very valuable asset to any student.
Mr Brett Butcher (Australia)
Bachelor of Hospitality Management
A UQ Hospitality Management graduate, Mr Butcher has more than 30 years’ international hospitality management experience covering various leadership roles across Asia-Pacific and the USA. In April 2009, he became the CEO of Langham Hotels International based in Hong Kong, where he leads over 4,500 colleagues on four continents, focusing on quality, innovation and sustainable growth.
Camille Butler (Philippines)
Bachelor of International Hotel and Tourism Management
Two strategies I recommend to future students is to make sure to show your personality but remain humble, I'm sure you're just as eager as I was in the beginning, it’s good to keep a level head, try to go about tasks with enthusiasm and sponge every bit of information you can - every task no matter how small are important! A second strategy I guess that I've learnt would be to be attentive and a good listener, this will definitely maximise the benefits from your work experience as you'll be able to show those in the industry, where you might one day want to be a part of and that you're willing to give your all. We are the future generation, we're well equipped with our UQ degrees it’s time to show the world we've got what it takes.
Katie Tomkins (Australia)
Bachelor of Hospitality Management
Every day, Katie uses the skills she honed at the School of Tourism. I developed skills in many different areas, from business development to practical hands-on skills. I received great experience in meeting deadlines and organisational skills, which are imperative to my current role at the Queensland Performing Arts Complex. I also developed my public speaking skills. Katie said she enjoyed the “hands-on nature” of the some of the subjects she took. I met a lot of great people during my studies and learnt from industry professionals who encouraged and excited me about joining the hospitality industry. I have always been interested in the catering and food and beverage side of the industry. I can see myself involved with food and wine for the rest of my life.
David Gong (China)
Master of International Hotel and Tourism Management
The program has provided me with a very board understanding of event management. You can choose the topic which you are most interested in. Our school has a very close relationship with industry on a local and international level. The School organises many opportunities for students to meet the professionals in the industry. I have gained valuable suggestions in my career through these types of events.
Teah Pantano (Australia)
Bachelor of International Hotel and Tourism Management
I am very grateful for the support I received throughout my studies. I have learned so much and been able to put my studies into practice, particularly the concepts learned in Service Management with Dr David Solnet. He was my most memorable and inspiring lecturer. A challenging 5 star environment such as Rialto, Intercontinental Melbourne, offers high expectations for service standards, conflict resolution and service recovery. I am also being trained as a Duty Manager and overseeing a diverse team.
