Sorcha Hayer

International Hotel and Hospitality Management

Galway City – Dublin Road

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your course? 

I first discovered my passion for hospitality when I started working in a beachside restaurant, where I worked my way up to a managerial role. This hands-on experience gave me a deep appreciation for the fast-paced nature of the industry and the importance of excellent customer service, teamwork, and leadership. Wanting to build on my experience and gain formal qualifications, I decided to go to college and found the Level 7 Hospitality Supervision course at TUS Limerick. 
 
During my time at TUS, I developed a strong foundation in hospitality operations, customer service management, and team leadership. My goal was always to complete my Level 8 degree in Limerick, but unfortunately, the course was discontinued. Determined to further my education and career prospects, I made the decision to move to ATU to complete my Level 8 in Hotel Management. This transition allowed me to expand my knowledge in business strategy, marketing, and financial management within the hospitality sector, preparing me for future leadership roles in the industry. 

What are your favourite modules on the course? Please let us know why they’re your favourite modules to give prospective students an insight into your course!

One of my favourite modules was Revenue Management, where I applied forecasting techniques to real-world scenarios, including a case study on the Armada Hotel. I loved analysing market trends and pricing strategies to maximise revenue. 
 
I also found Ethics fascinating, as it highlighted the importance of ethical decision-making in hospitality, from corporate social responsibility to leadership integrity. 
 
Another favourite was Strategic Decision-Making, where I ran my own virtual hotel using the HOTS simulation. It was a hands-on way to apply business strategies, from pricing to staffing, and really brought hotel management to life. 

Is there anything else about your course that you particularly enjoy or find beneficial? e.g., work placements, practical projects, etc. 

One thing I really enjoyed about my course was the group projects. Since we share many classes with Events and Tourism students, these projects were a great way to break the ice and get to know people. Working together on assignments made it much easier to make friends, especially when I joined in with everyone last year. The collaborative aspect of the course really helped build my confidence and made the whole experience more enjoyable. 

What is the best thing about your course that you think new applicants should know?

The best thing about this course is how hands-on it is compared to just learning from books. A lot of what we study can be directly applied to our part-time jobs, making it easier to understand and gain real-life experience. Plus, the people we meet—both classmates and lecturers—help build strong connections that can be really valuable in the industry after graduation. 

If you were speaking with a first-year student about to start your course, what advice/information would you give them? If I were speaking to a first-year student, I’d tell them to fully engage with the hands-on nature of the course. Apply what you learn to your part-time job—it really helps connect theory to real-life experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help; the lecturers are really supportive. 
 
Group projects are a great way to meet people, especially since we share classes with Events and Tourism students, so get involved early. These connections make college life more enjoyable and can also be valuable in the future. 
 
Lastly, take every opportunity to gain experience, whether through work placements, networking, or practical projects. The more you put into the course, the more you’ll get out of it! 

If you are/were involved in sport, volunteering, working, or have other passions you pursue outside of your academic life, can you tell us about that (especially mention any teams, clubs, or awards)?

While I’m not part of any official teams or clubs, I love being part of a fast-paced work environment and continuously learning from real-world experiences. 
Outside of my academic life, I’m passionate about working in the hospitality industry and currently work in a hotel, which allows me to apply what I’m learning in real-time. Balancing work and study has helped me develop strong time management and problem-solving skills, which are essential in this industry. 
 
A highlight of my journey so far was receiving the Irish Hotel Federation Award of Excellence 2024, which recognised my dedication and commitment to hospitality. It was an incredible honour and has motivated me even more to pursue a career in the industry. 
 
Beyond hospitality, I have a huge passion for travel and skiing. I love exploring new destinations, experiencing different cultures, and enjoying the excitement of skiing whenever I get the chance. Traveling has given me a greater appreciation for the global hospitality industry and inspires me to continue growing within it. 

What are your plans after graduating? 

After graduating from ATU, my immediate goal is to become a travel agent. I’ve always had a passion for travel and helping others plan their dream vacations, so this career path feels like a natural fit for me. 
 
Following graduation, I’m planning to travel to South Africa for a month, which will give me a chance to explore new places and cultures before diving into my career. As for the future, I’m keeping my options open, as the possibilities are endless. I could explore roles in teaching, business, or even accounting, all of which tie into the skills I’ve developed during my studies. I’m excited to see where my journey takes me and remain open to new opportunities that align with my interests and passions.