2011: Mind on Marriott

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Tags: winter-2012

Simon Yang Xiao, Master of Business (International Event and Hotel Management)

Simon Yang Xiao

Simon Yang Xiao loves to travel and is keen to accept any opportunity to work with people of different cultures.

Interested in pursuing a career that gave him the prospect of doing both, Mr Xiao completed a Master of Business in International Event and Hotel Management at UQ.

Upon graduating in July 2011, Mr Xiao began applying for jobs in Australia, Singapore and China, expecting that he may have to return home to China to begin his career.

Eager to stay in Australia, Mr Xiao also applied for the Marriott Brisbane Graduate Management Program.

“The Brisbane Marriott Hotel is known as one of the best hotels in the city and even in Australia, so I decided it would be good to learn from the best,” Mr Xiao said.

As one of the first international students to be admitted to the highly competitive program, Mr Xiao hopes the study and work will help fast-track his career in hotel management.

“When I found out I had been accepted, I felt both very lucky and a little nervous. I realised how great this opportunity was,” he said.

As part of his program, Mr Xiao is most looking forward to his on-the-job training where he will have the chance to work in all areas of hotel management. Spanning 18 months, the program will equip Mr Xiao with knowledge in managing staff, emergency systems, and work-related resources.

“The training in this program will help me to learn the most important skills in a short period of time,” Mr Xiao said.

Following the graduate program, Mr Xiao hopes to secure a position as assistant manager, and eventually move on to conference and event management.

While staying in Australia is appealing, Mr Xiao also acknowledges that the hospitality business is a global industry.

“I may find a position in any country which has a Marriott Hotel, but I think that is the interesting part,” he said.

“Many of my friends graduated from UQ and we stay well connected. We often share information and give each other contacts when looking for jobs.”

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