Mendie Laine Sanoria

• Year of Graduation: 2025
• Course Title: International Hotel Management MA*
• Job Title: Duty Manager
• Employer: Leonardo Hotels

My main reason for choosing the University of Northampton was its strong reputation in education and emphasis on practical, industry‑focused learning. I was looking for a university that valued people, encouraged growth, and gave space for students to find their voice, and that’s exactly what I found. The course structure aligned with what I wanted academically, but what really convinced me was how genuinely supportive the staff felt from the very first interaction. As an international student, feeling ‘seen’ and welcome mattered a lot.

My favourite part of the experience was being pushed into opportunities I never imagined myself taking. With the encouragement of my Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), I joined the Postgraduate Research (PGR) Poster Competition and attended the University’s Research Conference where I presented my research. In both events, I was the only master’s student presenting alongside PGR and PhD researchers, which was intimidating at first, but it became one of the highlights of my year and reminded me that I belonged in spaces I used to think were too advanced for me. The support from lecturers meant a lot too – the ones who guided me, believed in me, and helped me grow. My PAT even invited me back as a guest lecturer after I graduated, which made everything feel full‑circle. Those connections made my time at UON truly meaningful.

My degree helped me build confidence, self-awareness, and a more thoughtful approach to work and life. It taught me how to communicate better, reflect on my actions, and approach challenges with a clearer mindset. Becoming a Course Representative taught me how to listen and advocate for others, which has shaped the way I lead and connect with people today. I was supported through career workshops, helpful feedback on job applications, and lecturers who were always willing to give advice. Even small conversations after class often made a big difference and I never felt like I had to figure everything out alone as there was always someone who was ready to give guidance or encouragement.

Since graduating, I’ve been steadily building my career. I’ve taken on roles that have helped me grow operationally and personally, worked with different teams, and supported major events. I also self‑published my dissertation on SSRN (an online platform where research can be shared before formal publication), and it was featured in seven international e‑journals, something I’m incredibly proud of. All these experiences have helped shape the direction I’m moving toward.

I currently work as a duty Manager at Leonardo Hotels, where I’m involved in the day‑to‑day running of the hotel. I support different departments, assist guests, solve unexpected issues, and make sure everything runs safely and smoothly and the role teaches me something new every day. I found out the job on caterer.com, and the application process was much more rigorous than I expected, but in a good way. The first stage was an assessment centre, where I had to prepare and present a real-life scenario project in front of a panel of judges. We were also given a group task, which involved working as a team to solve an operational problem under time pressure, which was challenging, but taught me a lot about teamwork and how I communicate under stress. I progressed to the final interview, which was a face-to-face meeting with the General Manager of the property. I had to travel to Sheffield and although I was nervous, it was a very positive and encouraging conversation. The whole process was demanding but made receiving the job offer even more meaningful and it felt like everything I had worked for finally connected. I remember feeling proud, but also a little emotional, because the journey hadn’t been easy – moving countries, studying full‑time, balancing work, and constantly pushing myself out of my comfort zone. It wasn’t just excitement – it was a sense of validation. It made me realise how much I’d grown, not only academically but as a person who learned to trust their own potential. It felt like a moment where I could finally take a breath and say, “I did it.”

The skills I use most from my degree are the ones that shaped how I think and communicate. Reflective practice has helped me stay grounded and make better decisions, especially on days when things get stressful. The course programme taught me how to remain calm under pressure, how to consider different perspectives, and how to communicate clearly with people from all backgrounds – skills I now use every day with guests and colleagues, and in unexpected situations. More than anything, my degree taught me to lead with intention and awareness, not just react – that mindset has been one of the most valuable things I took into my role.

The advice I would give to potential students interested in this course is to be open to new experiences and don’t hold back from asking questions. Being at university isn’t just about learning theories, it’s about discovering your strengths, challenging yourself, and understanding people. Take opportunities even if they feel a little scary at first, as those moments often become the most rewarding. My advice on becoming successful after graduation is to give yourself time to grow. Success doesn’t always happen quickly, and that’s okay. Build relationships, stay curious, and learn from every role you take on. Don’t be afraid to start small – what matters is your willingness to learn and show up consistently. Your journey doesn’t have to look the same as everyone else’s.

My time at the University wasn’t just academic learning, it was personal growth.

*UON no longer offers MA International Hotel Management, but you can view our Events Management, Hospitality, and Tourism courses.