From Hospitality to Higher Education

After many years in the hospitality and hotel industry, I made the bold decision to transition into higher education. Taking on a new role at a University, this has been an exciting journey.

The motivation behind my transition stemmed from my evolving values. In my previous hospitality role, particularly at the company I worked for, their values changed, and I no longer felt aligned with them. I found myself lacking purpose; going to work had become more of a chore than a passion, it was simply something I did to pay the bills. Although I felt nervous about leaving the hospitality industry, I recognized that this change was necessary for my personal growth.

This transition wasn’t just a risk for me; it was also a leap for the university. They chose to hire someone without prior experience in higher education. However, what they sought was strong customer service skills, and my years in hospitality provided me with exactly that. It has turned out to be one of the key assets I brought to the role.

Recently, I completed my first three-month probation period, and my boss gave me glowing feedback. She noted how, in my first few weeks, I faced several challenges and issues, yet I handled them with speed, professionalism, and empathy. That reassurance confirmed that I made the right move.

Mental health and well-being are extremely important to me, values I treasure and support deeply. As one of the Manager, I also have responsibilities as a Safeguarding Officer and Disability Officer. Both roles are crucial for ensuring the well-being of students and staff on campus. I’m proud to be part of an institution that provides numerous resources for mental health and offers continuous training to support it.

In the past three months, I’ve been able to apply this aspect of my job practically, which has given me a deeper understanding of myself. Completing Counselling Skills course before joining the University of Law has been incredibly beneficial, allowing me to offer better support to both students and colleagues. 

I’m fortunate to have an amazing team dedicated to their work, providing me with significant support since I joined the university.

Since my arrival, I’ve achieved a much-needed balance between work and life—something I never had in my previous employment. I benefit from ongoing support and training that empower me every day. My passion for this role is so strong that I arrive anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes before my scheduled start time. I genuinely want to be there, to give my best, and to continue learning. This position has reignited my passion for growth, and I’m excited about the future, both personally and professionally.

Taking this risk has opened doors I never expected, and one key lesson I’ve learned is that embracing new challenges can lead to immense personal and professional fulfilment.