Kerry Dangers studied a Hospitality Management Diploma at QRC, graduating in 2012, and completed her internship in Port Douglas, Australia. After graduating, she joined Accor through their Graduate Management Traineeship and has been with the company ever since, working across Australia in locations such as Ayers Rock, Kalgoorlie, and Perth.
She is now back in New Zealand as Operations Manager at Peppers Bluewater in Lake Tekapo, where she also occasionally steps in as Relief GM/HM at other properties. Tekapo is home for Kerry and her two boys (aged 9 and 11), and she loves making the most of the outdoors there.
The highlights of Kerry’s career so far have been the ability to transfer easily within Accor and the hospitality industry more broadly, as well as experiencing the incredible variety the industry offers – from operations to accounts, sales and marketing, IT, revenue management, interior design, and more. Hospitality is a truly global career, with endless opportunities and transferable skills.
Why did you choose to study Hospitality Management?
- I was drawn to the idea of working in a people-focused industry that offered both structure and variety. Hospitality felt like a pathway that would allow me to travel, meet people from all walks of life, and build a career with real progression opportunities.
What was the most memorable part of your time at QRC?
- The connections I made – both with classmates and lecturers. It really felt like a community, and those relationships helped shape the way I approached my career.
Where did you complete your internship, what was your role there?
- I completed my internship in Port Douglas, Australia. I worked in Food & Beverage operations, and one of the biggest lessons I learned was how important adaptability is – in hospitality no two days are the same, and being flexible is a skill that has carried me through my career.
Tell us about your journey post QRC – Where have you worked, travelled, studied? What have you been doing since QRC?
After QRC I joined Accor’s Graduate Management Traineeship and since then I’ve had the opportunity to work across Australia in some incredible places – Ayers Rock, Kalgoorlie, and Perth. Each move gave me a new perspective and highlighted the breadth of opportunities within hospitality.
Where are you working now?
- I’m currently Operations Manager at Peppers Bluewater in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand. I also step in as Relief GM/HM at other properties when needed.
Can you share a proud moment or significant achievement from your career
One of my proudest achievements has been stepping into my current role as Operations Manager at Peppers Bluewater and learning a whole new business model – strata – which is unlike anything I had ever experienced in hospitality. It’s been a steep but rewarding learning curve and has broadened my skill set significantly.
I’ve also recently attended the Accor Leadership Conference on the Gold Coast, where I connected with GMs from across New Zealand and Australia, as well as some of Accor’s most highly esteemed leaders from Paris. Being part of that network and conversation was both inspiring and affirming for my career journey.
How did QRC prepare you for the challenges of your career?
- QRC taught me to look beyond what’s on the surface. It’s not just about guest interactions – hospitality is a complex industry that involves finance, marketing, IT, and so much more. That broader perspective helped me adapt quickly to different roles.
What do you love most about working in the Hospitality industry?
- The variety and the people. No two days are ever the same, and you’re constantly learning. I love that hospitality can take you anywhere in the world and still feel like a community.
What excites you about the future of Hospitality?
- The industry is evolving rapidly, with technology and sustainability becoming central. I think there’s a huge opportunity for hospitality to lead the way in creating experiences that are both innovative and meaningful.
Do you have any advice for prospective students considering QRC?
- If you’re passionate about people, experiences, and growth, just do it. Hospitality opens more doors than you can imagine.
What advice would you give current QRC students?
- Say yes to opportunities, even if they scare you. Each experience will give you skills and confidence that you’ll carry forward.
Any exciting plans for the future?
- For now, I’m focused on growing my leadership experience and continuing to balance career progression with family life. I’m also excited to see where hospitality takes me next – the beauty of this industry is that there are always new opportunities just around the corner.
Learn more about our Adventure Tourism Management and Hospitality Management Diplomas.
