It's a big world, after-all

Gemma Ellis has had her eye on a career in hotels since she was at high school. What she didn't know, is where her career would take her – even prior to graduation.

In January 2011, Gemma will join 190 other students from across Australia and New Zealand on a plane bound for Disneyworld, Orlando. But unlike the millions of guests who visit the park each year, Gemma will be throwing on a uniform and knuckling down to learning the restaurant and resort business.

"I'm going on an internship to Disney World and I'll be doing six months in a restaurant, six months in a resort. But there are more than 60 resorts in the park, so I could be anywhere! Interns live in one of three apartment buildings in the park, and they look amazing. Each of them has lounges, TV and computer rooms and a pool and some have gyms."

Gemma is studying Otago Polytechnic's Bachelor of Applied Management majoring in Food and Beverage and Hotel Management. She decided to complete both majors at once, to get it ‘over and done with, in one go' however has elected to put her studies on hold for a year to complete her internship.

"At first I thought I would complete a couple of courses by correspondence and do a Co-operative Education Project, but I decided I just wanted to make the most of the experience in Orlando. I've know I wanted to work in hotels ever since fifth form. I want to start working in the front office, move to office manager and then to general manager. The only real way to do this is with experience.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge of working within a new industry, meeting new people and working with so many people from around the world” says Gemma, who has not previously travelled further than Australia.

"Disneyworld is like a city in itself. There are restaurants, shops, accommodation, nightclubs... everything you need. What does slightly concern me is that as staff you need to know everything about Orlando and the park. I've started studying already!