Introducing our current student, Lara Coombe, currently completing her internship as a Front Office Supervisor at InterContinental Hayman Island Resort.
After being out of school for two years, Lara found herself yearning for a career path that would allow her to travel and gain opportunities for professional growth. Her journey began when she discovered THS courses on social media and attended the Virtual Open Day. From that moment forward, she knew that the opportunity to live, work, and study on a tropical island in the Whitsundays was an opportunity that was too good to pass up.
Tell us about your current internship and your future career?
“Before starting this degree, my answer would have been entirely different. The Hotel School has opened my eyes to all the potential careers out there available for me and now, my dream career would be owning a 5-star luxury property in Southeast Asia.”
Lara is currently completing her internship as a Front Office Supervisor at InterContinental Hayman Island Resort. Her role comes with various responsibilities and no two days are the same. Some days she manages the Transport department, overseeing all the arrivals and departures; on other days, she works closely with her team to ensure delivering high quality service. Due to her amazing leadership and dedication, she also holds the role of the property’s Hotel Experience Champion, someone who monitors the hotel metrics and reports directly to the General Manager and Front Office Manager. She always finds ways to motivate and inspire her team to boost not only the hotel metrics but also the overall guest experience.
Gaining international exposure.
Lara fondly recalls being a part of the New Colombo Plan (NCP) study tour in Singapore as a transformative experience during her studies, as it served as a catalyst that further ignited her passion for the industry in an international context.
It was an eye-opening experience for her to learn about various luxury hotel groups and tourism venues. She also emphasied the support and the strong sense of community that was there since her arrival on the island, continuing to this day. She loved the experience as it gave her the opportunity to seamlessly transition to living independently. She remains grateful for the people she has met throughout her studies, and the opportunities that laid a solid foundation for her future career.
Describe a typical day in your life as a student at The Hotel School.
“A typical day in my life as a student on the Hayman Island campus is very different to a city campus. I generally have two lectures a week and the campus are conveniently only a 5-minute walk from our accommodation with stunning views of the beach front and the marina along the way. After class, I usually spend my time by the pool, at the beach, or sometimes take the boat out for island hopping and snorkeling.”
What advice would you give to prospective students looking to start their education at The Hotel School?
“It would be to go for it. Be a sponge, soak up all the information you get. Say yes to all the opportunities that come your way. Seek a mentor you can look up to for inspiration and advice. Most importantly, remember to have fun. We are a part of this unique and beautiful part of the world, so make the most out of it; the two years will fly by before you even realise.”
