Transitioning from student life to building a successful career can be both challenging and rewarding. Meet Sophie Bates, a recent graduate of THS Hayman Island Campus. Sophie embarked on her educational journey in 2021 when she enrolled in the Associate Degree of International Hotel and Tourism Management course and is now leading her team as a Service Manager at Crown Melbourne.
Sophie’s passion for the hospitality and tourism industry began during the COVID19 pandemic. It was during this time that she discovered THS while searching for a University to further her studies. In 2021, THS launched the Associate Degree in Hotel and Tourism Management, a program that perfectly aligned with Sophie’s academic and career aspirations. What made it even more enticing was knowing that she would be working in a 5-star resort whilst studying, a valuable opportunity for someone with no prior experience to kickstart their career.
Listen to Sophie’s Podcast on SCU Buzz!
What was your experience like at The Hotel School Sophie?
“It was the connection and support she had while she was studying on campus. Living with her classmates, the support from the campus faculty team, and being able to study at a peaceful location away from the bustling city all contributed to her academic and career success.”
A pivotal moment in Sophie’s educational journey was her internship, during which she served as a Team Leader in Events Operation. This experience allowed her to put into practice the theory and skills she had acquired during her studies and utilise her leadership skills. Her role involved coordinating and managing events, ensuring an unforgettable experience for her guests.
‘Studying at THS equipped me with all the skills and knowledge I need to succeed in the industry. For example, in the Food and Beverage Operation class, we were taught about wine knowledge – which is something I use almost every day in my current job. In another class about Risk Management, we were shown real-world examples which are now beneficial as I now manage my team and constantly assess primary and secondary risks to ensure their safety in the workplace.’
Upon completing her studies, Sophie was equipped with a wealth of knowledge and practical experience, and she was ready to take the next step in her career with the Crown Melbourne team. She quickly climbed the ranks, consistently exceeding expectations and earning the respect of her colleagues and superiors. Recently, she was promoted to the role of Service Manager, where she oversees customer service delivery, and lead the team as a role model. Her dream career is to own a boutique hotel in the Mediterranean one day.
What advice would you give to any students looking to start their education at THS?
‘Don’t miss the opportunity. Make sure you go through all the readings; they are very relevant to the topics we study and definitely help when applying real-world examples to theory. Also, if you don’t have much work experience, it is super beneficial to work in two different hospitality groups or exploring two different positions during your internships. This can help expand your knowledge, develop more connections within the industry, and who knows, you might end up loving a role you never thought you could do.’
As we continue to follow Sophie’s journey, we can only anticipate her further accomplishments and milestones.
Learn how you can Study, Live and Work on Hayman Island at The Hotel School Australia.
