Meet Sonny Hearn, a current student, at our Sydney campus who is pursuing his Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management. Sonny is also the proud recipient of Pro-invest Group Reaching for Inclusion through Scholarships and Experiences (RISE) Hotel Management Scholarship.
The Pro-invest Group RISE Hotel Management Scholarship is designed to nurture the next generation of innovators in the hotel and tourism industry, supporting students like Sonny in building fulfilling careers. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also offers recipients access to invaluable resources, including mentorship, internships, and potential job opportunities within Pro-invest Group.
As a leading investment firm specialising in Private Equity Real Estate, Fund & Asset Management across Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East, Pro-invest Group is committed to showcasing hospitality as a dynamic and rewarding career path with limitless opportunities.
Sonny chose to study at The Hotel School Australia (THSA) because of his passion to learn about hotel management and the industry. This along with the location and culture of THSA made it perfect for Sonny to start his University journey.
From the moment he arrived, Sonny felt welcomed by the THSA community. “The warm introduction to the campus made a big difference in helping me settle in,” he recalls.
Each day, Sonny commutes to the THS Sydney campus, conveniently located at Circular Quay. “My day usually kicks off with lectures, and afterward, I get to enjoy everything the city has to offer. It’s a nice balance between studying and soaking in the vibrant city life,” Sonny shares.
“I’d love to express my appreciation for being a scholarship recipient. I know Cindy Van Der Wal, Pro-invest Group’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Manager, was imperative in the creation of this opportunity, and it means a lot knowing that she studied for the same degree at THSA. Cindy understands exactly what people studying a Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management desire—exposure to the industry and employment opportunities.”
As part of his scholarship, Sonny is currently interning at Holiday Inn Express, Sydney, where he is an Express Agent. His responsibilities include checking guests in and out and handling general duties of the front office. “This is a great starting point and will allow me to progress,” Sonny shares.
While studying at THSA, Sonny has developed aspirations of becoming a Director of Sales or a General Manager at a hotel. His current internship with Pro-invest Group is helping him move towards those goals with purpose. One of the best parts about studying at THSA is the hands-on experience you get,” Sonny notes.
For prospective students, Sonny offers this advice: “The hands-on approach and ability to gain industry experience while studying is a valuable addition to the education and will fast-track career opportunities.”
“I have seen first-hand how competitive the hotel industry is and how hard it can be to start work and build relationships in this field. THSA can open doors and guide students in a direction that will lead to employment and networking opportunities.”
