New career, new opportunities
Niovi Alexandridou swapped her job in sales with a shipping company for a master’s at Oxford Brookes and the opportunity to develop a new career - in hotel and tourism management. In September Niovi will be joining the London-based hotel group Firmdale Hotels on their graduate training programme.
Taking the step
Niovi says she always intended to do a master’s following her original degree in accounting and finance back home in Greece.
The master’s explores many different aspects of the industry and has strong links with employers
Niovi Alexandridou
After her first degree, it was the customer service element in her position in sales that she particularly enjoyed. “I also wanted to work in a job area that I could take anywhere in the world, including Greece. And given that the tourism industry is at the heart of the Greek economy, hotel and tourism management was definitely the best option.”
Her decision to study for the MSc in International Tourism and Hospitality Management was based on the course’s high rankings, “and because the master’s explored many different aspects of the industry as well as having strong links with employers.”
Industry mentors and links
Brookes runs mentoring schemes in different subject areas, matching each student with a senior figure from industry who provides careers guidance.
As part of the Bacchus mentoring programme, Niovi was teamed with the Head of Human Resources at Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons - Raymond Blanc’s Oxfordshire-based restaurant and hotel. “When I started applying for graduate level jobs Jenny helped me with my CV and covering letter. She also gave me good advice on how to sell myself to potential employers.”
A wide range of industry employers also gave careers talks. They include global groups like Four Seasons, IHG (International Hotel Group), and Firmdale Hotels where Niovi will be starting her graduate training programme. “I really liked their combination of high quality luxury service and their desire to give their guests a personalised, home-beyond-home experience.”
Professional and personal value
I have built my knowledge and experience of the hospitality industry as well as my confidence in what I can achieve.
Niovi Alexandridou
The decision to study for a Brookes master’s has been challenging but valuable both professionally and personally, says Niovi. “Leaving Greece to study for a master’s in England was a big step, but I have built my knowledge and experience of the hospitality industry as well as my confidence in what I can achieve. And studying alongside students from so many countries, including the UK, Spain, Greece, Italy, and Asian students meant we could share our different cultures and experiences.”
“I have built my knowledge and experience of the hospitality industry as well as my confidence in what I can achieve”
Advice to would-be postgraduates
When thinking about changing careers by studying for a master’s, it is vital to make an informed choice but there has to be that sense of excitement too. “You need to have a gut feeling - a spark of excitement - for what you choose to do, and that will help to motivate you and take you through the challenges. I am so looking forward to the next stage in my career.”