In the first three months of 2024 alone, 285 million tourists traveled internationally – about 20% more than in the same period in 2023. Imagine being at the forefront of this thriving industry, where your leadership and expertise create unforgettable experiences for travelers from all over the world.
In cozy bed-and-breakfasts and the world’s most magnificent thousand-room hotels, it’s the manager’s touch that makes all the difference. They’re the driving force behind the very first smile guests see when they check in and the seamless service they enjoy throughout their stay. Indeed, such roles are ideal for individuals who are naturally composed and patient, but above all they require commitment, resilience and a wide range of skills that are usually acquired through experience and training – but not everywhere.
Choosing where to study hotel management should not be taken lightly, especially when there are countries like New Zealand. The country is known for its stunning landscapes and tourism is the country’s second largest export earner. It is the ultimate destination for hands-on learning and career advancement – both of which are made possible simultaneously by institutions like the Pacific International Hotel Management School (PIHMS) in New Plymouth.
Here, your classroom is a fully functioning hotel with restaurants, kitchen, reception and hotel rooms, and your lessons are delivered by industry leaders from Accor, IHG, Millennium, Skycity, Hospitality New Zealand, the Tourism Industry Association and more. Nothing less is expected from New Zealand’s leading hospitality education provider. PIHMS’ reputation has been cemented by its goal of equipping you with the skills, attitude and experience required in the industry. In fact, all New Zealand Qualifications Authority accredited courses include full-time industry placements. The formal tripartite employment contract between PIHMS, the student and the employer gives students the security and confidence of high-quality paid industry experience in the hospitality industry.
What is it like to study at PIHMS?
You will work in renowned hotels and resorts and gain experience in various departments such as reception, housekeeping, catering and management. And although there are many opportunities in New Zealand, internships can be completed practically anywhere – for example in London, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland or Queenstown. Over the years, internships have taken place in over 500 partner hotels in five countries and 50 cities.
“While I was completing my degree, I received graduate job offers from Australia, London and Auckland based on the contacts I had made during industry internships,” says Kyle Godden, who now works as Functions and Events Manager at Star Hospitality Group.
His springboard to success was the Bachelor of Applied Hotel Management from PIHMS. This three-year program is designed to teach you the fundamentals of assessing different situations and making efficient decisions to ensure guests have the best possible experience. It also covers the latest business/management practices and fosters key skills in leadership, communication, critical thinking, analytics and marketing.
Apart from the internships, all final year bachelor students not only take the lead in the hotel school but also take the lead in organizing and executing the annual PIHMS Hotel Leaders Conference. The 2023 edition covered strategies to overcome industry challenges while delivering exceptional guest experiences, insights on adapting to market trends and global dynamics, and innovative approaches to improving guest service and sustainability.
On campus, PIHMS students apply their knowledge in all operational departments during 20-week semesters. Source: The Pacific International Hotel Management School
The 18-month Master of Hotel Management goes a step further. It is designed for those who already have a degree and are looking to move into a senior-level management position. On this path, you will write a comprehensive dissertation focusing on your chosen area of the hotel and hospitality industry. This will allow you to deepen your knowledge and become a recognised expert in areas such as marketing, digital marketing, management, human resources, food and beverage, IT, front office and rooms department. The Postgraduate Diploma in Hotel Management is an equally suitable choice for graduates who want to excel in management positions in the hotel and hospitality industry.
All programs produce great results. This fact is backed up by numbers: 96% of PIHMS graduates are employed upon graduation or within three months, 85% receive a promotion within a year, and 58% advance to a management position within five years.
“When you have completed a PIHMS training, you think employers are more likely to give you a chance because they know you have the skills and a good work ethic,” says Mumbai-based graduate Ajinkya Jagdale, who currently works as Director of Hospitality at Shining Peak, a renowned brewery in the heart of Taranaki.
Convinced? “Try before you buy” and make informed decisions about your future in hospitality by connecting with the PIHMS community through international study tours and in-country career weeks. Learn more about living, studying and working in New Zealand today.
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