Subhradip Chatterjee Alumni Spotlight 

Meet Subhradip Chatterjee, or as we know him, Subh! Subh went from Duty Manager to Junior Accountant to now being a Customer Implementation Specialist, currently working as Project Manager-Azure.

PIHMS was transformative!

My time at PIHMS was transformative, shaping my career and equipping me with essential skills. It fostered solution-oriented thinking, critical analysis, leadership, management, emotional intelligence, and resilience, which have proven invaluable in both hospitality and tech. Hands-on experiences instilled confidence and practical knowledge, preparing me for any fast-paced, customer-centric role. 

PIHMS launched my career

PIHMS was instrumental in launching my career. Their strong industry ties opened doors, and the two industry placements provided the experience needed to secure a full-time job quickly. My placements at Accor led to a part-time role at Novotel New Plymouth during my final year, which transitioned into a full-time Duty Manager position upon graduation. 

The industry really prepared me for anything!

PIHMS provided a strong foundation for my career. Navigating the challenges of the pandemic, I joined The Hotel Britomart’s pre-opening team as Duty Manager, where I helped establish standard operating procedures, designed efficient process flows, and created a world-class guest experience. My passion for numbers then led me to transition into finance and operations, becoming an Assistant Accountant. I learned from fantastic mentors and gained invaluable insights into back-end operations, contributed to hotel and finance system migration and implementation projects. My journey continued at Accor’s head office as a Junior Accountant, where I oversaw a large portfolio of Wellington hotels. 

My passion for technology led me to Auxo Software, a company owned by MTA, with a three-decade legacy of crafting superior software solutions for the Australasian automotive industry. I began as a Support Consultant but soon transitioned to the role of Customer Implementation Specialist stages. Additionally, I assist with escalated support inquiries and help in major/minor incident handling and system outage resolution. I like to think my background in the Hotel and Hospitality Industry really prepared me for this role.  

Currently, I am also excited to be contributing as a Project Manager on a complex Azure migration project. We are migrating legacy systems to the cloud to enhance performance, security, and reliability for our customers. I work alongside a cross-functional team, collaborating with technical experts, product development, customer service, and marketing to ensure a successful transition with minimal downtime.  

I am most passionate about the problem-solving aspect of my role and the tangible impact I can make on our clients’ businesses. The opportunity to combine my technical skills with my passion for customer success is incredibly fulfilling. Everyone is so helpful and supportive, and we are always learning from each other. It is incredibly rewarding to be part of such a talented and supportive team, simplifying complex work every day. 

Why I initially chose to go into the industry

I was fascinated by the Hotel & Hospitality industry’s promise of connecting with individuals from all walks of life. The prospect of delivering exceptional customer service and crafting memorable experiences for guests was incredibly appealing. Additionally, the fast-paced, problem-solving environment, where each day presented unique challenges and opportunities to find creative solutions, resonated deeply with me. 

Looking back, the problem-solving aspect of hospitality resonates most closely with my current role in tech. Now, I still focus on understanding people’s needs and delivering exceptional service, but I achieve this by providing innovative technical solutions. It is fascinating how those early experiences in hospitality laid the groundwork for my problem-solving skills and my passion for helping others, which remain at the heart of my work in tech today. 

The best part of the Hotel & Hospitality industry is undoubtedly the people. I cherish the connections I have made with colleagues and mentors, leaders of course guests/customers. 

I have been genuinely surprised and heartened by the growing awareness and demand for sustainability within the hospitality industry. Guests are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact and actively seek out accommodations and businesses that prioritize sustainable practices. It is inspiring to see how sustainability has become a key factor in their decision-making process, driving positive change across the industry. I experienced this firsthand during my time at The Hotel Britomart. 

Tips for the Hotel and Hospitality Industry

My quick tip is to gain valuable hands-on experience from the industry as part of your studies, such as through programmes offered at PIHMS. This, combined with developing crucial soft skills like communication and problem-solving, will significantly enhance your appeal to potential employers. Remember, networking with industry professionals and maintaining a positive, resilient mindset are equally vital. By integrating these strategies, you can bridge the gap between hospitality and business, opening doors to a fulfilling and lucrative career.