Alumnus wins top 30 under 30 award!

How do you feel winning the (KML) top 30-under-30 award?

Winning this award is a tremendous honour. Hospitality has always been in my blood – I grew up watching my mother in the kitchen as a chef, and that early exposure lit a lifelong passion in me. This industry demands so much from those who choose it, and often, that hard work can go unrecognised. To receive an accolade like this feels not only validating but incredibly humbling. I genuinely owe so much to the mentors and leaders who have shaped me – both during my time at Surrey and throughout my career. This achievement is shared with them. I may be the one holding the award, but it’s the result of collective support, guidance, and shared dedication.

How do you think the skills you learnt at Surrey have impacted your career journey and being named as one of the top 30-under-30?

Surrey played a huge role in shaping my professional path. While I entered the programme with a background in operations, the academic framework at Surrey gave me the tools to take that experience further. It wasn’t just about learning the 'what' – it was about understanding the 'why'. 

Courses in leadership, revenue management, and strategy pushed me to think beyond the day-to-day and consider the bigger picture. Just as importantly, Surrey encouraged curiosity, independence, and resilience – all of which have been critical to my growth. It’s amazing how often a theory or model I encountered at university will re-surface years later to help me navigate a challenge. That kind of deep-rooted learning stays with you.

Any advice to students who want to get started in this industry/look for a role like yours?

Do it! This industry can be demanding, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. Will it be hard work? Absolutely. Will you graduate an expert? No – and that’s okay. What matters is the broad, transferable skillset you build at Surrey. 

Beyond the curriculum, you’ll have the chance to form industry connections, develop mentors, and, if possible, complete a placement year. My placement was a game-changer – it shaped my confidence and helped me grow in ways no classroom could. 

The facilities, especially the on-site restaurant, are also invaluable for anyone aiming to grow within hotel or restaurant operations. Hospitality is a field where you can grow without a degree, but having that educational foundation allows you to stop, reflect, and draw from a deeper well of knowledge. This is an industry that will challenge you, test your patience, and push your limits – but if you have a true passion for hospitality, it won’t feel like work. I genuinely love every day I walk into the hotel – and I’m sure you will too.