Hospitality Career Development Seminar report

18 Hospitality students attended the annual Hospitality Career Development Seminar, organised by Work Integrated Learning Co-ordinator Tania Piacente. This year the event was hosted by Crown Hotels.

L-R: Liselle Boykun, Paula Ntalianis, Jessica Dijanestic, Keaton Male,
Tania Piacente, Austin Norman

The first presentation was conducted by Paula Ntalianis, Training Manager, Crown Hotels & Retail. Our two current Co-op students at Crown, Jessica Dijanesic and Keaton Male, also conducted a presentation to students highlighting the benefits of undertaking Co-op at Crown, and explained the rotational nature of the program offered to successful candidates. Students work in various departments across the three Hotels – Crown Towers, Metropol and Promenade in areas such as Housekeeping, Bell, Reception, Reservations, Spa, and Crystal Club.

The second hour of the event was a tour of Crown Metropol. Students were able to tour the property and see the Crown Training College, guest rooms, Day Spa, pool and Club 28.

Mary Moran, a Tourism and Hospitality student, said of the event: "It was such an amazing opportunity to see part of the Crown complex and also what they have to offer both their guests, and individuals who would like to be involved in their organisation. It was definitely a very pleasurable and inspiring experience which really solidified where I want to be for my Co-op year as well as career-wise."

Ashleigh Peebles, a Hospitality student, also gave great feedback on the event. "It really highlighted what I can see in my future career and in the hotel and hospitality industry. The tour of Crown has opened my eyes to the opportunities in the hotel industry, and I endeavour to pursue a long career in the industry. Thank you again for a wonderful experience!"

WIL takes AIME

Aryanna Lock and Jon Malpas at AIME

The Annual Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME), known as the premier meetings and incentives event in the Asia-Pacific region, held its 20^th expo at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) on February 20-21. In attendance were a number of VU Tourism and Event Management and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) staff.

The event is co-sponsored and coordinated by the Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCVB). MCVB Senior Manager Events and Marketing Services, Jon Malpas, oversaw the MCVB’s extensive displays at AIME and was ably assisted by Events & Marketing Services Coordinator and VU alumna Aryanna Lock.  Jon stated he ‘couldn’t be happier’ with Aryanna’s work in readying for this high profile and large scale event at the MCEC.

Numerous VU graduates were on hand at AIME in various roles, including Karen Jackson, Four Points by Sheraton Geelong Sales and Marketing Manager, and Brooke Doughty, Hotel Sofitel BDM Conferences and Events. MCVB Research Manager Danielle Ramirez said of WIL student Claire Wardley, who has been working for her for the past 4 months, ‘Claire is an exceptional students and will be successful in any work environment’.