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Eleven teams representing young hospitality managers of the future participated in the 25th IHI Business Managment Game in Cork earlier this month. Shannon College’s team of Year 4 students; Nicholas Quinn, Ivan Shkepu, Lena Reischl, Joanna Cassells and  Michael Lynch; took the prize for third place in the Management Game sponsored by Champagne Taittinger and Fáilte Ireland. 

The game participants spent two days devising a strategy, planning and managing a fictitious hospitality business in a simulated business environment, reflecting current economic constraints. Natasha Kinsella MIHI, Chief Executive of the IHI, speaking at the awards ceremony said;
“All the competitors exhibited clear ability, understanding of the business and great innovation throughout the course of the entire competition which leaves us in no doubt about the calibre of our managers of the future. We can be confident, even considering current constraings, the future of the Irish hospitality and tourism industry is in safe hands.”

About the IHI:
The Irish Hospitality Institute was founded in 1966 as the professsional body for managers in the catering and tourism industries. The IHI currently has 1000 members within hospitality management position sin Ireland and abroad. Graduates from Shannon College are recognised by the IHI award and receive a full professional membership.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, College Director, Mr. Philip J. Smyth noted the reason for the high level of employment of these graduates;

“One of the reasons for this high level of job placement is that today’s graduates are industry ready. They have achieved academic success, have completed rigorous practical and leadership training and have experienced the industry first hand through internships.”

 In the boom years, this education and experience was enough; hotels were thriving, new properties were opening weekly; and graduates were in high demand. However, in the current climate, being industry ready has a new meaning. Director, Philip J. Smyth advised graduates that they are expected to be proactive and hungry, to be flexible and to consider roles outside of their comfort zone;

 “A successful career in the hotel industry is no longer just about the desirable job title in a desirable destination. A successful career in our dynamic hotel industry is about making your mark in your hotel, about learning all the “ins and outs” of your property and what makes your organisation profitable and successful. Graduates who stay sharp, who say yes to every opportunity and challenge that comes their way, will be able to cherry pick their jobs in the future. No location, no organisation and no brand will be out of their reach.”

Further Information:

Please contact Sarah Geraghty, Marketing Manager, for further information on the 2010 Graduation, or for information on the job opportunities for graduates;

Email: sarahgeraghty@shannoncollege.com
Ph: +353 61 712523

Shannon College training restaurant opened its door as L’Embouchure Restaurant on Monday, February 15th, offering guests a “taste of Burgundy by the Estuary”. L’Embouchure was developed by a team of Year 3 students who planned and brought to reality the French themed restaurant experience.

 The project involved creating a restaurant concept, planning and budgeting the restaurant opening, marketing and advertising, menu creation, food ordering, preparation and presentation, wine selection and service and providing an overall dining experience to the public that matches the standards found in the industry’s top restaurants.

Further Information:

For further information on the subjects, projects and placements undertaken by Shannon College students, visit the BBS page for details of the hotel management degree offered at Shannon College;

>> Click Here (Irish/EU Students)
>> Click Here  (Non-EU Students)