Ever since going on family holidays, Landon has always loved travel and hospitality. His passion for hospitality runs deep completing his internship with Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa working in various roles, upon Graduating from QRC, Landon wanted to make sure he had as much knowledge as possible about all things Hospitality and used our Partnership with ICMS – International College of Management, Sydney to gain his Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management. Find out more about getting your degree through QRC.
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Why did you choose to follow a career in tourism/hospitality?
Ever since I was young and travelling with my family I had a passion for travel and hospitality and the easy of getting to know and meet people from all over the world.
Why did you choose QRC?
I chose QRC based on its focus on Tourism & Hospitality and the small class sizes. I wanted to go somewhere I was going to get a quality education and be in a world class location for tourism and hospitality. Having also grown up predominantly in Seattle Washington I wanted to “break” the normal and do something different than the 400 other students I went to high school with!
Where was your internship and what was the biggest “take away” from your internship experience?
My internship was at the amazing Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa working within the front office team. I joined the team without having any experience in a front office environment and the team was so lovely and welcoming, I was given the opportunity to work in all Front office roles such as reception, porter & night audit. The biggest take away that I can recommend is to take control of your internship, make the most of every opportunity that they can provide you. I was invited to join the WHS committee at Sofitel and learn all aspects of how the WHS system works including going to a few local training sessions. I also had the amazing chance to take part in the AICR Receptionist of the year competition.
Tell me about your journey since leaving QRC.
Since leaving QRC I took a 3 month break and returned home where I started packing and planning for my next adventure of studying at ICMS!
Why did you do further study after QRC?
I wanted to do further study after QRC. The day and age that we live in I wanted to make sure I have as much knowledge behind me to enable me to grow and progress within the hospitality industry.
Why did you choose ICMS over other Universities?
I chose ICMS over other universities based on the smaller class sizes and the location, located just out of Sydney (20min via the Sydney Fast Ferry). I was close to a large city with lots of opportunities yet it felt small enough in Manly that you didn’t know you were so close to a major city. I also chose ICMS as the degrees that they offered suited me. ICMS offered several different choices with regards to degrees.
How did your time at QRC help prepare you for ICMS?
My time at QRC gave me a great running start and made the start into a “large university environment” much easier.
What did you study and how much further study was required since graduating QRC?
I finished my studies in July 2018 and graduated with a Bachelors of Hospitality Management. ICMS also give all graduates of any bachelor programme a discount on further studies with them whether it be an additional bachelors or a Master’s Degree.
What advice would you give to QRC students about to graduate or go on internship?
As I said before, make the most out of your experiences. Especially on your internship say yes to every opportunity that is presented to you, you never know where it could take you. If you’re graduating, look back at what you have already accomplished and take that and use it to drive yourself forward and get to where you want to be. Remember though that Hospitality is such a broad field and you may find a position that you aren’t in love with but may just be that stepping stone to that position that you want.
Our courses:
Adventure Tourism Management
Hospitality Management
Machine Learning
