Sourabh's story

We spoke to Sourabh about life after Hallam, and navigating the UK job market as an international graduate.

Could you please talk us through your career journey, beginning before you studied, your time at Hallam, and what you’ve done since?

I’m hospitality professional with over 7 years of international experience across Europe and Asia luxury and premium hotel brands, including Marriott International and Accor, excelling in front office operations, guest experience management, and leadership roles. My journey began with hands-on internships at W Kuala Lumpur and Marriott Jaipur, where I built a solid foundation in luxury service standards and team collaboration.

Holding an MSc in International Hospitality & Tourism Management with Distinction from Sheffield Hallam University, I blend academic excellence with real-world expertise. During my studies, I also contributed as a hospitality lecturer, delivering online courses in sales, front office, and digital marketing, supporting students during the challenging COVID period.

My UK experience includes impactful roles at Mercure Sheffield St Paul's and Threedneedles London – Autograph Collection by Marriott. Progressing from Front Office Supervisor to my current role as Duty Manager, I lead guest services, drive service recovery, manage shift operations, and train front desk teams—ensuring five-star service delivery and operational continuity. I’m also proud to serve as a Well-being Ambassador, championing workplace wellness through initiatives that promote team engagement and mental health.

Recognised for both my operational and marketing acumen, I bring a people-first approach, combined with data-driven thinking and cross-functional collaboration. I’m passionate about enhancing guest satisfaction, mentoring teams, and driving continuous service improvement in high-performance hospitality environments.

What would you say are the essential skills you use in your role as a Duty Manager at Threadneedles Hotel?

• Leadership & Team Supervision – Leading and motivating front office and concierge teams, managing schedules, and fostering a culture of accountability and service excellence.
• Guest Service Excellence – Delivering five-star service through proactive problem-solving, handling complaints, and personalising guest experiences.
• Operational Management – Overseeing daily front desk operations including check-in/out, room allocation, and inventory control, ensuring SOP compliance.
• Interdepartmental Coordination – Acting as a liaison between front office, housekeeping, engineering, and security to resolve guest and operational issues efficiently.
• System Proficiency – Skilled in Opera PMS, Marriott Bonvoy Systems, and internal reporting platforms (Medallia, Trip Advisor, Booking.com, Expedia).
• Employee Well-being Champion – Driving wellness initiatives, mental health support, and team-building activities as the Well-being Ambassador.

Thinking back to your time studying at Hallam, did you get involved with any of our programmes or awards? Please tell us about what you did and what your learnt.

I am proud to stand nominated for student leadership award by the Sheffield Hallam university. My close perceiving of the environment that I wish to see and leading in a way that is an example to my peers and faculty is an element that is acknowledged by those that I work with. Charitable fundraiser, my charity organization Dog Support Sheffield, has been held at the St. Paul Mercure hotel Sheffield, and we have raised £900 in this regard. My project was based on a multicultural fashion show, a gala evening, and  organising and didactic activities that focused on inclusiveness and diversity.

What advice would you give to international students transitioning into work in the UK?

As someone who’s made that exact transition, my biggest piece of advice is to embrace both preparation and persistence. Moving from being a student to a professional in a new country is both exciting and challenging, but extremely rewarding if approached the right way.

Understand the culture – both workplace and social. The UK work environment values professionalism, punctuality, politeness, and collaboration. Take time to observe how your colleagues communicate and contribute. Even small things, like how to greet guests or phrase an email, can go a long way.

Network proactively. Attend career fairs, industry events, or even casual hospitality meetups. LinkedIn is powerful here; connect with alumni, former colleagues, or managers and let them know you're actively seeking opportunities. Sometimes it's not just what you know, but who knows you.

Tailor your CV and cover letter to UK standards. Don’t use the same format you’d use in your home country. Highlight your transferable skills, achievements, and any part-time jobs or volunteer work that show initiative and adaptability.

Be open to entry-level opportunities. Sometimes, starting with a front-line or night shift role helps you understand UK hotel operations and prove yourself. In my case, progressing from Receptionist to Duty Manager gave me credibility, confidence, and deep operational knowledge.

Take advantage of Graduate or Skilled Worker visa routes. Stay up to date with immigration policies and seek support from your university’s career services or international office.

Stay confident and keep learning. Don’t be discouraged if it takes time. Keep improving your communication skills, seek feedback, and say yes to learning opportunities. With the right attitude and persistence, your international perspective can become your greatest strength.

What helped me most during my transition from international student to hospitality professional?

When I came to the UK, I had experience from India and Malaysia, but I quickly realised that understanding UK guest expectations, working culture, and communication style was essential.

Here’s what I tell students I mentor:
• Start with small wins; learn the systems, ask questions, and be visible.
• Every shift is a learning opportunity. Even during tough or slow days, how you handle challenges matters.
• Don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ job; the first job you get might not be ideal, but it could lead to something much bigger.
• Show initiative by saying yes to training, cross-department work, or new projects.
• Use your international background to connect with diverse guests- that’s what hospitality is all about.

I’m always happy to support students going through this transition — because I’ve been there too.