Lincoln University’s Kate Sweeney says the national hotel scholarship she has just won will stand her in excellent stead for a successful career in the industry.
The Hotel and Tourism Management student is one of two inaugural winners of the New Zealand Hotel Industry Scholarships, courtesy of Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) and consulting firm Horwath HTL.
The scholarships were offered to young Kiwis entering their final year of degree study in hotel management and include $3000 towards course fees, as well as industry connections.
Kate will have the chance to attend events such as the New Zealand Hotel Industry Conference and the Hotel Industry Awards Gala Dinner, which she expects to give her an advantage in the industry.
In a press release from TIA, Hotel Sector Manager Sally Attfield said Kate’s scholarship application showed a real commitment to the industry.
“As well as recognising the value of the scholarship, [Kate] demonstrated a genuine drive to succeed in the hotel industry. [She] offered insightful comments in [her] interview that showed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Horwath HTL Director Stephen Hamilton said he was looking forward to seeing the scholarship support Kate in her journey and career, and that she clearly had a very bright future ahead of her.
The varied nature of the industry is what attracted Kate to the Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Hotel and Tourism Management and Global Business.
“This job is one that is secure and will constantly stay interesting,” she said. “No two days in the hotel sector are the same and the development within the sector ensures there are sustainable career outcomes.”
The Bachelor of Commerce (Hotel and Tourism Management) is an internationally recognised qualification that meets the hotel and tourism industry needs by training graduates to help grow the sector in a sustainable manner.