July 2002 - Faculty of Business and Law - Victoria University

A group of postgraduates from the School of HTM is working
news
towards formalising an Alumni Chapter within VU
Alumni
Let us know where you are and what you are doing. Contact: Jane Odgers on jane.odgers@vu.edu.au
Louisa Watkins
TRANSFER BROADENS
Louisa Watkins is one of an increasing
number of people advancing careers
through further education.
10
KNOWLEDGE
She did not find an initial brief flirtation with an
Arts degree fully satisfying so applied for and
secured entry into the vocationally oriented
Academy Sofitel.
“Academy Sofitel presented an amazing
opportunity to gain broad exposure to the
industry in a five-star setting.
“I commenced Certificate III in Hospitality -
Food and Beverage at the beginning of 2000
and gained a position in the Atrium/Sofis team
working in the cocktail lounge – both on the
floor and in the bar,” she said.
Louisa has since completed Certificate IV and
rotated through various positions at Hotel
Sofitel Melbourne, but believed that her career
prospects would be enhanced if she undertook a
Bachelor of Business – Hospitality Management
degree.
“This is my second year of study at the
university, taking advantage of the accelerated
course offered via my articulation from Academy
Sofitel.
“I am currently looking at overseas options for
Co-op. I feel that international experience will be
beneficial to my career prospects.
“I am yet to make any firm decision about my
future career, but I feel that in the long term I
will remain with Accor, as the international
career prospects are endless,” Louisa says.
Palazzo Versace
HOSPITALITY BY DESIGN
CO-OP STUDENTS
IN OVERDRIVE
The RACV Club is one of the most enthusiastic supporters
of Co-op, providing paid work experience for students over
many years.
The RACV Club’s Human Relations Officer, Chloe Lloyd,
says students typically work with the Club for twelve to 14
months, learning all aspects of the Club management and
catering business.
“It is an excellent opportunity for us to engage talented
people and take a look at the potential of prospective
employees,” she says.
A highlight of the Co-op year for recent interns, Suzanne
Williams and Kathryn Zammitt (pictured above with RACV
Club and VU staff), was organising the annual dinner
recognising the RACV Club’s apprentices and trainees.
Kathryn’s tour of duty with RACV began in January 2001 at
the organisation’s Healesville Country Club, where she
spent about eight weeks. She has spent her time at the city
club in accounts, human resources, front office and
membership. She plans to pursue a career in human
resources management.
Suzanne joined RACV in December 2000 and has worked in
human resources, accounts, special events, front office,
kitchen, club bar, concierge and coffee lounge.
Both are back at the School of HTM this year completing
their courses (Kathryn: BBus Hospitality and Tourism
Management; Suzanne: BBus Catering and Hotel
Management).
Versace denotes uniqueness. That Australia’s
Gold Coast should host the first hotel designed
by one of Europe’s leading fashion houses is
also surprising.
Whether the Palazzo Versace venture is an
outstanding success has, to some extent, been
left in the hands of School of HTM graduate,
Avril Jones.
Avril is Business Development Manager for the
hotel, marketing it to discerning travellers in
UK/Europe, North America and the southern
Australian states.
Naturally, first impressions of Avril’s job
description and employer communicate
“GLAMOUR!”. She concedes that it isn’t at
all bad.
“It is always a pleasure to host clients in such
a beautiful hotel and to see the lobby in the
evening with the tea candles lit and guests
being served exquisite canapés by the
well-presented and professional team.
It really is a pleasant experience.
It makes you appreciate what a
wonderful job you have,” says
Avril.
But life is not all champagne and
canapés. When Avril helped with
the hotel launch, she
spent the
previous night
making beds
and filling
minibars.
“I have certainly met some interesting people
in this job. Probably the most interesting are
the ones that link back to Versace. They are all
so creative and quite inspirational,” she says.
Avril describes the target markets for Palazzo
Versace as quite broad, although there are
obviously some key niche markets for this type
of property. She spends a substantial amount
of time developing joint marketing and
communications strategies with industry
partners like Tourism Queensland and the Gold
Coast Tourism Bureau. Professional
Conference Organisers and Convention
Organisers are also key targets.
One highlight of her career to date was her
recent presentation to Versace’s Bond Street
staff in London, who she describes as very
friendly and “lots of fun”.
Avril graduated with a
Bachelor of Business
(Catering and Hotel
Management) in
1990. Her Palazzo
Versace position
is the most recent
of several
positions she has
held over the
past twelve years.
Previous
employers
have included
AAT Kings, Jetset
and Southern
Pacific Hotels
(now Six
Continents).
Avril Jones