Albert Andrew Kwatelae knew from an early age that his true calling was in the hospitality industry. Having witnessed firsthand his community’s struggle while attempting to venture into the tourism business in the Solomon Islands was the driving force for him to enrol in the Bachelor of Hospitality and Hotel Management at Fiji National University (FNU).

According to Kwatelae, he was determined to attain qualifications in the hospitality industry after seeing the challenges tourism operators faced when recruiting experienced and qualified staff.

Kwatelae, who is in his second year of studies, said that the programme offered by FNU’s College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies (CBHTS) said it was a great starting point to learn the ‘real-world applied’ approach in the hospitality industry.

“My childhood dream was to become a lawyer, but I changed my career aspirations when I saw that my people were struggling to manage the resort as no one in the village had qualifications in the hospitality industry to guide them. I changed my mind, and I chose to pursue studies in hospitality and hotel management to help my people and country as a whole,” shared the FNU student.

“While the pandemic has changed the hospitality and tourism industry, it has not dampened the outlook for hospitality for me because hospitality education prepares students for the unknown future,” he said optimistically.

The aspiring hospitality industry professional adds that the course at FNU has set him up for success not only in a managerial role but in any industry he opted for in the future.

“The course has helped me to build a solid base from which to build a successful career in the hospitality industry. FNU was my first preference because of the practical attachment component, which will allow me to gain experience before graduating.”

For Kwatelae moving from the Solomon Islands to Fiji was a challenge as he had never lived away from family.

“At first, I had a hard time settling into my new life. But with a strong support system for regional students, I capitalised on the opportunities available to succeed at FNU.”

“I’m grateful for the guidance from my lecturers. Through group work and opportunities for social activities, I have made some lifelong friends. The university has assisted me in becoming more productive and confident to follow my goal to become knowledgeable hospitality professional.”

“It has been an amazing experience learning at FNU. I have learnt a lot over the last year and a half, and I’m excited to return home and put into practice my learnings. I recommend FNU to anyone who sees hospitality as their career path.”

Interested students can apply online by visiting the FNU website www.fnu.ac.fj or text via 857 or email admission@fnu.ac.fj if they face difficulties completing the process online or need further information regarding enrolment for Semester II.