Study Overseas - An Australian Government Initiative

Study Overseas - An Australian Government Initiative

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Ranu Obaha London

“My international experience made me realise that I can achieve anything…. My goal to become a General Manager is achievable and I know I can do it now – with global skills and a global outlook”

Ranu Obaha

Hotel Management Trainee

2007 London, United Kingdom

In 1992 Ranu came to Queensland from Papua New Guinea as a high school student, at Scots PGC College, Warwick. After finishing his schooling Ranu chose Southbank Institute of Technology to gain a Diploma of Hospitality Management. Using the articulation pathways and joint offering between UQ and SBIT Ranu had also started work towards his Bachelor of International Hotel & Tourism Management. Longing for an international experience he first applied for the Ann Garms Award for Excellence in Hospitality. During the selection process he was introduced to the Queensland Overseas Foundation (QOF) scholarship program and also applied. From Port Moresby….. Warwick… Brisbane… LONDON!!! Ranu’s great adventure made possible through QOF is presented below.

I came across the Queensland Overseas Foundation by chance. I knew well enough though that these sorts of opportunities don’t come everyday so I took it with both hands. My scholarship took me to Andaz London, a boutique hotel that is part of the Hyatt chain. Having just finished my Diploma of Hospitality Management and working in the industry in both the Pacific and Australia the scholarship gave me an opportunity to also experience the industry from the other side of the world and from a whole new personal perspective.

Andaz is a new style of hotel modelled on the concept of casual luxury. The concept is based on a new culture of service that focuses on the clients. There are no check-in counters or assigned jobs within the Living Room/foyer. Staff provide guests with a one-stop-shop check in process that requires staff to deal with all the client’s needs. Had I not travelled to London and been given the opportunity in Andaz I would never have been exposed to this leading industry approach. In fact, I was recently asked to brief my class mates in my university course on the approach for one of my subjects regarding International Hotel Management!!

During my time with Andaz I was presented with the opportunity to work as the Sales and Marketing Coordinator within the hotel. The experience gave me a new angle to the industry as my previous roles had focused on food and beverage. As Sales and Marketing Coordinator I worked with clients, developed familiarisation tours, organised events and marketing materials.

On a personal level the experience just gave me a bigger scope of understanding – both as an employee in Europe but also as a traveller. I used my time wisely to travel with my wife and to experience the industry as a tourist as well… we tried out hotels in – Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Scotland. The reality is, through broadening my international understanding and context I can now better serve my clients.

Working in the hotel industry, we deal with international guests every day. I think it is so important that all employees in the industry have a global outlook and perspective. My time in London certainly gave me new perspective.

I don’t think you can underestimate the support and knowledge that QOF Governors share with new scholarship holders. Knowing that I had a team of people looking out for me and assisting was great.

In 2009 I will have completed my Bachelors. With the confidence, skills and experience that I gained during my time in London, I am going to continue on my path to become a General Manager in the next 10 years – actually no make that 5! It is a goal that prior to my international experience I really only dreamed of but now I am certain that I will get there.

Ranu Obaha (September 2008)

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