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DUT WIL STUDENTS ARE MAKING THE MOST OF THEIR INTERNSHIP IN DOHA, QATAR

DUT WIL STUDENTS ARE MAKING THE MOST OF THEIR INTERNSHIP IN DOHA, QATAR

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Hospitality and Catering Work Intergrated Learning (WIL) students, within the Faculty of Management Sciences are thoroughly enjoying their internship programme in Doha, Qatar.

These are the second batch of students who went to Doha for their internship on 11 November 2022. This group of twelve students joined the Hyatt Regency Oryx for their WIL experience. The first group of ten students joined the Hyatt group hotels and resorts in September 2022.

“It was the most amazing and eye-opening experience, not just for me but for the team as well. From having to arrive two hours early for the flight check into the departure says a lot. Being on a flight was a marvelous experience, on flight we were offered some great food, all thanks to Qatar Airways. This is an experience and I wish everyone can get to gain such an experience,” said Nkosinamandla Dlamini, sharing his experience.

Their first day was the funniest but the greatest experience for the students. On the first day to work they took the wrong shuttle from their accommodation to work since they could not spot the shuttle leading them to the Grand Hyatt Doha instead of the wrong destination, the Hyatt Regency Doha. After taking the wrong shuttle the driver refused to return to their accommodation, but the Human Resources department of Grand Hyatt was very helpful, ensuring they all arrived safely at work at their induction.

Dlamini shared his thought towards his working experience in Doha, Qatar.

“My working experience has been of such a high intensity, especially during  the FIFA World Cup peak, which meant longer working hours as we had to deliver the best we could,” he said.

They believe that as fresh graduates in the Hospitality industry, it is mandatory to do an internship programme as it provides first-hand experience on the field. Having to experience the industry gives us the understanding way beyond the university studies. Volunteering and always looking for opportunities to expand their knowledge has personally helped them to reach Doha. Furthermore, the internship is giving them positive energy as they believe that before their training, they had very limited knowledge and understanding of the industry.

“If I can get a job opportunity here in Doha I would grab it with both hands because I believe in career growth and development. Working in Doha would develop me into becoming a force to be reckoned with especially in the industry and in the international hospitality field,” said Dlamini.

The second batch of the WIL students mentioned that the hospitality industry in Doha, Qatar is a lot more advanced compared to the South African hospitality industry, for example in Doha, Qatar some hotels cater for its staff in terms of accommodation, food and flights. The Doha hospitality industry is more of opulence and affordability rather than in South Africa where the economy plays a major influence on the hospitality industry and crime which also affects the standing the industry has in the country.

Their experience in Doha has been outstanding, the World Cup, the outings and having to interact, build and maintain relationships with people from different countries who have different belief systems, backgrounds and cultures has been more of a blessing which one would be grateful for. Each and every member of the team is enjoying working overseas. The team thanked Dr Jaya Naidoo, Hospitality and Tourism Management Senior Lecturer and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Chief Coordinator for going all out and giving them this grand opportunity to develop themselves into an international force to be reckoned with.

“Having Dr Jaya Naidoo as our lecturer and mentor has been an exceptional experience, he makes a point to check on, motivate us and he often pushes for us to reach our full potential. On behalf of the team in Doha, Qatar we are forever grateful to him for the life changing opportunity,” said the team.

At this moment it is very hard for the team to tell when they are going to come back to South Africa due to their great work ethic, they were given an extension to stay on board since their internship was supposed to end in January 2023.

Pictured: DUT Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Hospitality and Catering Work Intergrated Learning (WIL) students and their colleagues in Doha, Qatar.

Nomvelo Zulu.

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