In August 2024, we spoke to Sirisha Rao, a recent graduate on the MSc in Hospitality Performance, Revenue, and Asset Management in University of Galway, delivered at the Shannon College of Hotel Management campus in Clare. She shares her experience of the programme and how it led her to manage a diverse and profitable portfolio of hospitality venues across Ireland.
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1. Describe your professional career to date.
My professional career in hospitality began with a deep-rooted passion that developed during my teenage years. I nurtured this interest through hands-on experiences, starting from experimenting with food and critiquing service standards to eventually pursuing formal education in hospitality management. Throughout my professional career, I have amassed over seven years of experience in the hospitality industry, specializing in guest experience, crisis management, and implementing sustainable best practices. My journey began with foundational roles in hotel operations across prestigious brands like Radisson and Marriott in India, where I gained hands-on experience in front office operations and food & beverage management.
I then progressed to more specialized roles, including serving as a Guest Experience Manager at Walt Disney World Resort, where I enhanced my skills in people management and problem-solving. My leadership abilities were further honed at Accor, where I led the housekeeping department and ensured compliance with post-pandemic protocols, achieving ALLSAFE Certification twice. As Head of Hospitality at Hyphen in Bangalore, I successfully implemented departmental objectives and standards, supervised operations, and maintained vendor relations. Most recently, I have been focused on revenue operations at Cliste Hospitality in Ireland, supporting regional revenue managers with yield management and rate strategy. My career reflects a consistent trajectory of taking on increasingly complex roles, demonstrating my commitment to operational excellence and guest satisfaction in the hospitality industry.
2. Why did you decide to pursue the MSc in Hospitality Performance, Revenue, and Asset Management?
I decided to pursue the MSc in Hospitality Performance, Revenue, and Asset Management because I wanted to deepen my expertise in the critical areas of revenue operations and asset management within the hospitality industry. Having already gained a solid understanding of foundational hospitality through my Bachelor's degree and work experience, I felt that this Master's program would equip me with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to excel in higher-level management roles.
3. Were there any professionals or people in the industry who inspired your choice?
Yes, several professionals in the hospitality industry have inspired me and influenced my career choices. During my internship at a Marriott property, a colleague introduced me to the idea of having a personal "board of directors," consisting of individuals who have had a significant impact on my career. Some of the most influential figures on this list include Ms. Barbara L Skinner, Rooms Division Manager at Walt Disney World; Elizabeth Mullins, Managing Director & COO at Flaneur Hospitality; and Rayan Aranha, VP of Hospitality at Brigade Group. Their leadership and expertise have inspired me to strive for excellence in my own career.
4. Describe a typical day on the course. What was your favourite part?
A typical day on the MSc course involved attending classes on Mondays and Tuesdays, with two lectures each day and breaks in between. The rest of the week was more flexible, allowing me to work, study, and complete assignments at my own pace. My favourite part of the course was the lectures on "Hotel Performance & Revenue Management" and "Global Business HRM." These classes were particularly engaging and provided valuable insights that were directly applicable to my career goals in the hospitality industry.
5. What characteristics or skills do you feel helped you succeed in this course?
Several key characteristics and skills contributed to my success in the course. My leadership abilities, honed through roles like Class Representative, allowed me to effectively manage my responsibilities and collaborate with others. My strong social skills helped me build connections with peers and faculty, while my adaptability enabled me to navigate the challenges of the course and balance my studies with work. Additionally, the diverse life experiences I brought to the table allowed me to approach the course material with a unique perspective, further enriching my learning experience.
6. What advice would you give to people considering this course?
My advice to anyone considering this course is to gain some industry experience before enrolling, especially if you have recently completed a Bachelor's degree. A Master’s degree in Hospitality is particularly beneficial for those who have already spent some time in the industry and are looking to advance to the next level of management. Having real-world experience allows you to fully appreciate and apply the advanced concepts taught in the course, making the learning process more meaningful and impactful.
7. What are your plans for the future?
In the short term, I plan to focus on becoming well-versed in revenue operations and strategies within the hospitality industry. This expertise will be essential as I work towards my long-term goal of becoming a General Manager. Ultimately, I aspire to start my own business in the hospitality sector, where I can combine my passion for the industry with my commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
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