#SenecaProud Graduates
2022 Graduates
We are proud to share the achievements of our graduates and see them grow their careers in their chosen field!
Our graduates are now working around the world in positions of operations, strategy, business development and services leadership.
Patrick Chen
Program: Hospitality - Hotel & Restaurant Services Management (HTM)
Graduated: 2014
Current Position: Food Service Manager - Park Place by Chartwell.
Experience: Red seal Chef - Roxborough Retirement Residence; 1st Cook - National Gold Club of Canada; Restaurant Server - Ichiban Fish House Restaurant, Markham; and Project Department Supervisor - Toyo Greenland Company, Hong Kong
Advice: Be a good listener and build relationships.
Santiago Espinel
Program: Hospitality - Hotel & Restaurant Services Management (HTM)
Graduated: 2018
Current Position: Managing F&B operations for the Hilton-managed properties in the GTA. Through the pandemic, the company re-organized and allocated more responsibility for my role. I know to assist in the planning and management of 3 hotels. laying the groundwork for a reopening as restrictions start to ease and business restarts.
Experience: I have had the privilege of experiencing both FOH and BOH at an operation and management level. anywhere from dishwasher or prep cook in the BOH or server and bartender in FOH. this has left me with a deeper understanding of how they both operate and how they merge together to provide excellent service and food.
Advice: Building a network and leaving lasting positive impressions will open many doors. But you have to go knocking on those doors and not wait for them to come to you. Also, take every rejection as an opportunity to learn if and what you are missing.
Moustafa El Galgamuni
Program: Hospitality - Hotel & Restaurant Services Management (HTM)
Graduated: 2015
Current Position: Restaurant General Manager
Experience: I have worked primarily in restaurant management throughout my career.
Advice: Take risks and don’t be too comfortable with where you stand. Always look for new and better opportunities.
Merve Gizer
Program: Hospitality - Hotel & Restaurant Services Management (HTM)
Graduated: 2019
Current Position: I am currently doing an internship as an HR Sub-team leader at a tech company while waiting for the hospitality industry to go back to normal. My position requires managing two teams of 20 HR assistants and four supervisors responsible for supervising, managing, and motivating team members daily. I create an inspiring team environment with an open communication culture while delegating tasks and setting deadlines. I oversee day-to-day operations, monitor team performance, report on metrics, and listen to team members' feedback and resolve any issues or conflicts.
Experience: Before the pandemic, I worked in a cruise company by Lake Ontario as a restaurant manager. I had been working with the company for the last 3,5 years. I had started as a server for my field placement while studying, and I was cross-trained as a bartender. I became an assistant restaurant manager, an event service manager, and a restaurant manager in the following years. I worked at two hotels in the food and beverage departments in various positions in-between seasons, such as in-room dining operator and a banquet supervisor.
Advice: I would advise them to study and work hard, be patient and have a strong work ethic. Working with and leading a team is as vital as working independently, which both of them are crucial to be successful in academia and at any job. A team is only as strong as its weakest link, so help your peers and co-workers to excel at whatever they are doing. Use college resources like peer tutors and career fairs to succeed in your academic and professional lives while asking for help from the professors and instructors. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need support.
Akshay Kamboj
Program: Hospitality – Hotel & Restaurant Services Management (HTM)
Graduated: 2015
Current position: I manage the back of house operations for rooms division as Director of Housekeeping at Fairmont Waterfront. My role is to ensure that all our guests and colleagues feel valued while ensuring that the hotel performs financially well.
Experience:
Director of Housekeeping - Fairmont Waterfront
Assistant Director of Housekeeping - Fairmont Empress
Housekeeping Operations Manager - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Housekeeping Supervisor (SUMMIT Program) - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Fairmont Gold Attendant (SWEP Program) - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Advice: As you explore a world of possibilities through your journey at Seneca College, do not be shy to express your interest and find yourself the right mentors to guide you through your journey. Build genuine connections that will last forever and work hard towards chasing your dreams.
