Clive Ashe (Graduate 2018) BBS (International Hotel Management) The Lotte New York Palace Banquet and Beverage Manager

“ I can honestly say that graduating from Shannon College of Hotel Management has been the highlight of my life and receiving my acceptance letter was a close second. Shannon College of Hotel Management is unlike any other college when it comes to preparing one for a future in the hospitality industry. I spent my time in Shannon College surrounded by people with true passion for hospitality and business. I learned from incredibly enthusiastic and generous lecturers who passed on years of industry knowledge and experience.

This unique environment encouraged me to grow as an individual and develop an indispensable skillset. The reputation of Shannon College of Hotel Management is supported by the success of the alumni, they go on to become true ambassadors for the college and leaders in the hospitality industry and other areas. When graduating from Shannon College, you receive much more than a degree, you also gain ‘a unique passport to the world’, providing you with the ability and expertise to work worldwide. Shannon College paved a route for me to begin a very exciting career in the hospitality industry which has led me to work in many incredible hotels in some of the world’s fastest paced cities. I spent my second year working in Ritz Carlton’s Hotel Arts Barcelona. I am now working in The Lotte New York Palace, where I have recently been promoted to Banquet and Beverage Manager. I feel confident that the skills I’ve gained at Shannon College of Hotel Management have prepared me thoroughly for a bright future in hospitality. “

Dave O’Keeffe General Manager, The Dean Hotel, Dublin Graduation Year: 2012

Career Path: “After deciding to pursue a Bachelor of Business Studies in International Hotel at Shannon, I got a summer job at Capella Castlemartyr Resort working in Food & Beverage. This opened my eyes to the opportunities the hospitality business has to offer. My Year 2 placement took me to Brussels, Belgium – an experience I absolutely loved! I worked at the Conrad Hotel on Avenue Louise. I worked across 4 different areas of the hotel and gained invaluable experience, connections and friends.

For my final placement, I was selected by Fitzpatrick Hotels to work in one of their New York properties. I spent a further 4 years working in Manhattan at The Waldorf Astoria in various Rooms Division roles up to Senior Front Office Manager. Upon returning to Ireland in 2016, I have continued my career in hospitality in a number of different roles. Currently, I am the General Manager of The Dean Dublin.”

COLLEGE HIGHLIGHT: So many that it is too difficult to select just one. Placements, the friendships that you form with your fellow students, winning The Louis Latour Prize at my graduation in 2012. WHY SHANNON COLLEGE : “I always wanted a career that mixed people with business. My parents have run their own shop all my life, so I grew up learning from a very early age that you must take care of your customer if you want them to come back again. Having spoken with my school’s guidance counsellor, she asked me “What about Shannon College?”. Admittedly, I had never considered a career in hotel management until then, but once I started researching the course and visited the campus, I knew there was no other place for me but Shannon College.”

Tracy Deane Front of House Manager, Adare Manor Hotel Graduation Year: 2016

CAREER PATH: “I completed my 2nd year industry placement in the 5 star Four Seasons Hotel Des Burges, Geneva. On my final year placement I was accepted onto the Management Graduate Programme with the Dorchester Collection. I spent 18 months in the Berkshire Countryside in the 5 star Coworth Park Hotel learning all areas of the front office department before returning to Dublin to spend some time as the Assistant Front Office Manager in The Westin Dublin. COLLEGE HIGHLIGHT: I have many highlights including winning the National Restaurant Service title 2014, Cook Serve Gold Winner 2014, being part of the Banfi Tour 2015 and receiving the Alumni Scholarship at my graduation in 2016.”

WHY SHANNON COLLEGE: “For me as a young aspiring hotelier, my greatest asset is being a graduate of Shannon College of Hotel Management. With my degree, I not only have a passport to the world but my fellow alumni for support. The alumni all around the world are always willing to share their experiences, give opportunities and build relationships with their peers, no matter the distance in their years. I have never really truly appreciated the value of my degree until now knowing that I am a sought after professional not only because of the educational and practical training Shannon College provided me with but the passion they have instilled in me for my career ahead.”

Shannon College of Hotel Management