MORE than 75 pupils and teachers from schools across the north-east attended Aberdeen Business School’s third annual hospitality, tourism and retail management workshop, giving school pupils an insight into university life and what to expect as a student.
Dr Bob Gammie, associate dean for undergraduate studies, gave pupils an overview of the course structure, global placement opportunities and career options specifically in the hospitality, tourism and retail sector.
After experiencing a live, interactive lecture, an ice-breaker session took place, with pupils from various schools working alongside one another, allowing them to meet and mix with new people – an important part of university life.
They also had the opportunity to hear from three ABS graduates who have gone on to forge successful careers in hospitality and tourism – Louise Stewart, sales manager, Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre; Jamie Hastings, sales director, Malmaison, and Leigh-Anne McMorland, ambassador programme and research executive, Aberdeen Convention Bureau.
The three graduates individually took to the stage to share their experiences and career highlights while giving important advice to pupils considering careers in hospitality, tourism and retail.
Louise Stewart, of AECC, said: “Don’t be afraid to grab every opportunity with both hands.”
Her career has gone from strength to strength, culminating in her most recent role as head of sales and marketing. She attributed her success to the diverse nature of the BA (Hons) Hospitality Management course.
Jamie Hastings, of Malmaison, said: “My years at ABS were the best of my life. Not only was I studying a subject that excited me, I had the opportunity to travel to some wonderful places like New York and Las Vegas, opportunities I might never have had if I hadn’t chose to study at ABS.”
Leigh-Anne McMorland, of the Aberdeen Convention Bureau, said: “I knew from a young age I wanted to work in the hospitality and tourism industry – the BA (Hons) Hospitality Management course was the obvious choice for me. The lecturers put students first; they were always on hand to provide support and guidance, and it was that support that helped me get where I am today.”
Deirdre O’Donnell, programme leader for international hospitality management, international tourism management and retail management, said: “I am delighted with the overwhelming response from schools, and with the enthusiasm of teachers and pupils alike. It is a clear sign of the growing awareness and interest in these industries among the next generation of managers.
“It is particularly gratifying for us to welcome back Louise, Jamie and Leigh to talk about their experiences. As graduates who have gone on to great things, I have no doubt their experiences will have inspired and enthused the pupils about the global opportunities available to them within hospitality, tourism and retail management.”
The winners of the interactive lecture session at the event were Emma Baird and Marion Fisher, both of Turriff Academy; Danielle Gordon, of Bridge of Don Academy, and Stacey-Marie Grant, of Peterhead Academy.
Further information on careers in hospitality, tourism and retail at ABS at The Robert Gordon University can be found at www.rgu.ac.uk/abs/