Sharks offer experience to Griffith students pursuing hospitality career

Third year student Suzanna Hocking during her food and beverage internship roster.

Southport Sharks has shown a strong commitment to providing an opportunity for the Griffith University’s local and international students to pathway into the hospitality industry.

Further from the previous internship success in 2018, Southport Sharks has again teamed up with Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management at Griffith University and came up with the structured internships delivery model that allows the four selected International Tourism and Hotel Management students to undertake 100 hours of internships placement.

Bobby Calingasan and Yeonjin (Judy) Kim at their internship.

Providing the holistic views to Griffith students on how the hospitality business is operated

Mantra at Sharks General Manager Gabby Daniels said with the recent introduction of Mantra Property as part of Southport Sharks, the hotel values providing the work integrated learning opportunity to its local students.

“Servicing the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, the primary objective of the 2019 Internships was very much giving the students a full of great exposures to all aspects of the hospitality business,” Ms Daniels said.

In this program, students were introduced to the globally recognised brand — Mantra Group – providing the students with holistic views on Southport Sharks across the key areas of club and hotel including housekeeping, dining, bars, front office and guest service.

Judy receives a certificate from Ann-Maree O’Neill, Human Resources Manager at Southport Sharks.

“Housekeeping is the backbone of the business in terms of offering the positive guest experience which requires a strong coordination effort with front office team and all other departments,” housekeeping manager Michael Mazey said.

“One of the highlights of the internships is the students are able to develop the relevant skill sets required to deliver the quality guest service.”

The internships make a difference to Griffith Tourism and Hospitality students

Third year Bachelor of International Tourism and Hotel Management student Bobby Calingasan said his internship at The Southport Sharks was one of the many opportunities studying at Griffith had opened up for him.

“My internship experience enabled me to develop valuable skills and attributes such as time management skill, adaptability, and resilience,” Bobby said.

Third year student Yilin Luo during her front office internship task.

“I know sometimes it can be hard juggling life, study, work and all other commitment but through the internship, all your hard work will pay off.

“This experience is a stepping stone to my future career success.”

Yeonjin (Judy) Kim is in her final year of study, majoring in Hospitality Management, and said she made the most out of her internships experience.

“As an international student, being able to adapt to Australian culture and business environment was one of my key goal through my internships,” she said.

“I really admire the working culture at my host organisation and the team was very supportive of me and really encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and build my confidence in communicating with other staff and guests.”