Patrick Kerrigan studied Hospitality management at QRC, graduating in 2021. Since then, his career in the hotel industry has grown and grown, with a number of hotel openings and transitions under his belt.
His career highlights include overseas trips, to Japan for a 3-month secondment in the Park Hyatt Tokyo and also to Kuala Lumpur to partake in Hyatt’s 2025 operations conference earlier this year.
Read on to find out more about Patrick’s journey from QRC to Rooms Manager at Hyatt House in Melbourne.
Why did you choose to study Hospitality Management?
- I was at university studying Bio-Chemistry, but the more my course went on, the more I found myself instead being drawn into my part-time bartending work. I loved it, the late nights, the energy, the team spirit. So, I made the decision to pivot, I went from the calm and controlled university laboratories to the lively and dynamic world of hospitality. And I’ve never looked back.
What was the most memorable part of your time at QRC?
- Studying in Queenstown during winter could well be one of the most beautiful places in the world to do so.
- Sipping coffee while sitting by the massive windows of QRC Lodge, overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the snow-covered Cecil Peak will always remain with me as a highlight of my time at QRC.
Where did you complete your internship?
- I completed my internship with Sudima Christchurch City. It was a newly opened hotel; little did I know at the time that my career would be defined by new hotel openings. My internship taught me how to be a part of the dynamic of a new property, how things are not yet set in stone and how ideas on best practices can come from anyone.
Tell us about your journey post QRC – Where have you worked, travelled, studied? What have you been doing since QRC?
- After QRC I returned to Sudima, first back to Christchurch City for a few months, then I moved back to Queenstown for the opening of Sudima Five Mile.
- We opened Sudima Five Mile with great success, it was a fantastic way to learn for my first management role. But then I made the move, like so many Kiwis, across to Australia. Settling in Melbourne, here I began my career with Hyatt. I joined Hyatt Centric Melbourne, a property only a few months old when I came onboard.
Where are you working now?
- Having spent just over 2 ½ years at Hyatt Centric, it taught me so much about our industry, and when Hyatt announced a new hotel opening in Melbourne, I felt the time was right for a new challenge. At the start of 2025 I joined Hyatt House as Rooms Manager, walking into an unfinished building site, being responsible for all things rooms and reporting directly to the General Manager was a daunting change from the relatively comfortable role as a duty manager I had before.
- But after 6 intense months of the highs and lows of pre-opening, we opened our doors to the public and Hyatt House became the newest addition to Melbourne’s hotel scene. This is where I am today, and as far as I’m concerned, my journey in hospitality is only just beginning.
Can you share a proud moment or significant achievement from your career?
- I’ve had a few. Promotions are always a proud moment, but I would say my proudest moment so far, was when I was selected to join a task force sent to assist Park Hyatt Tokyo for that hotel’s final 3 months before it closed for renovations in 2024.
- I was one of four managers sent from Hyatt hotels across Australia and New Zealand to lend assistance to the team in Japan. We lived on-site and helped in whatever capacity was needed during the busy months just before its temporary closure.
How did QRC prepare you for the challenges of your career?
- It’s the jump start that really launched my career. My internship gave me great connections in the industry that allowed me to get a job immediately upon graduating from QRC. Then there is the management specific knowledge we learnt that allows you to understand the more advanced details of hotel management. Your on-the-job learning is boosted because you already have a solid understanding of the concepts and strategies to start from.
What do you love most about working in the Hospitality industry?
- The people! We have an industry that is truly global, people from all different backgrounds work in all levels and aspects of hospitality. Whether it’s Christmas, Lunar New Year or Diwali, we come together to celebrate what makes us unique.
What excites you about the future of Hospitality?
- Hospitality is, at its core, a deeply human industry. As the world continues to further embrace ever more advanced AI, people will always be at the heart of hospitality. Our industry will of course evolve with these new tools, but our guests will always be human, and human-to-human interactions are the irreplaceable backbone of guest experience and loyalty. To my eye, the future of hospitality is a secure beacon of humanity in an AI world.
Do you have any advice for prospective students considering QRC?
- If hospitality or adventure tourism excites you, then QRC stands head and shoulders above the rest. Queenstown is THE tourism heart of New Zealand, and QRC sets you up with all the tools you need to forge a great career in either pathway you pick. As someone who is now on the other side of the interview desk, QRC graduates always stand out from the crowd!
What advice would you give current QRC students?
- Build your network and I say that as someone who started out being very bad at it! Hospitality is a shockingly small world; you will run into people again and again as your career progresses. Connect with people, don’t burn bridges and do your best to leave a positive impression on whoever you meet.
Any exciting plans for the future?
- I hope to continue being a part of hotel opening projects. Seeing a project come together is something I really love. Hyatt is a rapidly growing company with large, planned growth across the region, I hope to continue to develop my career with them.
Learn more about our Adventure Tourism Management and Hospitality Management Diplomas.
