Amrita Gurung
Master of International Hospitality Management student
Auckland is such a hub for the hospitality and tourism industry, says Amrita Gurung who came to AUT as an international student from Nepal, supported by an AUT International Scholarship – South Asia.
“My interest in hospitality started with my first job, in customer service – that's what sparked my interest in building a career in this industry. I wanted to be based in Auckland because it’s a hub for New Zealand’s hospitality and tourism industry, and was looking for a programme that would let me understand the hospitality industry as a whole, not just one part of it. That’s what first drew me to AUT.”
It's a decision she certainly hasn’t regretted, and she is thoroughly enjoying her studies.
“The programme includes applied projects and plenty of opportunities to connect with industry, including career expos and networking events where you get to meet people already working in the field. What I didn't expect was how much I'd enjoy studying alongside people from so many different countries – everyone brings their own ideas and ways of thinking to the table. Learning from classmates with such different backgrounds has been one of the most interesting parts of my time here. I'm also working on a dissertation, which is pushing me further than I expected. And since I've been working in food and beverage roles throughout my studies – including at the Park Hyatt and Horizon by SkyCity – I've been getting hands-on experience in the same industry I'm researching, which has been invaluable alongside the coursework.”
A new love for research
Getting to research something she genuinely cares about has been a highlight of her studies, Amrita says.
“My dissertation looks at workplace support for pregnant frontline hospitality and tourism employees in New Zealand. It's been rewarding to combine academic research with issues I've seen play out in real workplaces. To be honest, taking on my own dissertation was completely unexpected and wasn't something I'd ever pictured myself doing. It pushed me well outside my comfort zone, but it's turned into something I'm genuinely interested in, and I'm proud of how far I've taken it.”
She is grateful for the support she has received throughout her research journey.
“My primary supervisor, Dr Pola Wang, has been incredible. Whenever I've felt stuck or unsure where to start, she has always been there with ideas and guidance. My secondary and third supervisors, Dr Dan Zhu and Professor Peter Kim, have also been really supportive throughout my dissertation. Beyond my supervisory team, AUT's wider support services and resources have stood out too. Whatever I've needed, there's always been someone friendly with a solution close by when I've been stuck.”
Advice for other students
Amrita’s advice for other students is simple: make the most of your time at AUT.
“Don't just focus on your studies – enjoy your time here, because it really does fly by, and these are some of the best years you'll have while studying. As an international student it's easy to get caught up in balancing study and work, so you don't always get the chance to do extra things. If you get the chance, get involved in as much as you can.”
She wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT to others.
“I’d highly recommend the Master of International Hospitality Management particularly because of how closely the programme connects to real industry experience and because of the support available from supervisors for students doing independent research.”
