Centre for Tourism and Hospitality (CTH) students and staff held an enlightening forum, to discuss and deliberate on the industry trends, career opportunities and necessary skills to thrive in this fast paced industry.
A very interactive panel discussion by Ms. Wangeci Kamau (Human Resource consultant) and Mr. Fred Oduori (Tourism lecturer at Strathmore University) got the conversation started;
- What next after university?
- What are the necessary skills required in the industry?
The panelists unanimously highlighted passion as a key requirement for success as a tourism or hospitality professional.
Ms. Amelieke Verwiel from Kamakazi Organization encouraged the students to utilize their free time so as to build on their CVs as students.
Kamakazi assists students to not only get jobs, but also facilitate internships that suit an individual’s skills, interests and passion.
The CTH Dean, Dr. Virginia Gichuru gave a clear picture of the current industry trends, facts and figures. The expected new entrants into the Kenyan scene such as Marriott International and Park Inn, reflect confidence in the Kenya’s growth trajectory, the expanding middle class, urbanization, devolution and positioning as a hub for multinational businesses.
4th year student Valerie Omondi talked about her four year experience, clearly highlighting that internal education ought to be done so that other Strathmore students rid themselves of a false perception of what a career in Tourism, (Kenya’s 2nd foreign exchange earner) really is.
