PIHMS Alumni Spotlight – Tatiyana Isaac

Introducing Tatiyana Isaac, a PIHMS Degree Graduate now an Exhibition & Event Coordinator for Coast Group, Wellington. 

My PIHMS journey

My time at PIHMS was very different to what I had initially expected. I was in the first intake right after the pandemic hit in 2020 with the smallest class (at the time) recorded with 12 students. To say it was a challenge is an understatement, but it made me learn very early on the close-knit community culture that PIHMS had, and I am very grateful for it. I loved that I knew everybody by name, and that was a great skill that I uprooted beyond PIHMS into my career and personal relationships. 

My transition into the workforce

Everybody says this and I stand by this: CONNECTIONS and of course you must work hard to put yourself out there to be recognised. I was lucky enough to have a smooth transition from my part-time job while studying, which was at Novotel New Plymouth, to my current role here in the capital. Shoutout to Mrs. Green and Mr. Baijal who recommended a few roles I should go for and I went for it! Reassurance was necessary for me during that time of applying, and no matter which lecturer office you walked into – that is what you received.  

I worked closely with a recruitment advisor – Anna Hayward – who was introduced to me by Mr. Baijal. I interviewed for a few roles and found my current role to be the best fit for me. I am an Exhibition & Event Coordinator for Coast Group, specifically Exhibition Hire. We are an event supplier operating nationwide. My role is versatile from sales, managing client relationships, working with other suppliers and very recently social media. I work closely with PCOs and venues all over Wellington, and other regions in NZ. 

Every day is hugely different for me which keeps me going!

I love the uncertainty of it all and you never know who you will meet randomly at an event or work function. I have been in this role for a year now and am still very much the newbie on the job. Most of my colleagues have been in the industry for 10+ years and it is great hearing the ‘back in my days’ stories. The people you work with will make or break how much you enjoy your role, and I am lucky that they are just as invested in my learning and curiosity in this role and even my future beyond this role. 

The practicality of this role is one thing I did not think I would enjoy as much but it is sometimes the best thing about it. Some days we put on the hi-vis and go onsite to build walls (panels) for shows, packing in/out furniture, installing signage, and making everything look pretty (my favourite thing). It is the best way that I have found to increase my product knowledge. 

This industry is fun and edgy!

As weird as it sounds now, I grew up being told that this industry was not sustainable if I wanted to ‘make it in life’ whatever that means. For me, this industry is fun and edgy, and you can totally have fun on the job! The roles/careers are so diverse. You can still be a corporate girlie working in the Hotel & Hospitality industry. If that is not your cup of tea, you can talk to people all day or not. You can manage accounts or make delicious coffee (or both). 

Cliche but my favourite thing is the people I meet along the way. The people I work with or have worked with are now some of my best friends or people I meet whilst they are on holiday or away for a work conference. I am not the extrovert you may think I am from reading that, it is just nice knowing you have the privilege of being involved in some of the best experiences that people may have in their lifetime. 

You don’t realsie how small the Hotel and Hospitality industry is. You will likely meet someone who has lived in the same place as you while growing up (but 10 years back), worked for the same company as you, worked with your colleague, etc. It can be scary but is helpful when networking. 

Just be yourself!

I‘m not quite sure I’m qualified yet to share tips and tricks just yet but the one thing I do stand by is to be yourself, let your personality shine. You do not have to be the most out there person and if you are then embrace it but do not shy away from working on your faults. It can be daunting, but it is only you that can change that.