Preetpal Dhillon

Coming abroad to study has been a life-changing experience for Preetpal Dhillon (Preet). Not only has it opened his eyes to new cultures and experiences, but it has also led him onto an entirely unexpected career path.

The 30 year old from Delhi landed in Auckland four years ago set to study business. However a last minute change of heart saw him opt for a National Diploma in Hospitality Management instead.

"When I arrived in New Zealand I realized I wanted to focus on one specific field and something very skill-based," says Preet.

"It's important when you come from a country where English is not the first language to have skills that give you a better chance of getting a job once you graduate. That's why I decided to study hospitality at NZMA instead of business."

It was a wise decision. Since landing a part-time job as a night porter during his studies, Preet's hospitality career has progressed in leaps and bounds. He's now the Operations Manager for Quality Inn West End and is also a valued member of NZMA's Hospitality Industry Advisory Board. He has input into the content of NZMA's hospitality courses, ensuring that NZMA students are graduating with the skills required in today's working environment.

"Things have worked out really well for me. In India I didn't feel like I was going anywhere. I had a monotonous job with not much growth so I decided studying abroad would push me further. And since coming to New Zealand I've had lots of lucky breaks. I didn't know anyone when I first arrived but I got a job as a kitchen hand at an Indian restaurant. I ended up living with the owner and her family for three years they are like family to me now.

"Similarly I feel that I have had opportunities at Quality Inn that I might not have had anywhere else. For example recently I was made Acting General Manager while the General Manager was off on maternity leave. That was a great opportunity for me and the fact that my employers had the faith and confidence in me to take on that job meant a lot. It gave me confidence and helped me mature into my current role as Operations Manager."

As Operations Manager Preet is basically second-in-charge of the entire hotel. He takes care of everything to do with the running of the hotel apart from sales and marketing. The skills and knowledge he gained during his NZMA diploma course have helped him immensely.

"The course helped me to identify that I was more interested in a front office role than in food and beverage. Also working at the same time as studying was very helpful for example we learned the same computer systems at NZMA as we use in the hotel. Things made more sense at work because I was learning about them on the course and vice versa. Studying at NZMA was a nice experience. I enjoyed the style of teaching in India study wasn't my cup of tea. As soon as I graduated from high school I entered the workforce. But here it's different it's more relaxed and more researched based which is great when you're a bit older. I found it very challenging at the start because it was a total change of approach but I really enjoyed it."

Preet graduated from NZMA in April 2004. He now has permanent residency in New Zealand and is firmly ensconced in his career.

"I plan to stay working at the Quality Inn for the next few years there are still quite a few areas I can improve on in my current role. Then maybe I'll move into a bigger hotel in a similar role. Eventually I'd like to own and operate a small motel."