BMIHMS alumni

What I truly love about my profession, particularly as the Area Director of Sales and Marketing for IHG Hotels & Resorts, is the opportunity to create exceptional experiences for our guests. The hospitality industry allows me to be at the forefront of crafting memorable moments for people from around the world. It’s not just about providing a place to stay – it’s about leaving an indelible mark on their lives, which is both inspiring and rewarding.

My advice for fellow graduates and students: my mentors always used to tell me to keep my head down and work hard, and the results will follow. What worked for me was that I embraced every opportunity for hands-on experience, whether through internships or part-time jobs, as they are crucial for developing practical skills. Networking is equally important – building connections with industry professionals, classmates, and alumni to open doors to mentorship and job opportunities.

I’m deeply passionate about the hospitality industry and love empowering young processionals to grow. In a post-pandemic world, we need fresh, innovative solutions, and young professionals play a key role in shaping the industry's future. This award acknowledges the importance of supporting and listening to young talent, an inspiration to continue promoting the next generation of leaders.

My 25-year-old self, who nervously walked into day one of Orientation seven years ago, could never have imagined what she would accomplish by pursuing a Master’s Degree in International Hospitality Management at BMIHMS. I believe the school has been pivotal in shaping my career. First, by leading me to a new country; second, by providing me with a quality education from notable industry professionals; and lastly, through its reputable name in the industry, which has opened endless doors of opportunity for me.

I entered hospitality with the sole purpose of improving the lives of the people I came into contact with every day, colleague or guest. My passion for allowing people to enjoy themselves and generate value out of money spent exceeds all others and I pride myself on delivering that for everyone who enters the property I am working in. I aim to create a learning environment amongst my team where everyone feels inspired and appreciated in what they do. Hotel facilities, amenities, brand status and location may make a hotel great, but it is the people that represent those things and provide that service that truly separate the property from good and exceptional.

Throughout my career I have had the pleasure of working alongside a number of incredibly inspirational managers who have guided me towards success, expressing to me the important of experiencing as much as you can, across as many departments as possible, to ensure that you have success when you reach the top. Like many of us, I experienced tunnel vision goals to Front Office Manager, however, I will be forever grateful for the opportunity that led me to manage a housekeeping department. It will no doubt be the highlight of my career and the time I feel I truly refined and shaped the leader I am today.