“The best parts of my job are the events and viewings at five-star hotels in London that I have been lucky to attend. I will never forget sipping champagne while being in a suite at The Ritz and thinking, ‘Is this really part of my job?’,” says Clare. Clare followed a pathway from a Holmesglen tourism course [Page ID 230] to a Bachelor of Hospitality Management [PAGE ID 126]. After graduating, Clare realised her dream of working overseas.

She is now senior lifestyle manager for a London concierge company, where she combines the skills she learned in her Holmesglen courses.

“I had always wanted to travel to London and Europe and, after completing my degree, I thought it was the right time to go. Five years later, I am still here.”

The Bachelor of Hospitality Management prepares students for important roles across hotels, restaurants, cafes, and commercial catering businesses.

These jobs can occur in various areas of an organisation, including front and back-of-house, events, and sales and marketing.

Some graduates also use a hospitality management degree to start their own business.

In her current role as senior lifestyle manager, Clare works with travel and hospitality professionals to provide memorable experiences for her clients.

“I work in the travel team and plan and book holidays for our high-net-worth and VIP members. No day is ever the same.

“I book flights, accommodation, make recommendations of things to do and see, plan bespoke itineraries and provide overall assistance that our members require.

“I also assist with training new starters at the company."

Holmesglen Bachelor of Management students complete work placement as part of a prescribed elective in their final year of study.

During this work experience unit, students undertake a minimum 80-hour practical placement at a hospitality organisation.

Clare completed her placement at Melbourne’s Grand Hyatt.

She says practical placements give you the chance to build your skills and professional networks and can help you get your first job in the industry.

"Getting out into the industry through practical placement led me to working in a five-star hotel and gaining experience in a hotel setting.

“I wouldn't have had the opportunity to work at the Grand Hyatt if it wasn't for the relationship that Holmesglen had built with the hotel."

“My advice to anyone studying hospitality management is to get out there and try a range of different jobs within the industry.

“I have been able to combine my travel and hospitality management qualifications and experience into a job that I didn't even know existed when I was studying.

“I would also say make the most of your work placement, as this led me to gain experience in a five-star hotel and get my first job.”

Find out more about our hospitality management course and how to apply. [PAGE ID 217