Professional Operative Work Placement

The Year 2 placement is a 12 month professional work placement in leading Irish and European hotels to reinforce the training in Year 1 and improve knowledge of industry practice and systems.

How long is the placement?

12 months (July – June)

What will I do on placement?

The mandatory placement is a professional operative placement, which reinforces the practical training and language studies of Year 1. Students gain experience in at least two departments and will be working at operative level. The work experience improves students’ knowledge of industry practice and systems. Students are paid by the hotel and wages can vary from country to country.

Where will I be placed?

Irish/EU Students: 
Shannon College’s placement partner hotels for Irish and EU students are located in France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain and the UK. A student’s foreign language option and visa requirements determine the placement country. Students benefit both professionally and personally from working and living in another European country.

International Students:
International students (non-EU students) will be placed in one of our partner hotels in Ireland. For international students, the Year 2 Placement is an exciting experience as it allows them to live and work in a different destination in Ireland to where they studied in Shannon in Year 1.

How will I be placed?

The Shannon College Placement Office organises the work placements on behalf of students. Most hotels require an interview and students are prepared for hotel interviews through the Skills for Work Life module in Year 1. Language skills and performance in Year 1 are considered by hotels and Shannon College in finalising placements. Placement locations are announced after Year 1 examinations in May.

Zelda

Zelda Hickey |   Claridge's Hotel London, UK

I chose Shannon because of the endless opportunities, 2 years of placement abroad, 100% graduate employment, and a level 8 business/commerce degree in international hotel management. You can use the degree anywhere! You can travel, you can stay in hospitality or specialize in business fields such as marketing, sales and HRM. Hotels are always ever changing, expanding and developing, so there are always new job opportunities around the corner! In the future, I hope to be working in Fitzpatrick's in New York City! For now, I can't wait to see what the next year holds as I head out on my year two placement in the Claridge's Hotel, London.
in Connect with Zelda
Darragh

Darragh Whiteley |   The Grove Hotel, London, UK

Looking back on my first year I’m so thankful to all my lecturer’s, guiding me in preparation for my year 2 placement. A highlight of my year has to be working a prosecco reception for the Travel and Tourism Association (TTRA). Where I was given a great insight into the industry and how the future looks for the industry. I am also proud to mention that during my first year I completed a first aid course. As I move into my second year, I’m excited to announce the next step in my journey: I’ll be starting my internship at The Grove Hotel, where I look forward to expanding my skills, learning from industry professionals, and embracing every challenge that comes my way.
in Connect with Darragh
Emily

Emily Hogan |   Anantara Plaza, Nice, France

The highlight so far for me has been completing my second year placement at the Anantara plaza Nice, France. Getting exposure like that at 20 years old is amazing, not only for networking and professional growth, but also for language and personal development. I started off as a housekeeping supervisor and transitioned to reception after 6 months. Reception has been the most rewarding part of my placement and I even had the opportunity to meet the president of France! Having the chance to work in a 5 star luxury, French property, and being exposed to the real industry has been truly invaluable. After my year 2 experience, I would love to work my way up to front office manager in a luxury property anywhere in the world.. I am so looking forward to returning to Shannon as a year 3 student with new skills and experiences as I move forward towards achieving my goals.
in Connect with Emily
Hannah

Hannah O'Flanagan |   The Ritz Carlton Abama, Tenerife

My second-year placement at the Ritz-Carlton Abama in Tenerife has definitely been the highlight for me. I got to work hands-on in the industry, improve my Spanish, and meet people from all over the world. It really helped build my confidence, I learned so much by being in that environment. I also made friends for life.
in Connect with Hannah
Ciaran

Ciaran Burke |   The rosewood, London, UK

I have recently wrapped up my first year at Shannon College of Hotel Management, and as I begin my second-year placement in the Rosewood London and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m stepping into a new chapter. I will be working in the Mirror Room at the luxury 5 star Rosewood, London for 6 months until I move into a different department of the hotel. I’m determined to learn, grow, and give it everything I’ve got over the coming 12 months.!
in Connect with Ciaran
Lucy

Lucy Pinsent |   La Cala Resort - Hotel, Spa & Golf, Costa del Sol

Right now, I’m in Spain for my second-year placement, and many of my classmates are working in other countries, which is incredible exposure both personally and professionally. This international focus, along with the chance to build a global network and learn from people all over the world, makes Shannon really special. It’s a college that doesn’t just prepare you for a career, it gives you the experience, confidence, and connections to start it before you even graduate. There are so many opportunities to build a career in hotels, events, travel, and tourism. It’s a field that’s dynamic, people-focused, and full of possibilities.
in Connect with Lucy
Conn

Conn O'Brien |   Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof - Germany

Year 2 placement in the Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof has been my number one highlight thus far. Your learnings from Year 1 merged with the skills you practice in Year 2 will forever stand to you in your career. The people you meet and connections you make is wondrous. It’s a magical year and if I could do it all over again, I would. Being qualified in business & hospitality is your passport to the world. The opportunities, even after you graduate, are never ending. There is always room to grow, improve and educate yourself. There are endless amounts of skills to develop and moreover, you can practice from anywhere in the world! After I graduate, I see myself travelling. As of now, I would love to go to New York for my final year placement, before moving to Australia to continue my career. Right now, I’m really enjoying the Food & Beverage and Front Office departments
in Connect with Conn
Tara

Tara Spollen |   Anantara Plaza, Nice, France

Upon graduation, my aspiration is to relocate to Beverly Hills and ultimately advance to the position of human resources manager. Choosing the BComm degree will allow me to spend my final year at Shannon focusing my studies on HRM on the University of Galway main campus. For now though... I’m excited to start my second year placement in the Anantara plaza hotel in Nice France where I will have the opportunity to delve into the French culture, language and industry.
in Connect with Tara