From placement to permanent

Trang Spielvogel, Recruitment Consultant for RACV Club describes the key attributes VU hospitality students in the co-op program have that make them ideal employees.

"Through the RACV Club and Resorts Co-op program we’ve been providing on-the-job training to VU hospitality and tourism students for 35 years now. We’ve been very impressed by the qualities and skills that the students possess.

To excel and make the most of the program, students need to understand the demands of the hospitality industry, have a bubbly/outgoing personality and be flexible, as no two days are the same. Students also need to be tech-savvy, be a good communicator and have good organisational and time management skills.

VU’s focus on industry experience and its Work Integrated Learning Program is vital to producing our future hospitality leaders. The co-op program gives students an insight into what it’s like to be a part of the workforce. We’ve hired a number of students who completed their year with us soon after they graduated, and most of these people are still with us.

My advice for future hospitality students is to be self-motivated and adaptable if you want to work in this industry. It’s also important to have confidence in your own skills and abilities and be willing to put yourself out there and have a go."