From luxury hospitality in Queenstown to Human Resources in Melbourne’s sports media industry, QRC Hospitality Management graduate Hannah Hodgkinson has built a career around one thing that has remained constant at every stage: people.
Now based in Melbourne, Hannah works in Human Resources at Sports Entertainment Network (SEN), a media company operating across sport, broadcasting, content creation, live events and sports teams.
It is a career direction she may not have predicted when she first began studying hospitality, but one that has been shaped by the confidence, communication skills and ability to connect with people that she developed along the way.
Where It All Began
Hannah’s interest in hospitality was sparked at a young age. Having already working in the industry prior to studying at QRC, she was drawn to the fast paced, people-oriented environment and the opportunity to contribute for memorable dining and guest experiences.
For Hannah, continuing into Hospitality Management at QRC felt like a natural next step.
QRC gave her the opportunity to build on that experience while developing a much broader understanding of hospitality and business. She particularly remembers the variety of classes, practical learning opportunities and the chance to present ideas and put new knowledge into practice.
QRC introduced Hannah to new people, friendships and connections that became an important part of her experience.
“QRC really increased my confidence and showed me what was possible.”
From Internship to a New Career Direction
During her QRC studies, Hannah completed her internship at Millbrook Resort, working as a Food & Beverage Attendant across The Millhouse restaurant and the Hole in One Café.
The experience gave her a valuable understanding of how a Food & Beverage department operates and how every interaction can contribute to the overall guest experience.
It also became the starting point for an unexpected new direction.
After graduating from QRC, Hannah remained at Millbrook but made the move from Food & Beverage into her first Human Resources role, taking the people skills she had developed in hospitality into a completely different area of the business.
I’ve always had a passion for working with and supporting people, which has naturally led me into a career in HR.
Taking Her Career Across the Tasman
Hannah spent the next few years at Millbrook building her HR experience before making the move across the Tasman to Melbourne.
There, her career continued to develop across a range of environments. She specialised in Employment Relations before moving into the legal industry in a contract HR Advisor role.
More recently, another opportunity took her into an industry combining people and sport.
Today, Hannah works at Sports Entertainment Network, where she has continued building her career in Human Resources within the sports media industry.
Rather than following one perfectly defined career path, Hannah has built experience by being willing to adapt, step into new environments and take opportunities as they have appeared.
It is something she is particularly proud of.
Across different organisations and industries, she has developed the ability to support both employers and employees through a wide range of situations and become someone people can trust and rely on for advice.
The Skills That Travel With You
Although Hannah’s career has moved beyond traditional hospitality, many of the skills she first developed in the industry remain just as relevant today. Communicating confidently, working with different people, reading situations, building relationships and adapting to new environments have all become important foundations of her career.
I think if you can work well with people, you have such a strong foundation for any career
She credits hospitality for teaching her how to communicate, connect with others and feel confident in different environments, skills that have continued to benefit her throughout every stage of her career.
The experience, confidence and people skills gained along the way can open doors for Hannah into opportunities that she may never have originally considered.
Back Yourself and Take the Opportunity
Looking back, Hannah’s advice to future QRC students is simple: go for it.
She believes the people you meet and the experiences you gain through studying hospitality or tourism can provide an incredibly valuable start to your career.
Her advice for students already at QRC is equally important.
Make the most of it. Build connections. Enjoy the people around you. Take opportunities when they come. And recognise that every experience has value.
One piece of advice has particularly stayed with Hannah throughout her own journey
Back yourself and know that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Anything is a win when your goal is to gain experience
From Food & Beverage at Millbrook Resort, to Human Resources, Employment Relations, the legal sector and now sports media in Melbourne, Hannah has continued to learn, adapt and see where the next opportunity might lead.
And as for what comes next?
Honestly, I have no idea what the future holds! Although that can sometimes feel a little scary, I also think it’s really exciting.
For someone whose career has already evolved in ways she may never have originally expected, that uncertainty is not something to fear.
It is another opportunity waiting to happen.
