Graduate Story

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

I have always worked in hospitality whether that be starting as a kitchen hand at the age of 15, during the weekends, to leaving in my final year of high school to work full time at a café. I think it an accessible way to get to know lots of different people!

Why did you initially choose to study with PIHMS?

I chose to study at PIHMS because I wanted a degree that was hands on. I liked the idea of having two six month paid placements to gain experience while studying. Once I started studying, I discovered that the lecturers were welcoming and highly experienced.

In which way did the Six Star scholarship influence your decision to pursue a career in the hospitality and tourism industry?

The scholarship took money worries off the table. It meant that I didn’t have to work while studying. 

Where did you undertake your internship?

My first internship was at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers where I was working as a food and beverage attendant. I would do the breakfast and lunch shift, and the occasional wedding. My second internship was at QT Auckland where I was doing reservations and housekeeping. I loved being able to do both as it opened up my eyes to the working of the entire hotel. These internship opportunities threw me into a variety of situations and gave me the opportunity to meet a huge range of people. It grew my confidence and helped me understand new ways to be flexible and resilient.

Your experience as a professional in the hospitality and tourism industry:

 Since leaving PIHMS I worked my way up to being the manager at Monica’s Eatery where I worked for two years. I was then at the 19th in New Plymouth. Since the start of 2026, I decided to head into primary school teaching and I am now doing my postgraduate diploma in Auckland.

While I am now doing something different, the skills that I have learnt from PIHMS are highly transferrable to my new career as a primary school teacher. My years in the hospitality sector taught me how to meet and manage people, to be flexible in a variety of situations and the importance of resilience.

I was so grateful to receive the Six Star Scholarship. It was critical to my academic success at PIHMS as it meant that I could focus on my studies without having to look for part time work to support myself. As a result, I received higher grades than I would otherwise have done.

What are your plans for the future?

While I am now about to become a primary school teacher I know that the skills gained from PIHMS are useful and applicable. I look forward to being a role model for my future students as the lecturers at PIHMS were for me.

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

Hospitality and hotel management is a great career! It offers a variety of work in a range of different settings. Studying at PIHMS will help you understand which of these pathways is right for you, so soak up every opportunity you can!