Graduate Story

Chyna Edmondston’s journey into hospitality began with uncertainty about her future after high school, until a visit from a QRC student advisor during a tourism class sparked her interest.

The unique opportunity to combine study with a hands-on internship immediately stood out, giving her a clear direction. Since then, Chyna has built valuable experience across the industry, developing her skills and growing a strong passion for hospitality and tourism.

Why did you choose to study with QRC?

I had no real idea on what I wanted to do after i finished high school, but i remember one day in our tourism class one of the student advisors from QRC came to discuss more about what it was, how it worked and I instantly knew it what was I wanted to do, being able to do a internship in between studying is what really caught my attention.

Where did you take your internship?

I had my internship at Pullman Bunker Bay Resort in Western Australia  as a Reservation Agent

Why did you choose to follow a career in the hospitality and tourism industry?

I have always had a passion for the hospitality industry, because of how much you can grow and branch out into different areas of the hospitality industry, I started in fast food, and have worked my way up to 5 star resorts/hotels, barista work.

Leaving QRC

Since leaving QRC, i have returned back to my home town in Oamaru and i'm currently working as a food and coffee specialist at Z energy (the place we all love to get pies from), I came back just to save a little bit of money, and spend some needed time with family, but in the next couple of months I am moving to Brisbane to get back into hotels, hopefully reservations and start moving my way up :)

How relevant was the SixStar Scholarship for starting your career in the industry?

The six star scholarship was extremely helpful with covering cost essential for completing QRC, it was nice to be able to go on internship and fully enjoy the experience without having to worry about any fees which I would've had to return to if it weren't for the scholarship, it has also made me a lot more motivated and confident that I will succeed within the hospitality industry knowing the team at six star have hopes for me :)

Plans for the future

Move back to Australia (Brisbane) and get back into reservations, and hopefully climb the chain to become rooms division manager

Any words of wisdom to share with potential SixStar applicants who are considering a career in
the hospitality and tourism industry?

All I can say is just apply, the worst that can happen is your scholarship gets declined, but that doesn't mean you should give up your passion for hospitality, everyday in the hospitality industry is so different and so rewarding, knowing your the sole purpose of a customer experience and making it the best it can be, it is truly an amazing industry.