23/04-10   -   Press releases

Tourism­-Hospitality-­Events Careers Day

Looking at the success of the University of Surrey’s THE (Tourism-Hospitality-Events) Careers Day, it is not difficult to understand why this University has the highest rate of graduate employment in the country. The inaugural event, held on Wednesday, 24 March 2010, was a perfect example of Surrey students’ ambitious and proactive attitude towards employment and forming industry connections. Likewise, the event also highlighted the industry’s awareness of the importance of working with students. Mark Miller, Executive Director of The Tourism Society, couldn’t agree more: “Students need to connect with the industry." After all, today’s students are tomorrow’s employees and future leaders of our industry.

Organised primarily by students for students, THE Careers Day was made possible by the joint efforts of the Division of Hospitality and Tourism Management, the University of Surrey Careers Service, The Tourism Society, and the Surrey Tourism and Events Society (STES). From the beginning, the goal was to "strengthen the connections and develop different types of cooperation between the University and the industry", says Sammy Li, STES Director of Industry Relations.

Comprising careers talks, a careers fair, and a networking reception, the event demonstrated the importance for both ends of the continuum to meet now, before students graduate, so they are better prepared to enter the industry when the time comes. Conversely, employers are able to communicate what they are looking for in students and discuss existing and future opportunities. Geraldine McDonald, Director of Human Resources for Brown’s Hotel was “delighted to support the future talent of our industry". Additionally, the enthusiasm and professionalism of student attendees did not go unnoticed. “The quality of students visiting THE Careers Day was excellent and they demonstrated a passion for their chosen industry sector. A very good first event of its kind", said Michelle Ramsey, Director of Ventura Travel Management.

Not only were the industry members impressed with the student attendees, they gave high praise for the event organisation. It is a testament to the student organisers’ drive and passion towards improving industry connections that the event was so well executed. Bruce Martin, Operations Director of Online Travel Training/New Frontiers thought THE Careers Day was “amazingly well organised and professionally marketed", while Manny Sawhney, Managing Director of Asperion Hotel echoed that sentiment saying it was a “fantastic event with equally successful results".

With both student and exhibitor spaces fully booked well in advance of the event, THE Careers Day has firmly established itself as an annual and growing event at the University of Surrey. Exit surveys are being conducted with all parties involved so that THE Careers Day 2011 can provide an even better opportunity for students and industry to connect.