For Suboddh Giri, studying hospitality was about gaining more than a degree, it was about developing practical skills, embracing new experiences and preparing for an international career. From Kathmandu to an internship at Topgolf Dubai, Suboddh shares how his studies at Silver Mountain School of Hotel Management, on a course validated by Queen Margaret University, helped shape his ambitions for the future.
Why did you choose to study with one of QMU's collaborative partner institutions, and what attracted you to the course?
To be honest, I never wanted to choose a course just because it sounded popular or because other people were doing it. I wanted to study something that would challenge me, help me grow as a person, and give me opportunities beyond the classroom. That is what led me to hospitality.
When I learned about Silver Mountain School of Hotel Management and its partnership with Queen Margaret University, I felt it offered the balance I was looking for. I could study in Nepal while following an internationally recognised curriculum, and at the same time gain practical experience through industry training and internships. That combination made much more sense to me than studying only from textbooks.
What attracted me most to the BA International Hospitality and Tourism Management was the people side of the industry. I enjoy meeting new people, learning from different cultures, and working in environments where every day brings something different. I liked the idea that success in hospitality is not measured only by what you know, but also by how you communicate, solve problems, and make people feel welcome.
After completing my internship at Topgolf Dubai, I can honestly say the course lived up to my expectations. It gave me the confidence to work in an international team, serve guests from around the world, and adapt to a fast-paced environment. Looking back, I don't just feel that I earned a degree, I feel that I developed skills and experiences that will stay with me throughout my career.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
What I enjoyed most about my course was that it never felt limited to the classroom. Every semester gave me the chance to learn something new and then apply it in a practical setting. Instead of only reading about hospitality and tourism, we experienced it through practical classes, industry visits, events, and finally the internship, which made learning much more meaningful.
I also enjoyed how broad the course was. We didn't just study hotels, we explored food and beverage, tourism, events, customer service, marketing, human resource management, and many other areas. This helped me understand how different parts of the hospitality industry work together.
One of the most valuable parts of the course was working on group projects and organising events. They taught me how to communicate with different people, solve problems under pressure, and work as part of a team. Looking back, those experiences prepared me just as much as the academic subjects.
Were there any particular course activities you found especially interesting?
Yes. One of the most interesting activities for me was our restaurant feasibility study project. It was probably the closest experience we had to running a real business.
Our group started with just an idea and developed it into a complete restaurant concept. We researched the market, identified our target customers, selected a location, designed the menu, planned the organisational structure, created marketing strategies, and prepared all the necessary business documents. We also worked on the financial side by estimating the startup costs, forecasting revenue and expenses, and preparing projected profit and loss statements for the first five years.
What I enjoyed most was that every decision had to make sense. We couldn't simply make assumptions; we had to support our ideas with research and justify why our restaurant would succeed. It challenged me to think like both a hospitality professional and a business owner.
Looking back, that project taught me that opening a restaurant is about much more than serving good food. It requires careful planning, teamwork, financial thinking, and attention to detail. Even though we didn't build the restaurant physically, the project gave me a realistic understanding of everything that happens before a restaurant opens its doors.
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in this course?
My advice would be to join this course with an open mind and be ready to get involved in everything. Hospitality is a field where you learn the most by doing, so don't be afraid to volunteer for events, take part in group projects, or ask questions during practical classes.
I would also encourage students to make the most of their internship. It may seem challenging at first, but it is the best opportunity to understand how the industry really works. Every shift, every task, and every interaction with guests teaches you something that you can't learn from a textbook.
Finally, don't focus only on getting good grades. Build your communication skills, learn how to work with different people, and always be willing to learn. Those qualities will help you not only during the course but throughout your career in hospitality and tourism.
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 is to say "yes" to opportunities, even if they feel a little outside your comfort zone. Some of the best experiences I had come from taking on responsibilities that seemed challenging at first. Whether it was organising events, working on group projects, or completing my internship in Dubai, every experience helped me grow in a different way.
The most valuable lesson I learned is that hospitality is all about people. Technical skills can be taught, but qualities like patience, teamwork, adaptability, and a positive attitude make the biggest difference. During my internship, I realised that guests may not remember every detail of the service, but they will always remember how you made them feel. That lesson is something I will carry with me throughout my career.
Can you tell us about your life post-graduation?
After graduation, I'm planning to start my career in the Human Resources department within the hospitality industry. During my internship, I realised that HR is where I truly see myself. I enjoy working with people, supporting their growth, and helping create a positive workplace where everyone feels valued.
Right now, I'm applying for HR roles and looking forward to learning from experienced professionals. I'm excited to begin this new chapter and continue growing both personally and professionally.
