Graduate Testimonials
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Ian Keating | Real Estate Advisor & Lifestyle Specialist - Costa del Sol
I always knew that I wanted a career in Hospitality, it was both my job and my passion. Life is too short to have a career that you don’t love. I have never looked back and it has opened so many doors for me, including some amazing experiences. The mix of practical and theory suited me perfectly and geared me up for a career in the Industry. The lecturers at Shannon College were so approachable and always motivated me to become my best self. Shannon College is a lot more than just a course, it is a ‘Family’ of like-minded people all passionate about the Hospitality Industry, and as a result, I have made life-long friends from Shannon who I would be lost without. I spent my years after graduation in hotels where I became GM of the Dean Cork. As Spanish was my 3rd language in College, and having spent my year 2 placement in the Ritz Cartlon Abama Tenerife, I always knew I wanted to live in Spain again. I have since made a slight switch from hotels to luxury real estate where I am working with HI Homes on the Costa del Sol selling people their dream homes in the sun. If you’re considering a career in Hospitality, then this is the course for you!!in Connect with Ian
Olivia Campbell | Restaurant Manager - The OWO Raffles London
The mix of business and practical modules develops your soft skills, and the qualification of the level 8 business degree allows you to delve into so many different career paths later in life. It truly rounds you as a professional in the industry. Shannon also gave me an incredible circle of lifelong friends and opened the doors to a wider network of Shannon alumni all over the globe. For me, Shannon is much more than just a college, it’s a family. Shannon allowed me to be me and being someone with learning difficulties such as dyslexia I never thought I could achieve what I have achieved today. The tremendous number of services and support along with a very open approach to learning has pushed me to achieve my best. Shannon embraces every student and their uniqueness, bringing out the best in all of us.in Connect with Olivia
Neal Fennelly | Guest Experience Manager - Bicester Collection
My time in Shannon studying the BBS was incredible and lifelong friends have been created between students and lecturers. The campus life was terrific fun and the various events throughout the year are always a big highlight for students. Shannon College has given me opportunities to have positions in some of the world's leading hotels such as 'Adare Manor', 'The Mandarin Oriental', Hyde Park, London, 'Lyrath Estate' The O'Callaghan collection and 'Kilkea Castle'. Having graduated into the cusp of the pandemic, Shannon College Alumni offered fantastic guidance and support to myself and students which has now led me to my current position as Guest Experience Manager with the Bicester Collection.in Connect with Neal
Katie Raeburn | Senior Customer Success Manager - Sova Assessment, London
I, like many others, had no idea what I wanted to do after school. I found Shannon through a family friend, and alumni, who inspired my decision through sharing fond memories. At first I was daunted by the idea of a small college, while all of my friends were attending big colleges in Dublin. But, two years and a global pandemic later, I can confidently say that I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Not only have I gained invaluable International experience and professionalism, but I have also had the opportunity to learn from some of the industry's best leaders, in some of the best hotels in the world. In addition, I have grown a global network and made lifelong friends and memories. I chose to study the BComm degree with Shannon and spent my final year on the main Galway campus. Shannon gives you the opportunity to blend hospitality and business which means when you graduate, the world really is your oyser!in Connect with Katie
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Killian Fitzpatrick | Deputy General Manager - Ballynahinch Castle Hotel & Estate
I certainly have Shannon to thank for laying the foundations for my career that I hope goes from strength to strength. Learning to be an ultimate professional comes from my training in Shannon and our alumni can be easily identified all across the world. I am proud to say that since undertaking my final year placement with Ballynahinch Castle, I have worked my way up to becoming Deputy General Manager of the property.in Connect with Killian
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Alina Kvinna | Compensation System Analyst - Swedbank, Latvia
The welcoming staff, International environment, competitions, charities, events - there are so many bonuses to studying at Shannon including becoming part of the global family. After graduating I have worked within the hotel industry in the UK and Ireland whilst also completing my Masters in International Entrepreneurship. I changed industries slightly when I made the move to aviation where I worked within the HR department. I have since began a new role as compensation system analyst with Swedbank in Latvia. The hospitality and business foundations as well as real life experience from Shannon College have helped me to get where I am now.in Connect with Alina
Killian Clancy | Financial Controller at RBH, London
