Service with a smile

Why did you choose tourism as your career path?

When I was younger, I thought of working in the banking, accounting or teaching industries. As time passed and I interacted with more people, I realised that I enjoyed  socialising and entertaining guests, and providing satisfactory service to bring a smile to their faces.

What made you decide to enrol in the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS)?

I was attracted to the International Tourism & Hospitality Management course because of the programme structure. It is not based on examinations and modules amostly accessed through group or individual presentations and research studies.

How does the school ensure that it is aligned with industry needs?

The school employs qualified, experienced lecturers with professional expertise. The lecturers help cultivate the students' interests and are helpful in clearing the students' doubts in class or through email.

What do you like about the modules?

The modules apply problem-solving techniques to real-world case studies. It focuses on the principles and practices in analysing current travel, tourism and hospitality organisations.

Tell us about your work placement programme (WPP)?

Last year, I did my WPP at Marine Life Park (MLP) in Resorts World Sentosa. I was assigned to events operations in the attractions department where I handle programmes, such as VIP tours, school tours and paid tours by visitors.

During peak periods, I also had to manage the crowd at the entrance, and attend to guests's enquiries and complaints.

What did you enjoy about the WPP?

During my WPP, there were many locals and international events happening at the MLP. One of the global events hosted was the World Gourmet Summit 2013 where I met Michelin-starred chefs and vintners from around the world. 

Other events included wedding dinners, company dinner, dance and alumni dinners. At these events provided opportunities for me to learn from my supervisor and how to manage events and provide customer services to ensure everything runs smoothly.

How will this experience help you in your career?

With this WPP, I have developed relevant work experience that makes me perform not only academically, but also within the tourism industry. It has widened my network of contacts that can be used as references for my future career.

What was most memorable about that experience?

It was the support and encouragement I received from my colleagues and team managers. They provided generous support and rectified my mistakes to help me improve. Whenever I encountered a difficult situation, they would step in to help solve the problem.

You're graduating soon, what's next on your plate?

I intend to seek a job in the service industry. But my long term career goal is to be in a managerial position and work my way up to become a leader in my organisation. Ultimately, I would like to be an entrepreneur managing my own business.

At a glance:

Course: Bachelor of Science (Honours) International Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Sunderland, UK

Institute: Management Development Institute of Singapore

Duration: 32 months

Source: [TODAY, March 2013], MediaCorp Press Ltd.
Reproduced with permission.