Hospitality students should be full of optimism for the future, says Ritz boss
It is a "fantastic time" to be working in the hospitality industry, the boss of the Ritz told attendees at the Student Learning and Development Forum this week.
Ciaran Fahy, chief executive of the Ellerman Hotel Company, the owner of the Ritz, advised the student delegates that, to get on in the opportunity-laden industry, each of them should "be a doer; be part of the solution".
At the event titled Stand up to Stand Out, he said: "What you achieve is up to yourself. Your success is down to a mixture of your skills, experience and determination."
He encouraged students to find the solutions to problems in the workplaces, and while focusing on their goals and what they want to achieve, to concentrate on exceeding in every job they do. The quickest road to promotion is to be good at the job you do now, he emphasised.
Fahy also reassured students about being too concerned about getting their "first choice" of company right. However, he told them to "choose your company carefully" and to research businesses thoroughly.
"And be realistic about the opportunities that are out there," he added. "It doesn't have to be the Four Seasons to be a good experience."
He ended his speech on a positive note, adding that it is a "fantastic time" to be in the hospitality industry for young hospitality graduates.
"There are brands and restaurants that did not exist a decade ago. I would be full of optimism about the opportunities available now," he concluded.
The Student Learning and Development Forum is organised by the Institute of Hospitality.
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