From Student to Lecturer: A Full-Circle Journey – Lan Tran

Hospitality will always need something technology can’t replace, genuine human connection.

Lan Tran’s journey with PIHMS has come full circle.

Arriving from Vietnam as an international student seeking to expand her hospitality career, she is now a Senior Lecturer at PIHMS helping to shape the next generation of hospitality professionals in the very classrooms where her own journey in New Zealand began.

For Lan, that journey has always been about more than qualifications or career progression. It’s about people.

Making New Plymouth, New Zealand home

Before moving to New Zealand, Lan had already built experience working within the hotel industry in Vietnam. But she wanted to broaden her perspective and continue learning in an international environment. PIHMS immediately stood out.

“It was the only place offering postgraduate hospitality study combined with hands-on operational training and industry placements. In hospitality, real experience and connections are essential.”

Lan graduated in 2019 with a Master’s Degree in Hotel Management becoming the very first PIHMS Master’s graduate. While the achievement itself was significant, it was the overall experience that left the greatest impact.

“I loved being in New Plymouth the nature, the calm atmosphere and the friendliness of the people.” Life at PIHMS was busy, balanced and deeply rewarding. “My days were full with classes, group projects, part-time work in local restaurants and weekends spent with friends. It felt like a very fulfilling chapter of life.”

That experience didn’t just prepare Lan academically – it prepared her for leadership.

“When I later joined a management trainee programme, I realised how valuable the PIHMS training had been. It made the transition into management smooth and manageable.”

And while many international students eventually move elsewhere, Lan chose to stay in Taranaki.

“That says everything. Taranaki is truly special.”

From Student to Lecturer

After graduating, Lan joined Millennium Hotels as a Management Trainee before progressing into a Front Office Duty Manager role – all while completing her Master’s thesis.

But another opportunity soon emerged. By the end of 2019, she had returned to PIHMS this time not as a student, but as a lecturer.

“As an alumni who had such a strong start in the industry because of PIHMS, I wanted to come back and help prepare students for their own futures.”

Since then, Lan has continued to grow both professionally and academically. Alongside teaching, she has completed a second Master’s Degree in Education and also works as a Learning Support Advisor. It’s a career that perfectly combines her passions for hospitality, education and research.

“Teaching is the best way to learn and I love learning. This truly is my dream job.”

Watching Students Transform

What Lan loves most about her role is witnessing the growth that happens within students during their time at PIHMS.

“I strongly believe in the potential of future generations.”

Over the years, she has seen students arrive shy, nervous and uncertain – then leave as confident hospitality professionals ready to step into the industry.

“It’s a beautiful journey to witness and it gives me great hope for the future.”

Her own journey has also required remarkable balance and resilience.

While working and studying full-time across two Master’s degrees, Lan was also raising two young children – and a puppy.

“Staying balanced and grounded through it all is what I’m most proud of.”

The Future of Hospitality

As technology and AI rapidly reshape industries around the world, Lan believes hospitality’s future will belong to those who understand the value of authentic human connection.

“With the rise of automation and AI, it’s interesting that people are drawn even more toward genuine care, handcrafted experiences and meaningful service.”

For Lan, that human element is something technology can support but never fully replace.

She believes hospitality professionals can feel confident about the future if they continue developing emotional intelligence, empathy and genuine connection. It’s also one of the reasons she finds the industry so rewarding, with meaningful opportunities for those willing to keep learning and growing.

“The need for human care has never disappeared. It’s only growing.”

Looking Ahead

Next on the horizon is PhD research focused on hospitality education and teaching methods that strengthen the uniquely human skills students bring into the industry.

“I want to explore how we continue developing the human touch the connection and emotional intelligence that can’t be automated.”

Her Advice

For current and future PIHMS students, Lan’s advice is grounded in humility and hard work.

“Work hard in every role whether you’re serving tables or making beds – with the mindset of a future leader.”

Because in hospitality, she says, every experience matters. “And every bit of effort will pay off in time.”