When people think about careers in hotels, tourism and events, they often picture the exciting moments: luxury hotels, international travel, major events and working with people from around the world.
What people don’t always realise is that these industries never really stop.
Hotels welcome guests around the clock. Events happen on weekends and evenings. Peak travel periods are often when everyone else is taking time off. It’s one of the things that makes this industry so exciting, but it also means learning how to look after yourself is just as important as developing your professional skills.
Working in the Professional Learning Centre, one of the conversations I have most often with students isn’t about assessments or internships. It’s about building habits that will help them enjoy a long, rewarding career. The opportunities continue to grow, both in Australia and around the world.
A Growing Industry with Endless Opportunities
Hotels, tourism, events and visitor experiences aren’t just exciting industries to work in. They’re also an important part of Australia’s economy, supporting businesses, creating jobs and welcoming millions of visitors every year.
Behind every one of these numbers are thousands of businesses, millions of visitors and exciting career opportunities, and behind every successful career is someone who has learnt how to manage both their professional growth and their wellbeing.
Looking After Yourself
One of the biggest mistakes I see students make is believing they have to say yes to every opportunity. It’s completely natural when you’re starting out. You’re eager to learn, you want to impress your team and you don’t want to miss out.
That enthusiasm is something employers value. However, building a successful career isn’t about always being busy. It’s about finding a rhythm that allows you to perform at your best over the long term.
For some people, self-care means protecting their sleep after an evening shift. For others, it’s making time for exercise, preparing meals during busy weeks or simply recognising when it’s time to switch off. There isn’t a single routine that works for everyone and the important thing is finding one that works for you. I also encourage every student to invest in the people around them.
One of the greatest strengths of studying at THSA is that you’re never navigating your journey alone. Your classmates become lifelong friends, your lecturers bring years of industry experience into the classroom, and the Professional Learning Centre is there to support you throughout your University journey.
Those relationships don’t just help you while you’re studying. They often become the professional network that supports your career long after University.
The industries our students enter are exciting, dynamic and full of opportunity. By developing healthy habits early, you’re giving yourself the best chance to enjoy everything this career has to offer.
Looking after yourself isn’t separate from building your career. It’s part of building your career. Wherever your career takes you, I hope you remember that you don’t have to navigate it alone.
And if you’re just beginning your journey, we’d love to be part of it.
About the Author
Geraldine Alvarez is the Stakeholder Engagement Consultant at The Hotel School Australia in Sydney. She works closely with students and industry partners to create opportunities that bridge classroom learning with real-world experience. She is passionate about helping students build rewarding and sustainable careers in hospitality.
