MARIANA Nabutu’s interest in the hospitality business began during her tenure as a sales assistant at Motibhai’s duty-free outlet in Nadi.
After some time in the retail industry, the Natabua resident decided it was time to venture deeper.
With the support and encouragement of family members, she enrolled at the University of the South Pacific’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management in Namaka, Nadi.
“Meeting people and sharing the wonderful bula spirit with international travellers has always been something of interest to me and that’s what I loved about working at Motibhai,” the 33-year-old shared.
“However, I realised that if I stayed in the retail industry, I wouldn’t be able to fully realise my potential so I enrolled in Certificate IV in Tourism and Hospitality Operations.
“I wanted to do further studies to broaden my horizons and it really has been a wonderful experience so far.”
Ms Nabutu said she opted for the USP program because it was widely recognised and also because of the wide range of areas covered under the curriculum.
“I looked at what other training institutions offered and found that the USP program could open doors in restaurants, hotels, catering operations, clubs, bars and coffee shops.
“Because the training covers food and beverage service, reservations, front office, night audit and even events hosting. “I also like it because it is Australia-recognised and because of this I have decided to also enrol in the diploma program once I complete certificate IV. “I see myself either at supervisor or even management level in five years in a well-known tourism property or business.”
