Samjhana Rai from Nepal, is a graduate of Queen Margaret University’s collaborative partner institution, Silver Mountain School of Hotel Management, where she studied BA (Hons) International Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Drawn to the course for its strong blend of academic excellence and practical, industry-focused learning, Samjhana developed the skills, confidence and global perspective needed to succeed in the international hospitality sector.
Since graduating, she has gained valuable professional experience working with Hilton Hotels & Resorts while preparing for postgraduate study, building a solid foundation for her future career in hospitality leadership.
Find out more about her journey in her Student Story.
Why did you choose to study with one of QMU's collaborative partner institutions, and what attracted you to the course?
I chose to study with one of QMU’s collaborative partner institutions because it offers an excellent combination of internationally recognised academic standards and practical, industry-oriented learning. The course is designed and quality-assured by QMU, while being delivered in a supportive and engaging environment, which allowed me to gain hands-on experience alongside strong academic guidance. This approach is especially important in hospitality, where real-world understanding is just as valuable as theoretical knowledge.
The programme aligns closely with my career aspirations in international hospitality management, particularly in areas such as customer experience, leadership, and operations. It has helped me strengthen my professional skills and prepare confidently for global career opportunities. Overall, I was drawn to this course because of its academic credibility, practical focus, and clear progression pathway, all of which provide a strong foundation for building a successful career in the hospitality industry.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
What I enjoyed most about my course was how practical and people-focused it was. Hospitality is not something you can fully learn from books alone, and I loved that the course constantly connected theory with real-life industry situations. Case studies, group projects, and discussions helped me understand how decisions are actually made in hotels and tourism businesses.
I especially enjoyed the interactive learning environment. Working with classmates from different backgrounds taught me how to communicate, adapt, and collaborate - skills that are essential in international hospitality. These experiences helped me grow not only academically, but also personally, by building my confidence and professional mindset.
Another part I truly enjoyed was how the course encouraged us to think beyond daily operations and focus on leadership, service quality, and guest experience. I found it meaningful to see them through a more strategic and management-oriented perspective.
Overall, the course didn’t just teach me subjects, it shaped how I think, work, and interact with people, which is something I value most and will carry forward in my career.
Were there any particular course activities you found especially interesting?
Yes, course activities that I found especially interesting were the NEC, Feasibility Study and the CSR Event project. Both pushed me beyond my comfort zone and challenged me to think and act like a real hospitality professional rather than just a student.
The NEC and Feasibility Study were especially impactful because they required in-depth, real-world research. We had to analyse market demand, financial viability, operations, and risk just like in the actual industry. This strengthened my analytical thinking, strategic mindset, and ability to make evidence-based decisions.
The CSR event was equally meaningful on a personal level. It encouraged us to step outside our usual roles and engage directly with people, communities, and stakeholders. Planning and executing the event required strong communication, teamwork, leadership, and strategic coordination. It helped me build confidence, improve my interaction skills, and understand the social responsibility aspect of hospitality - something that goes beyond profit and focuses on impact.
Together, these activities helped me grow academically and personally. They expanded my capacity, strengthened my leadership mindset, and gave me hands-on experience that truly reflects the realities of the hospitality industry.
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in this course?
If I were to give advice to students interested in this course, I’d say dive in fully and don’t hold back. Take every project, event, and assignment as a chance to push your limits, learn by doing, and discover your strengths. Don’t just stick to theory, ask questions, explore, and experiment because the real learning happens when you step out.
Also, build connections and collaborate. The people you meet, the teamwork you do, and the challenges you face together will teach you as much as any lecture. Approach everything with curiosity, courage, and passion, and you’ll not only gain skills, but also the confidence and mindset to succeed in the global hospitality industry.
What's your' top tip' for making the most of being a student, and what was the most valuable lesson you learned?
My top tip for making the most of being a student is to fully engage with every opportunity, both inside and outside the classroom. Focus on lectures or assignments but also take part in projects, events, and real-life industry experiences, because that’s where the true learning happens. Be curious, ask questions, and push yourself beyond your comfort zone, even when it feels challenging.
The most valuable lesson I learned is that growth happens when you choose courage over comfort and never to underestimate myself. Growth rarely happens in familiar spaces.
There were moments when I felt overwhelmed with tight deadlines, presentations and group responsibilities but those were the exact moments that shaped me the most. I learned that pressure is not something to fear, it is something that prepares you for the real world. Hospitality is fast-paced, unpredictable, and people-centred, and I realised that resilience, emotional intelligence, and accountability matter more than perfection.
Most importantly, I learned that success is not just about personal achievement. It’s about teamwork, empathy, and the impact you leave on others. In the real world, your attitude, integrity, and ability to uplift those around you define you more than your grades ever will. That understanding changed not just how I study, but how I live and lead.
Can you tell us about your life post-graduation?
Post-graduation, I was working with the Hilton Hotel in my desired department which was an incredible experience. I got the chance to apply what I had learned during my studies in a real, fast-paced hospitality environment, improving my professional skills, customer service, and leadership abilities.
At the same time, I have been planning for my Master’s degree, balancing work and preparation, which has made me more disciplined and focused. Life has become much more stable, and I also have the opportunity to spend quality time with my family, which is something I deeply value.
This phase of my life has been about growing professionally, preparing for future goals, and finding balance between career and personal life, which I believe sets a strong foundation for the next chapter of my journey.
