Hospitality Students Offer Insights on Exclusive Fairmont Networking Event
On July 26th, students in the second semester of the Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management program, Gwen (Thi Quynh Hoa) Le and Tyson (Giahuy) Diep, participated in the exclusive "Essential Fairmont Experience" Educators Networking Event. Accompanied by Placement Advisors Stephanie Kratz and Andrew Bascome, the students had the opportunity to gain valuable insights. Below are some key takeaways from Gwen and Tyson's experience.
Who are some of the people that you met at the event?
At the event, we had a chance to meet and talk to many managing members of the hotel such as Anna Chartres (Regional Director, Talent and Culture), Heather Dyer (Regional Director, Learning and Development), Yatan Nizzar (Assistant Director, Talent and Culture), Carlos Ng (Director of Front Office), See Jun Ahn (General Manager, Library Bar and Clockwork), Brittany Smith (Director of Guest Experience), and many others. - Gwen and Tyson
What was the best piece of advice that you received while networking?
Tyson: The best piece of advice I recieved was to “always do what you love." We were told that you can always learn things but without passion, you will have a hard time succeeding. That is why when hiring, he (Director of Front Office, Carlos Ng) always looks for people with passion and the desire to learn.
Gwen: I got a lot of valuable advice which gave me more confidence as well as clearer steps for my future career path. The best piece of advice that I would like to mention was from Michelle Wu, Talent and Culture Generalist. She advises us that it's not about the position or the job, but all about the industry or the company that we want to work for. We need to find out which company/industry we are passionate about and fit in. As long as we already put our foot in, we will have room to grow and chances to reach our dream job and position.
What was your favourite part about the event?
Gwen: My two favourite parts about the event were the speeches from talented staff members about their journeys to success when working for Fairmont Royal York and a chance to walk up to the rooftop and learn how sustainable the hotel is.
Tyson: My favourite part of this event was the opportunity to connect with other people and to walk up to the rooftop where the Fairmont shows you how they are sustainable (the rooftop has a beehive that produces honey, and in the garden, they grow their vegetables etc).
What are the benefits for students attending events like this?
Tyson: The benefits for students attending events like this is the chance to network and see how employees can work for an amazing hotel like this as well as what they have gone through (getting advice). Students can see firsthand what a hotel like this has to do to stay on top.
Gwen: The biggest benefit for students attending events like this is the ability to see how a high-end hotel looks, understand passionate employees will be supported to learn and grow in the right environment and make connections with leaders.
