On September 24th, NTT Institute of International Education (NIIE) organized an Orientation Day for first-year students majoring in Hospitality Management. This was a valuable opportunity for students to get familiar with their new learning environment, understand the development roadmap, and receive valuable advice from leading industry experts.
This event proudly featured three distinguished guest speakers, all experienced experts in the fields of Hospitality Management and Tourism:
- Dr. Phan Thi Ngan, Head of Hospitality Management at NIIE;
- Mr. Ho Quang Sinh, Deputy Director of Human Resources at Saigontourist Corporation;
- Ms. Quan Tieu My, a hotel front desk training expert with over 18 years of experience.
The presence of these speakers not only demonstrated a commitment to integrating education with real-world practices but also provided students with a deeper and more practical understanding of the industry they have chosen.
Dr. Phan Thi Ngan, Head of Hospitality Management at NIIE, shares essential information that students need to know.
At the start of the program, students were introduced to NIIE’s vision, mission, and educational philosophy. Under the motto “Global Learning – Global Success,” NIIE is dedicated to equipping students with not only specialized knowledge but also global skills that meet the “entry requirements” of multinational hotel corporations. Dr. Phan Thi Ngan emphasized this spirit while sharing the study roadmap and graduation requirements for the International Standard Bachelor’s Program in Hospitality Management. With a B2 English proficiency (IELTS 5.5 – 6.0) upon graduation and essential soft skills, NIIE students are positioned to become high-quality human resources in the hospitality industry.
The Future of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry: Current Situation and Trends
Next in the program, Mr. Ho Quang Sinh, Deputy Director of Human Resources at Saigontourist Corporation, discussed the strong recovery of the Tourism and Hospitality industry post-COVID-19. He highlighted that in the coming years, the industry will continue to thrive, with green tourism and digital transformation being two globally popular trends. He also encouraged Gen Z students to leverage their advantage in mastering technology, a crucial skill for adapting to the new trends in the industry.
Not only did Mr. Sinh provide an overall view of the industry’s future, but he also stressed the importance of setting clear career goals early on. He encouraged students to continually learn and develop their knowledge and skills to prepare for long-term growth in the tourism and hospitality sector.
Igniting Passion with Expert Quan Tieu My
With over 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ms. Quan Tieu My offered practical and inspiring advice, fueling the passion of first-year students. She emphasized that, to succeed and “last long in the profession,” students must be well-prepared, from their appearance and attire to soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Notably, she urged students to work with heart, always prioritizing professionalism and dedication. Attention to detail and professionalism, “inside and out,” not only helps students adapt to the working environment but also serves as the key to quickly advancing and achieving success in their careers.
Ms. Quan Tieu My also spent significant time sharing “industry stories,” discussing the challenges, pressures, and interesting anecdotes that “only those in the profession truly understand,” helping attending students gain a realistic perspective and better prepare for the challenges they may face. Additionally, she encouraged students to take the initiative in learning more about the culture, history, and geography of different countries to better serve international tourists.
During the Q&A session, the speakers openly shared and addressed all of the students’ concerns about the Hospitality Management industry. Questions regarding career opportunities, necessary skills, and future challenges were answered candidly and sincerely, giving students more confidence in their career choices.
As the program concluded, the valuable knowledge and experience shared by the speakers opened up a new, promising, and opportunity-filled journey for first-year Hospitality Management students. Beyond learning from textbooks, the real-life stories and professional skills they acquire will serve as a solid foundation, empowering them to confidently enter the competitive job market.
While the challenges ahead may be significant, with the comprehensive training and dynamic learning environment at the Institute, each student is now ready to push boundaries and unlock their potential in this vibrant industry.