Sam Kim
Program: Hospitality - Hotel and Restaurant Services Management (HTM)
Graduated: 2013
Current Position: Director of Rooms, at Hilton Toronto; In charge of all Front of the house and back of the house operation of 600 rooms Hilton's flagship hotel. I also oversee building maintenance and security operation. As a member of the Executive Committee of the hotel, I work with all key departments to ensure that the hotel operates efficiently while generating profit and high guest satisfaction.
Experience:
Director of Rooms - Hilton Toronto
Front Office Manager - Hilton Toronto
Assistant Director, Guest Experience - The Westin Harbour Castle
Front Desk Manager - Sheraton Centre Toronto
Manager on Duty - Residence Inn by Marriott Toronto Downtown
Rooms Management Trainee and Guest Service Representative - Marriott Bloor Yorkville
Progressive Roles within Operations - Intercontinental Hotels Group
Advice: My hotel career started when I applied for Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology. Seneca was a place where I was able to connect my passion to a real-life career. All of my professors were industry experts, and their feedback and advice are the reason for my growth within this industry. Ask questions, ask for advice and do not hesitate to ask for help. It will help you find great externship opportunities, and this is where your career in the hotel & restaurant industry will begin.
Jessica Li
Program: Hospitality - Hotel & Restaurant Services Management (HTM)
Graduated: 2011
Current Position: I oversee the entire Spa Department at the Hazelton Hotel. I manage a small team of Estheticians, Massage therapists and Spa Receptionists. My responsibilities include administrative duties, exceptional customer service, and working closely with the hotel sales and marketing team, accounting for budgeting and finances and the HR team.
Experience: I have always been in the hotel industry. I have worked in South Africa, London, England and two luxury properties in Toronto. I had the opportunity to gain experience in all departments of a hotel, including front desk, housekeeping, food and beverage, and sales. Throughout my employment history in the hospitality industry, it allowed me to gain exceptional people and communication skills. People always came first; building long-term relationships and growing repeat business were my top goals. I achieved these goals through consistent service, genuine warmth, care and professional discretion.
Advice: Be open to opportunities that arise! Travel and experience things that may be out of your comfort zone.
Olena Litvinova
Program: Hospitality - Hotel & Restaurant Services Management (HTM)
Graduated: 2015
Current Position: Sales and Catering Manager at Four Seasons Hotel
Experience:
Events Management Executive
Sales Coordinator
Sales and Catering Representative
Sales and Catering Manager
Advice: Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things to understand what you truly love and where your passion is. Do not settle!
Carrie Poon
Program: Hospitality - Hotel & Restaurant Services Management (HTM)
Graduated: 2017
Current Position: As a Service Director on the Air Canada flight, my duty is to make sure that all my passengers have an enjoyable flight. I make sure that the workload for the flight is delegated properly and that my flight attendants have an equal amount of rest. I will be the liaison between the pilots and flight attendants & passengers when an issue arises. After every flight, I send off the flight reports to my manager.
Experience: Prior to being in the aviation industry, I was working in hotels. I started from being a housekeeping room attendant to the front desk. After a few years, I was promoted to Manager on Duty. Being exposed to both the back and front of the house makes me understand the basics and operation of the hotel.
Advice: My advice to current students would be to take advantage of starting from the bottom of the ladder and working your way up. This allows you to have a strong background of what operations are all about. When you become management, your colleagues will have more respect for you as your decision will factor in what you had experienced before.
Jack Qi
Program: Hospitality, Hotel and Restaurant Management (HTM)
Graduated: 2015
Current Position: Guest Reception Manager at Marriott International; Managing and training the concierge, night auditor and team of receptionists Ensuring the front desk provides a professional and friendly service for customers Dealing with customers, including handling complaints when they come to the desk Troubleshooting emergencies Scheduling your staff rota Liaising with other departments
Experience:
Marriott International: Assistant Director of Housekeeping, Housekeeping Manager, and Operations Supervisor
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: Housekeeping Supervisor
Advice: Working hard and asking questions, more importantly, don’t let anyone tell to you that you can’t do anything. Be positive and your energy will impact people around you. Also, build connections and don’t forget your professor.