Valentina Dusnoki

• Year of graduation: 2022
• Current job title: Reservation Administrator
• Current employer: Premier Inn (Whitbread)
• Industry sector: Hospitality and Tourism

I chose this course at UON because for as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to work in the travel and tourism industry. However I’d never wanted to go to university because I hadn’t found the perfect fit through my high school/college years, but after Level 3 of Travel and Tourism, I wasn’t ready to give up on pursuing my studies in the field, so I decided to complete my HNC and HND at college. Fortunately, this led me to a day trip to the University of Northampton. From the inspiring lecturers to the different modules that really struck my interest, I knew then that this was the next path I wanted to take, and I’ve never looked back.

The best part of the course was undoubtedly the modules – some of them I enjoyed more than others, but they were exactly what I wanted. Mega Event Legacies and Innovation in Tourism and Hospitality Management is what I enjoyed the most. It showed me a whole different side of the industry which I hadn’t thought of before and I’ve learned many new things. Additionally, the Professional Consultancy Project was one that I really enjoyed as it allowed me to explore the industry up close, whilst still studying. It also allowed me to think outside the box about how I can help to improve an organisation or company, which I didn’t know I had in me.

My studies have helped my career and personal development in a way that isn’t directly related to the industry by allowing me to grow as a person in the short time I spent at the University. The lecturers and the modules all challenged me in the best way possible and helped me to be more confident in myself, both as an individual and as a professional. I was always terrified of finding my first full-time job, but once I graduated, I was at ease knowing I would be just fine.

I currently work as a Reservation Administrator within one of the largest hotel brands in the UK. This has really given me an insight into how hospitality works behind the scenes and it’s a lot more complex than I’d initially thought. It was challenging at first, as every one of my actions impacts our guests’ stay and their experience at the hotel. Looking into the future, I know I want to continue down this path and grow within the industry, but I also still want to experience everything else the industry has to offer.

The most useful skills I gained during my studies that have helped me to grow in my role are people skills and problem-solving. Working in the hospitality industry, we’re faced with guests and customers on a daily basis and problem-solving has become my unspoken task every day. Working in a large group for the Professional Consultancy Project module, as well as with a real client from the industry, enabled me to gain and develop my problem-solving skills – from how to approach the problem, to doing everything in my power to ensure the guest leaves feeling heard and cared for.

The main piece of advice I’d give to undergraduates interested in this career path would be to get involved! This is exactly how you will help yourself progress further. It can be scary at first to be in a completely new environment, especially a new location, as I’ve moved away from home for the year to study at UON. Getting involved with other students, lecturers and any on-site activities and events will show you that you’re not alone. Everyone is in the same position as you and once you see this, it won’t be so nerve-wracking anymore. Everyone is there to help you get through it together so by the time the year ends, you’ll wish you’d spent even more time getting involved!

My time at the University of Northampton was an enlightening and unforgettable experience, both professionally and personally.