Student Stories

From Hospitality to Retail: Building Skills That Stay With Me

Studying International Hospitality and Tourism Management at Coventry University through PSB Academy gave me the opportunity to build on my previous culinary studies while exploring different areas within the hospitality industry. I wanted to broaden my career options, and I felt that the degree would give me a strong foundation for future opportunities.

I first heard about PSB Academy through my younger brother, who had completed his diploma there. Hearing about his experience gave me a positive impression of the school and its learning environment. The convenient location and course structure also made PSB Academy a great fit for me.

What I enjoyed most about the Coventry University curriculum was how it covered different aspects of the hospitality and tourism industry, including marketing. The assignments and projects encouraged me to conduct research, think critically and look at situations from different perspectives.

One lesson that has stayed with me was a class discussion about a hotel guest who was unhappy with their stay. We were asked to put ourselves in the hotel's position and consider how we would respond while balancing the guest's expectations with the hotel's policies. It taught me that good service is not simply about giving customers what they ask for, but understanding the reason behind their dissatisfaction and finding a suitable solution.

Today, I work as a Retail Consultant at Aesop Singapore, where I create personalised experiences for customers by understanding their needs, sharing product knowledge and recommending suitable products. I also work closely with my team to achieve our store goals and monthly KPIs.

Although I am now working in retail rather than directly in hospitality, I find that many of the skills I developed during my degree continue to help me in my role. Communication, interpersonal skills, empathy and adaptability are especially important when working with different personalities and expectations. My studies also taught me to be attentive and think from different perspectives, which helps me understand my customers better and provide a more tailored experience.

I don't think studying at a private institution put me at a disadvantage when looking for a job. In my experience, employers look beyond the certificate. How you communicate, your skills, attitude and willingness to learn all matter. Ultimately, I believe it is about how you apply what you have learned and the value you can bring to the workplace.