Yatan Nizzar - BA International Hotel Management
My passion for different cultures struck me during a five-month stay in India when I was still in high school. I was fascinated by India’s numerous cultures and could only imagine how vast the rest of the world could be. This experience eventually inspired my dream to one day become a general manager and owner a hotel.
After completing my Marketing Management - Tourism diploma at BCIT, I knew a bachelor’s degree would be an essential step to reaching my career goals. I completed the final year of my degree at Royal Roads University. What attracted me to the BA in International Hotel Management program was the opportunity to travel, to experience different cultures, and to interact with people from around the world – the reasons why I wanted to work in this industry!
After some research I decided to intern with Topas Ecolodge, an operation situated in Northern Vietnam in Sapa Valley. With 25 bungalows and an on-site restaurant, Topas focuses on ecological principles such as using solar technology, sourcing local products and employing local minorities in order to bring economic benefits to the community. I was fortunate to spend three months with Topas Ecolodge. I worked alongside the local minorities, learning their language while I helped them learn English. I was able to apply the theory from my multiculturalism class each day I was in Vietnam, and how best to interact and work with the different cultures. In addition, I had a chance to travel and trek in the region, as well as take part in several festivals during my time there. To my delight and in addition to the Vietnamese cultural experience, I was also exposed to the Danish culture, as the managers are Danes!
Upon my arrival back to Vancouver, I landed a contract with Jet Set Sports, the official hospitality providers for the 2010 Winter Games. For four weeks I was able to work with people from all over the world, showing them the best of my hometown.
I now have a position with one of Fairmont’s newest properties - The Fairmont Waterfront Hotel where I will be able further develop my skills. I would be honoured to one day become a general manager for this luxury brand, and I know I am that much closer to reaching all of my career goals.
