Making the workforce a hospitable place for graduates

Anna Wong and Tiffie Pun may have received their university degrees, but they are still on a steep learning curve.

The two graduates from The University of Queensland have started a graduate management training program with the Accor Hotel group, giving them an insight into the running of all areas of hospitality.

The one-year program also puts them on the fast-track to successful careers in hotel or event management.

They got a foot in the door at Accor when they completed an executive shadowing program while still studying at UQ’s School of Tourism late last year.

Shadowing people such as the general manager, food and beverage manager and front office supervisor, Anna and Tiffie saw how major decisions were made about everything from housekeeping to budgeting.

Tiffie said the executive shadowing program was ``invaluable’’ and added to the lessons learned from teaching staff at UQ.

``We got to see how managers work in an organisation and how they keep their focus on the goals and objectives. We saw what happened at an executive level,’’ the Eight Mine Plains resident said.

``With the hospitality industry, experience is important. With what we learned at UQ, the executive shadowing program put that experience in place. It is real life.’’

Anna, from the western suburb of Toowong, said the School of Tourism’s teaching staff spoke from experience.

``We got a lot from the relationships with the lecturers and tutors because they have been in the industry. They could give an insight into what we could expect.’’

Tiffie is now working at the Mercure Brisbane, dealing with reservations, checking bookings and taking phone calls from all over the world.

Anna is stationed at the Novotel Brisbane in the conference and catering area, helping with meetings, business presentations and functions.

Accor Hotels regional human resources manager Gavin Wheeler said the two graduates were on the ``fast-track’’ to roles as supervisors.

``The opportunities for promotion and developing rewarding careers are endless,’’ Mr Wheeler said.

``We are keen to bring the talent into the organization and we are always looking for talented people to fill supervisory roles and middle-management positions.’’

Accor Hotels has employed 118 graduates in its graduate management training program since 2007.

Media: Gavin Wheeler (0407 025 054) or Erik de Wit (0417 088 772)