Casey

What do you like about your course and why?

The International Hospitality and Tourism Management course at the University of Surrey has been a truly enriching experience, encouraging both personal and professional growth. The combination of modules in areas like hospitality, human resources, accounting and tourism, along with the optional modules in the final years, allowed me to focus on my preferred areas within the industry. 

A key highlight was the Tourism Theory in Practice module, which included a trip to Morocco, offering a practical understanding of tourism in an international context. 

The course also helped me build confidence, particularly through group assignments that developed my teamwork and communication skills. The optional Professional Training (placement) Year (PTY) was a major boost to my university experience, giving me twelve months of hands-on experience in various departments within the luxury hospitality industry. This experience helped me bridge the gap between theory and practice, and returning for my final year with practical insights and a broader skill set has given me a fresh perspective and greater confidence. 

Starting university can be a daunting experience, but the support provided by the teaching staff at the University of Surrey over the past four years has been invaluable. Their dedication and guidance have not only helped me but also my fellow peers, ensuring we had the resources and encouragement needed to succeed. 

The faculty fostered a supportive environment across the cohort that made navigating both academic and personal challenges much easier, contributing significantly to my overall university experience.

What do you enjoy most about Surrey?

What I enjoy most about Surrey is the vibrant campus life and the sense of community that comes with it. The campus is beautiful and well-equipped, creating a welcoming environment for students. There’s a great balance between academic focus and extracurricular activities, as well as areas to make new friends and chill out after a day of studying, such as the Hive, Dot and Lakeside.  

Societies at Surrey are fantastic - there’s something for everyone, whether you’re interested in sports, cultural activities, or professional development.

Tell us more about your Professional Training placement

My professional training placement year took place at South Lodge Hotel and Spa, part of The Exclusive Collection. This 12-month operational-based placement provided me with hands-on experience across a variety of departments, including two food and beverage outlets, Housekeeping within the hotel and spa, Guest Services, Reservations, Guest Relations, and Conference and Banqueting. 

With limited prior experience in food and beverage, one of my personal highlights was the growth in my confidence and ability to confidently run afternoon tea service, breakfast and lunch services, as well as dinner and private functions such as private dinners and weddings. Another highlight of mine throughout the twelve months was the ability to truly make a positive impact on guests' experiences, from acknowledging guests' birthdays to organising rose petal turndown and proposals. 

Overall, my placement year allowed me to apply the knowledge I had gained over the previous two years at Surrey, while also helping me clarify possible future career aspirations. 

The practical experience I gained has positively impacted my final year, enabling me to integrate both theoretical and practical knowledge into assignments and the planning of my dissertation. After my placement year I have continued my relationship with The Exclusive Collection working part-time alongside my studies. 

What do you want to do when you graduate?

At this stage, I’m keeping my options open and exploring a range of opportunities that align with my skills and interests. I’ve gained valuable experience during my time at the University of Surrey and through my placement year, and I’m excited to see where this might take me. I’m particularly interested in roles within hospitality and tourism that allow me to combine my passion for customer service, leadership, and operational management. Ultimately, I will be looking for a position that will enable me to grow professionally and contribute to the success of an organisation. 

What's your advice to new students?

If you're thinking of studying International Hospitality and Tourism Management, my advice would be to really embrace the variety the course offers, as well as all that the University of Surrey has to offer.  The combination of theory and practical experience is invaluable, so make the most of opportunities like placements, internships, and industry events to gain hands-on experience. These experiences will not only help you understand how the industry works but will also give you skills that will be crucial in your future career.

Be open to exploring all the different areas within the field, as the course allows you to specialise in what interests you most. You might discover new passions or career paths along the way. Networking is another key aspect - build connections with your peers, lecturers, and industry professionals, as they can provide guidance and open doors for future opportunities.

Finally, stay flexible and keep a curious mindset. The hospitality and tourism sectors are always evolving, and the more adaptable you are, the more prepared you’ll be to take advantage of the exciting opportunities that come your way.