Esther’s grad scheme success with Leonardo Hotels

Esther was looking for a master’s degree that would help her pursue a new career path. With a background in biochemistry in her home country of Ghana, she wanted to change direction and turn her interest in the hospitality into a career. After discovering our MSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management Esther knew she’d found a course that suited her goals. She has now secured a Hotel Management Graduate Scheme with Leonardo Hotels.

“I chose my course because I needed to build the foundation and the confidence to transition into the hospitality sector. I came from a biochemistry background but had informal experiences with the hospitality sector due to my mother’s involvement with the industry which eventually became a side interest for me. Let’s just say I reached a point where I wanted to stop thinking of hospitality as a side interest and intentionally build a career in it.”

Securing a graduate role

Esther has now secured a Hotel Management Graduate Scheme with Leonardo Hotels, where she’ll rotate through key departments and receive mentorship, leadership development and people management training, with the aim of moving into a managerial role within the next year or so. She credits the applied nature of her degree with helping her prepare for her first graduate role.

“One of the most helpful elements of the course in securing my first role was how strongly it connected theory to real-world industry practice. Modules were not just academic; they were applied, encouraging us to think like professionals rather than students. The assessment style helped as well. Many assignments felt like industry tasks, which strengthened my confidence in presenting ideas and solving real business challenges.”

Esther also worked on real world briefs and benefited from industry mentorship.

“My colleagues and I had the opportunity to work with Wye Bakehouse, a family-run bakery located in Bakewell, which was seeking to diversify into corporate wellness experiences through baking workshops. We also benefited from a series of guest lectures and were paired with industry mentors, who provided valuable insights and guidance to support our career aspirations.”

Stepping stone for an exciting career

Esther is excited for the future and for continuing to grow her hospitality management career, with a long term goal to work in a world-class hospitality organisation and to own her own establishment that creates memorable experiences for guests.

“For someone with no formal tourism and hospitality background, being able to secure my first significant role immediately after completing the course is a clear testament to how much I have benefited from it. I came into this programme seeking the right foundation to transition into the industry, and I have gained exactly that. I feel confident in my skills and ready to break new ground in the hospitality and tourism industry”.