Diploma of Hospitality Management recipient
Brianna Partelow
Brianna has always been a “people person” and like many others her first job was as a Checkout Operator at her local supermarket. She felt the best part of her job was interacting with customers and hearing their stories.
While at Taupo-nui-a-Tia College, from grade 10 each year she considered a different career: a tour guide, an event planner, a flight attendant and in year 13 she realised there was a common theme for each, people, and hospitality.
Once her heart was set on hospitality management, Brianna started the process of researching all the different places she could study and that lead her to QRC. Apart from our location in NZ’s tourism capital one thing that made her choose QRC above all others was our emphasis on excellence through our professional excellence system.
Brianna decided to apply to one of our National Scholarships and after being selected she joined our Diploma of Hospitality Management in January 2021.
Read on to hear about Brianna’s QRC journey.
Why did you choose a career in hospitality Management?
I have always been a “people person” and love doing things outside my comfort zone.
I initially started working in a supermarket on the checkout. The favourite part of my job was interacting with customers and hearing their stories. Also while at school each year I thought of a different career a tour guide, an event planner, a flight attendant and in year 13 I realised there was a common theme for of these, people and hospitality.
Why did you chose to study at QRC?
Apart from their location in NZ’s tourism capital one thing that made me choose QRC above all others was their emphasis on excellence through their professional excellence system. The level of professionalism at QRC mirrors that of the international hospitality industry sets students up for success in their chosen careers.
What was your favourite class in year 1 and why?
My favourite class so far has been food and beverage service. I have gained a large amount of skills and knowledge that are transferable to the industry. In that class we did practical components such as barista, cocktail making, fine dining food service and table setting as well as the theoretical side which consisted of studying wine flavours, industry reports and industry research. The teachers were fantastic at listening and helping where needed so that we felt supported.
What specialisation did you chose and why?
I chose the events elective as I’m a very organised person who values a good to-do list. I’m very interested in pursuing a future career in event planning (specially for weddings) therefore I really felt as if the events elective would aid me in preparing for this.
Where will you undertake your internship?
I will be going to Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant on Waiheke Island. Here I will be working in the fine dining restaurant as well as gaining some experience in the wedding sector.
What excites you the most about your internship?
I am beyond excited to develop and improve the many skills I have already gained at QRC. This internship is the perfect opportunity to fully immerse myself in the hospitality industry and form connections throughout.
Tell me about your scholarship application and what key message you were trying to give?
I applied for the Hospitality Management scholarship in the form of a video. I voiced over the video and covered points such as who I am, why I am interested in hospitality as well as my current knowledge of QRC and the industry. The message I was trying to give was of my passion for the industry and why I feel QRC would be the best fit for me.
What advice would you give to someone preparing their application?
Think outside of the box. Be honest and display your passion for the industry in a creative way that will catch the judge’s attention and make your application stand out from the others. But most importantly.. have fun!
Any final words of wisdom for those considering a career in tourism / hospitality?
Do it! I have had the most enjoyable experience studying at QRC from the people I met to the skills I’ve acquired. Even through times of Covid-19, the hospitality and tourism industries are more than welcoming and are encouraging people to apply for jobs. You will not regret it.
