CTH Student Voices – Aksinya Kovalenko

24th April 2019
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In this CTH Student Voices, we talk to CTH Level 4 graduate, Aksinya Kovalenko who is undertaking her internship at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel in Miami Beach. You can read about her experiences below.

Hi Aksinya, let's get straight into it. Could you tell us about one of your favourite memories whilst studying the CTH course?

Hi,

To be honest, as hospitality management has always been my focus and passion, all the time that I studied my CTH course was a wonderful experience; I was learning new things everyday that has helped me in my real life working environment.

What do you think about the content and the general learning experience of your CTH qualification?

I really liked the CTH [Level 4 Hospitality] program, because it offers you a great variety of subjects covering the main essentials of your major. I can say with great confidence that the course that I passed not only expanded my knowledge in these areas theoretically, but also helped me to 'get a taste' of the industry from within. It is an excellent start in my career, and I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to work in the real environment and to apply your skills in the real life. In my opinion, it is very important for students, especially in my specialty, to go, practice and assess their capabilities.

After studying in London, you applied to the Swiss Hotel Management School, what do you enjoy the most there?

Swiss Hotel Management School is an amazing place not only to study hospitality, but also to study in general. Starting from the highly qualified teachers with incredible experience behind them, to classes equipped with the latest technology and the general atmosphere itself, I can say that this is the best thing that has happened to me. Nevertheless, the main part is definitely the relationship that you build with your classmates that become your friends and co-workers in the future. It’s a special bond that we create, and I can’t be more grateful for that.

As part of your course at SHMS, you are interning at the Four Seasons Hotel. What is the best part of your internship?

To begin with, the Four Seasons is a hotel that I have always dreamed of working in. Every day spent here brings me joy and happiness. It is my home away from home and my team is my second family, which helps us to overcome difficulties and go above and beyond expectations.

However, the best part of working here is also making people happy and seeing their smiles, because it is the best reward for me! I am thankful to my management that gives me a lot of responsibility and have taken me in as a full-fledged employee. Every day is exceptional and filled of various emotions and events, and it provides me with precious experience from which I learn and acquire knowledge in such fast and intensive pace.

That sounds amazing Aksinya, really good to hear. Before you go, is there any advice you would like to give to all CTH students around the world?

Yes, I would say, I know it seems scary, and you will definitely feel nervous while having your first job interview and first days at work when you are adapting to the new environment, but it all goes away when you get into the rhythm. Just be positive, be kind and be unceasingly curious! I know that if there is a goal, then you will definitely reach it sooner or later.

With warmest regards,

Aksinya Kovalenko.

We'd like to thank Aksinya for participating in CTH Student Voices. If you're a CTH graduate or a current student and would like to get involved, please email [email protected] for more information

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