Case Study B - Avtar Singh

Given tourism is one of Ireland’s largest and most successful industries, it comes as no surprise that our second undergraduate student is also a student of hospitality. Avtar Singh is in the fourth and final year of the highly practical and career-orientated Honours Degree in Hospitality Management in Waterford IT.

‘I did my placement in the five-star Killarney Park Hotel [in Co Kerry]. It went very well. We implemented in the workplace what we are studying in college. So I now have a better understanding of how the hospitality industry works. The course is focused on the latest practices in different hotel departments,’ says Avtar.

WIT also arranges regular day-trips to a wide variety of restaurants and hotels, from large chain hotels to boutique, family-run establishments, enabling students to interview and learn from management in each case. He has experienced no problem adjusting to life in his new home in Waterford City (population: 50,000). In fact, hailing as he does from Uttar Pradesh, the most populace sub-national state on earth, Avtar’s biggest quibble is with its title: ‘I would say it’s a town!’
 
The compact size of Waterford City, which is located in a balmy corner of Ireland known as the ‘Sunny Southeast’, is an asset for Avtar. ‘I find it easy to get around the place,’ he enthuses. Other elements that eased his acclimatisation include the helpful staff of WIT, and a small but tightly knit and internationally mixed group of students in the Hospitality Dept who often throw parties and other functions.

Avtar has done very well, and has already received offers of employment in India, so his advice is certainly worth considering.

‘I would say it’s definitely a great experience coming abroad and working, but the main thing would be to look at your financial situation and be realistic about the costs involved. Don’t think it’s going to be easy and don’t just talk to one person when seeking advice – talk to different people so that there are no shocks when you get here.’