I chose Shannon College to kick start my career in the hospitality and business industry, and my experience has been incredible. Looking back at so many fond memories, I can say that the aspect of travelling was one of the best parts. Spending year 2 placement in Brussels, summer of year 3 in Nantucket and my final year placement in London has allowed me to develop not only as a professional but in my personal life too. The reputation of the college is recognized all over the world which has given me many opportunities since graduating.in Connect with Killian
Sergiu Healy | General Manager of Food & Beverage - Sandman Hotel Group
I started my journey with Shannon College of Hotel Management in 2016 with the belief that this was the perfect platform for which I could achieve my goals and develop a successful career in Hotel Management. I look forward to crossing paths with other graduates who are currently working all around the world and continue developing my career further with the aid of the experience Shannon College of Hotel Management has given me. I know it will be an extraordinary adventure.in Connect with Sergiu
Ian Moloney | Marketing & Communications - Killarney Park & The Ross
Combining my educational background in marketing and my love for photography and graphic design I started working with different hotel companies as a Digital Marketing Executive. I progressed on to becoming Group Senior Marketing Executive with responsibility for a portfolio of brands including hotels, restaurants, apartments, bars and a spa, creating unique and memorable content. I am now the Marketing and Communications Manager for the Killarney Park and The Ross hotels. The creativity this role affords me is second to none and working with a rapidly expanding and progressive company has given me invaluable skills, industry insights and life experiences. The support network from Shannon Alumni is everywhere you go and I hope to be able to welcome some fellow students and graduates through our doors in the future.in Connect with Ian
Akash Yadav | Front Office Manager - Hilton, London
My journey has been amazing so far and there are lot more of adventures ahead. I have learned, discovered, experienced and grew in this industry. So far I have worked in 7 countries and travelled to 32 countries. I have made lifelong friendships all around the world and still exploring. If you are considering a fun, exciting and fast paced career, this is the one for you.in Connect with Akash
Anna Hevers | Chef - Goldie, Cork (Michelin Bib Gourmand)
I started my career in hospitality when I was 16 years old and have just loved it since. I have been able to work in such a variation of establishments since my time in Shannon College, and enjoyed every bit of it. Hotel management was always a top career choice for me because it’s a job where you can continuously learn and grow to develop your skills to a very high level. The possibilities are endless! Since my time in Shannon I have focused more into the culinary sector. The scholarship supported my time in Le Cordon Bleu where I graduated with a Grand Diplome before working in the 3 michelin star Core by Clare Smyth and Ottolenghi. I have returned back to Ireland, where I am delving into the Irish food scene at the michelin bib Goldie in Cork city.in Connect with Anna
Clíona McCarthy | Café General Manager - Scéal Bakery Co. Wicklow
"Choosing to study at Shannon College is easily one of the best decisions I’ve made professionally as well as personally. Since graduating, I decided to further pursue French pâtisserie and moved to Paris in January of 2021 to train at École Ducasse. After completing my course in Paris, I moved back to London where I worked with Claridge’s as a Commis Pastry Chef. I decided to slightly change path and moved to Le Choux in London where I became the Store Manager and Events Lead. I have since returned to Irleand with all of my experience and am currently working as the Cafe General Manager at the fabulous Scéal Bakery in Wicklow, Make sure to stop in!in Connect with Clíona
Isabella Condon | Gold Service Scholarship Winning Scholar 2025
I’m so happy and totally lost for words. It’s an absolute privilege to work in this sector and do what we do. The opportunities this profession can provide is incredible and we’re all so fortunate to be able to work with some incredible people, doing a job that we love. During my time in Shannon I got involved in everything I could. I spent my final year placement in the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, London where I have since progressed to the role of junior assistant manager in the 2 Michelin starred, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal Restaurant.in Connect with Isabella
Megan Brennan | Rooms Division - Lore Group, Washington DC
I’ve truly loved every moment of my time in Shannon, and if I could, I would do it all over again. I was honored to receive the Alumni Award, presented to a graduate who consistently demonstrates commitment, active participation in college life, and fosters team spirit — qualities that reflect the true spirit of the Shannon family. I was also awarded the Mitzi Corscadden Scholarship, which recognises a graduate who has shown outstanding entrepreneurship and leadership throughout their time at Shannon.in Connect with Megan
Cliona Walsh | Assistant HR Manager - Adare Manor
I have spent time working in the hospitality Industry across Belgium, Ireland, the UK and the Seychelles. The opportunities that this degree has afforded me both personally and professionally are second to none. I am currently working as assistant Human Resources Manager in the world class Adare Manor Hotel and Resort.in Connect with Cliona
Stefan Maidment | General Manager - Great National South Court Hotel
