Published: 23 June 2025
As part of our new partnership with Springboard, we hear from Nirman Roy, tourism and hospitality management student, on the value of industry placements.
With a keen desire to build his practical knowledge and hospitality industry experience, Nirman moved from his native Nepal in January this year to start his International Tourism and Hospitality Management BSc (Hons) course at the University of Sunderland in London.
As a global city with a world-renowned hospitality industry, London offers a wealth of opportunities to develop your hospitality career - whether you are looking to start in the sector or enhance your industry skills.
Building skills for a clear career path
Seeking to build our students’ industry experience and exposure, the university recently launched a partnership with Springboard to offer industry placements.
In late April, Nirman completed a 1-day placement at the Park Plaza Westminster Hotel in central London, where he assisted with the hotel’s busy dinner service.
“During the placement I gained insight into the importance of timekeeping in the kitchen, working effectively as a team, and the role of managers in keeping things running smoothly.” – Nirman explains
“It was a valuable experience and offered the chance to build my industry contacts”.
“My career goal is to become a head chef but know I need to build skills in multiple parts of the hospitality operation first.” says Nirman, who, alongside his studies, works in housekeeping at a hotel near London’s iconic Piccadilly Circus.
How placements enhance learning
For Nirman, his move to London from Biratnagar in East Nepal has come with its challenges, including coming to the UK alone and living independently for the first time. However, the large Nepalese community at the university has been an excellent social and support network.
“Strategic career support is central to modern higher education. Through partnering with organisations, such as Springboard, we are enhancing our students’ skills, experience, and employability”. – Imad Guenane - Principal Lecturer, Programme Development and Employability