Weeranart Chueawatthanakun
Master of International Tourism Management student
He appreciates that the Master of International Tourism Management combines practical learning with critical thinking and industry-relevant knowledge, says Weeranart Chueawatthanakun, who came to AUT as an international student from Thailand, supported by an AUT International Scholarship.
“This approach is especially valuable for students with professional experience. I have over 22 years of experience working in five-star and luxury hotels, including The Luxury Collection, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and The Peninsula Bangkok, where I progressed from front desk agent to reservation manager and later front office manager. I wanted to broaden my perspective beyond daily hotel operations and explore tourism from an international and strategic viewpoint. This qualification allows me to connect my practical experience with academic knowledge, and prepare for future leadership and research-oriented roles in the tourism industry.
“What I’ve enjoyed most about my studies at AUT is the opportunity to meet and connect with people from different professional and cultural backgrounds. Learning alongside classmates with diverse experiences has helped me broaden my perspective and learn from others. In addition, the support services, learning resources, and workshops help students adapt well and succeed in their studies. Overall, my experience at AUT has been very positive, and I believe this programme offers excellent preparation for future careers in tourism and hospitality.”
With graduation just around the corner, he already has a good idea of what his next step will be.
“After completing my degree, I plan to continue developing my career in luxury hospitality, particularly in front office and operations management. I’ve been approached by Mandarin Oriental Bangkok for a management role, which reflects the value of both my professional experience and my postgraduate studies at AUT. In the longer-term, I aim to progress into senior leadership positions and contribute to improving service quality, staff wellbeing and sustainable management practices within the hospitality industry.”
Researching employees’ hidden pressures
For his Master of International Tourism Management research, Weeranart focused on the hidden pressures often faced by New Zealand hospitality workers.
“My research focuses on how Asian hospitality workers in New Zealand use mobile instant messaging apps at work and how this affects their work-life boundaries and wellbeing. It looks at how personal values and work ethic influence expectations to respond quickly and remain available outside of paid working time. I chose this topic based on my own experience in the hospitality industry. When I worked in Thailand, work messages often entered my personal time, and I felt strong pressure to reply at any time of day. Many of my colleagues had similar experiences.
“Through this research, I explored how these expectations become normal and how they affect Asian hospitality workers in New Zealand, who often bring strong values of responsibility and commitment to their work. This research helps to raise awareness of these hidden pressures and provides useful insights for hospitality organisations to develop clearer communication guidelines and more supportive practices. By doing so, it can contribute to healthier and more sustainable working environments for migrant workers and the wider industry.”
Weeranart’s master’s degree research was supervised by Dr Pola Wang from AUT’s School of Hospitality and Tourism.
Advice for other students
Weeranart has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.
“Never be afraid to ask for help when you’re unsure. Learning is a continuous process, and it’s never too late to develop new skills and knowledge. AUT provides strong academic and personal support, so students should make full use of the library, workshops, learning services and staff support. With commitment, openness to learning and the right support, you can succeed in your studies and future career.”
He speaks from his own experience.
“One of the biggest challenges I faced at AUT was returning to study after many years in full-time work, while also working part-time at Pullman Auckland Airport. Balancing study, work responsibilities and personal life was sometimes demanding. When I was unsure or needed support, I learned to actively ask for help and guidance. My lecturers and supervisors were always approachable and willing to provide advice and feedback. I also made use of the learning support services and workshops, which helped me improve my academic skills and time management. With this support, I became more confident and better able to balance my studies and work commitments.”