I graduated Shannon College with my Bachelor of Business studies in International hotel management in 2019. I returned to complete my MSc in Business & Hospitality in 2021. My journey in the hospitality world has been challenging, exciting and exceptionally rewarding. I have worked across the UK and Ireland in Luxury hotels. bars and restaurants. I found my passion for food & beverage when I returned to assist in the development of a family owned restaurant. I have since worked my way up to becoming the General Manager of the Great National South Court Hotel Limerick.in Connect with Stefan
Orla McAndrew | Group Learning & Development Manager - Miiro Hotels
I love working in the Hospitality Industry and am extremely passionate about the guest and team member experience. I have extensive operational experience across luxury properties in Ireland and abroad. I was was awarded 'Graduate of the year' for 2020 at IHI Management Awards. After graduating, I pursued an MSc in HRM from UCD Smurfit Business School. With this, I pushed into the world of Learning and Development with the luxury division of Hilton Hotel Group. I have since moved into the role of L&D Manager with Miiro Hotels, a new group of luxury and lifestyle properties opening across Europe's most interesting and sought after neighborhoods.in Connect with Orla
Rachel O'Connell | Banqueting & Events Manager - The Armada Hotel
In my final year at Shannon, I led the winning team in the IHI games & represented the college in Switzerland, Manchester, & Ireland. The opportunities in Shannon are endless for anyone who wants them. For my final year placement, I started as Event Operations Supervisor at Jumeirah Carlton Tower, London and was later promoted to Meeting and Events Floor Manager before finishing my placemen and returning to Ireland where I pursued my passion to work as Banqueting and events manager on our beautiful west coast. I graduated in March 2024 and received the Mitzi Corscaden Scholarship, awarded to the graduate who demonstrated entrepreneurship and leadership during their time at Shannon College. Various scholarships are given at Shannon College graduations, acknowledging students' contributions and rewarding their hard work.in Connect with Rachel
Dylan Broderick | Assistant Manager, Pullman - Cairns, Australia
A degree from Shannon College of Hotel Management will open your world up to endless opportunities. The training and industry exposure that you get during your 5 years will give you the foundations for an outstanding and successful career no matter where in the world you find yourself.in Connect with Dylan
Mark Sampson | Business Development Executive - Mandarin Oriental Group
I am honored to say that on my graduation, I was awarded the ‘Patrick Lane Memorial Scholarship’ for true professionalism, attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills and dedication to achieving the highest standards at all times. Shannon has given me many opportunities and travelling has been one of them. Through my time at Shannon, I have learned many lessons, from ironing a shirt and pressing a suit, making a bed, to Quantitative Methods. How to handle a P&L account to enjoying my social life to fullest! The hospitality industry is unique. It offers the guest a chance to escape from every day life and it's challenges. We supply an idealistic experience of a second home, and that’s what is special. Our now retired Head of College Dr. Philip Smyth once famously said on my first day at Shannon; ‘the hotel is your stage, and you’re the actor’. He couldn't be more right.in Connect with Mark
Freddy Allen | Front Office - The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
I spent my final year placement working as an Assistant Rooms Division Manager in Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Canada, a countryside resort in the mountains with Canadas no.1 resort golf resort. Today, I am working in in FOH in the 5 star, Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin City. The hospitality industry allows you to travel the world and see some fantastic places. If it wasn’t for Shannon College, I don’t think I would be where I am today.in Connect with Freddy
Tom Murphy | General Manager, Pembroke - Dupont Circle, Washington DC
I Graduated from Shannon College of Hotel Management with my Bachelor of Commerce in International Hotel Management specialising in Marketing management in 2020. I spent time working in Hotels across Ireland, Luxembourg, the UK and now the United States. I wanted to push myself in the Food & Beverage industry and am proud to say that I am currently working as the General Manager of the Pembroke Restaurant in the Dupont Circle Hotel, Washington DC. I am Self Motivated, Driven and Ambitious with a passion for the Hospitality Industry. I aim to lead by example and strive for perfection, an eye for attention to the little details.in Connect with Tom
Joseph Ruddy | Senior Advisor, Tourism Development - Philippines
Class of 1973... My advice to anyone about to begin their career in the hospitality and business industry is "Be at the cutting edge of IT and technologies. Have a detailed career plan with aims and objectives. Do not stay in one job for too long, gain a range of experiences across companies and countries." I am a senior project manager and international development specialist in workforce development, education and training development, quality assurance and industry development in tourism with extensive experience in international tourism sector management, education reform & development, and tourism marketing. I also hold a Ph.D., Master of Arts, Bachelor of Science and numerous Diplomas.in Connect with Joseph
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