Bond University student Edward White has swapped his text books for snorkels commencing his four month internship at Daydream Island Resort and Spa.
The lucky Bachelor of International Hotel, Resort and Tourism Management student has been offered the chance of a lifetime to work alongside the island’s resort manager for 16 weeks gaining hands-on experience.
Far removed from the traditional classroom setting, former Brisbane Anglican Church Grammar School boy Edward said this opportunity will allow him to gain a unique insight into the industry.
“I am really looking forward to seeing the practical application of methods and procedures that I have learnt in my studies at Bond University,” said Edward.
“Gaining this experience in the Whitsundays while working with the resort manager is a dream come true for me; I am looking forward to learning how a hotel runs from a manager’s perspective and being able to see how revenue management, sales, marketing, strategies and logistics come together simultaneously to allow the operations side of the hotel to run smoothly.”
Daydream Island Resort Manager Warren McCorriston said the property is eager to extend links with educational institutions such as Bond University and provide opportunities for students to expand their practical experience and potentially advance through the management ranks of a resort like Daydream.
“This is a great opportunity for a young person of Edward’s calibre,” Mr McCorriston said.
“He will experience a hands-on learning program including in the front office, food and beverage and housekeeping departments. He will also be given supervisory experience and first-hand day to day managerial experience with department heads and senior management.
“We look forward to his involvement and the potential for this to result in ongoing employment and other opportunities with the University.”
Edward, who is expecting to graduate in December 2012, has big plans for the future, eyeing off an international career.
“My goal is to be admitted to a graduate program in an international hotel chain in order to gain a wider range of experience.
“Five years from now I would like to see myself as the front office manager or similar at a five-star property in South East Asia,” he said.
The internship forms part of the School of Hotel, Resort and Tourism Management’s approach to work experience and gaining practical industry-relevant practice while studying.
Bond students have also completed internships at a range of internationally renowned organisations including Disney, the Marriott Group and the Intercontinental Hotel Group.
Head of the School of Hotel, Resort and Tourism Management Professor Elizabeth Roberts said the benefits of working while studying are invaluable.
“Our students can apply the theoretical knowledge learnt in the classroom to practical situations, all while building industry networks and becoming work-ready graduates,” said Professor Roberts.