Ellen Zhang
Director of Human Resources Sofitel Qingdao, Qingdao, China
Graduated 2004
"After working in the hospitality industry for several years, I realized that in order to progress in my career, I needed some further education. The Postgraduate Diploma in Hotel Management that I completed at SHMS gave me the professional knowledge, language skills and multi-cultural experience that I needed to lead a team with confidence.After I graduated I joined the Accor Group and have since enjoyed a fantastic career worked with the Sofitel brand. I started as a training manager and worked my way up to front office manager, assistant director of human resources and now director of human resources.
I really believe that my career has been helped by my experiences at SHMS and my advice to any student who is considering the hospitality industry is to stick to your dreams and never give up. To work in this industry you must be open minded, proactive, have an eye for detail and care about others. It is important to remember that several years of experience at the ‘rank and file’ level will help you to know more about the value of true service. Finally, keep on studying! The world is changing and hospitality as well, always keep your eyes on the changing and developing trends of hospitality."
