From Dreams to Reality: Maya’s Journey from Architectural Aspirations to Hospitality Success

This is a true story, but names have been changed as the person involved wants to protect her privacy and that of the business she works for. Maya is a young lady who had dreams of working in architectural design She enrolled in a university to study architectural design and was excited about the prospect of launching a creative future. However, university life was expensive, she didn’t want to accept the loan from her parents and the government loan had huge interest rates. She decided to work and pay her own fees.

To cover her tuition and living expenses, Maya took up a part-time job in customer service at a boutique hotel. It was a well-known establishment; known for its exceptional service and warm hospitality. Maya had no prior experience in the hospitality industry, but she was determined to make this work. She had no problems adapting to the fast-paced environment, learning how to manage multiple tasks, provide excellent customer service, and work efficiently under pressure. She found it exciting!

Maya’s managers obviously noticed her dedication. She was asked if she was interested in completing a Certificate IV in Hospitality Management. Her first response was “Oh no, more fees” but the course was government-subsidised and most of the learning was done on the job. As Maya learned more skills she was commended on her efforts and offered her more responsibilities, including training new staff and coordinating small events. Maya found herself enjoying the dynamic nature of the hospitality industry even more. She loved interacting with guests from all over the world, solving problems on the spot, and seeing the immediate impact of her efforts.

As Maya gained more experience and skills her passion for the industry grew. She was balancing her work with her university studies but found she was prepared to miss the occasional lecture for work commitments. Maya started to question her initial career choice. She still loved architecture, but she found herself drawn to the challenges and rewards of hospitality. Her colleagues, who had become like family and encouraged her to consider a career in hospitality management.

When Maya was offered an opportunity to manage a new site, she found herself at a crossroads. She had invested years into her architectural studies, but the prospect of a management position in hospitality was very exciting. After much contemplation, she decided to take a leap of faith and accepted the offer. She reasoned that while her university education had provided her with valuable knowledge and skills, her true calling seemed to lie in hospitality.

Maya’s transition to a senior management role was seamless. She applied the discipline and creativity she had developed during her architectural studies to her new position. Her ability to think strategically and design effective processes made her an exceptional manager. She thrived in her new role, turning the new hotel branch into a resounding success.

Maya’s success in hospitality did not diminish her love for architecture. In her spare time, she has volunteered to design community projects and even helped renovate parts of the hotel. She has no regrets about her decision.