Hui Min Tan
Age: 31
Country: Singapore
NMIT course: Diploma of Tourism

Tell us about yourself.
I completed my secondary school education in Singapore and worked for 15 years in the food and beverage industry, but I had always wanted a career in tourism, and I love backpacking. About 10 years ago, I tried to do a part-time Diploma of Tourism but everything turned out wrong! For one, I was too caught up with work to give much attention to my studies, and with so much rote learning, I found the course really dry. I agree that tourism workers should have essential facts at their fingertips, but to have to memorise major airport codes at one go was a bit rich!

What influenced you to study hospitality and cookery at NMIT?
I came to Melbourne with my partner who is pursuing a university degree right now. With some free time on my hands, I decided to give myself another go at my dream – sort of a mid-life change, I suppose. I was looking for an established institution not too far away from where I’m putting up, and NMIT fits the bill nicely.

How did you find out about NMIT?
I first heard about NMIT from a Melbournian friend who has had kids, and is familiar with the Victorian education system. She recommended TAFE; shortly after, I saw an advertisement in a newspaper for Diploma of Tourism at NMIT. I checked out their website, made enquiries, liked what I saw, and enrolled.

What advice would you give to students considering studying hospitality and cookery at NMIT?
Tourism is not just about glamourous destinations! I learned in class that there’s a lot of work behind every itinerary – operations, ticketing, marketing and so on. You’re the person to make it happen, so you’ve to be customer-oriented, for one. But NMIT will help develop these skills – I was pretty nervous before my first class presentation pushing a destination, but I’m better now! Knowing what you want and finding out more before enrolling should top your list; I know people who signed up but were wishing they had chosen something else a few weeks into the course.

What is next for you?
I’ll want to go for a degree in Hotel Management after my diploma. If NMIT ever has this course, I will be the first one to enroll. But first, probably a long break to visit some of those wonderful places I learned about in class!

What's been the most valuable lesson you've learnt along the way?
You won’t know until you try.