Anh Le-Noronha

First hospitality job:

FOA (Front Office Assistant)

​

Age you started working in hospitality:

22

​

Your inspiration to begin working in hospitality:

My inspiration to enter the hospitality industry began during my senior year of high
school. I lived near the iconic Sofitel Hotel Dalat Palace, and every day on my way to
school, I was captivated by the hotel. I often arrived late to class because I couldn’t
resist stopping to admire the scene—the elegant hotel entrance, complete with a door
attendant in a beautiful uniform, greeting guests with a warm and welcoming smile,
while other staff members displayed kindness and professionalism.  At that moment, I realized I wanted to be part of that world and create similar experiences for others. It isn’t just about the glamour of the industry; it’s about building human connections, the opportunity to brighten someone’s day, and the joy of being part of a team that is dedicated to exceptional service. It is also the reason I am committed to helping students discover their own paths in hospitality and find unique ways to make a positive impact—just as I was inspired many years ago.

​

My hospitality mentor:

Two individuals who profoundly inspired me during my journey were the HR team and
the Austrian General Manager at the Five-Star Hotel Equatorial in Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam, as well as the Vice President at Imago Inc. in Toronto, Canada. My first job
interview at the Five-Star Hotel Equatorial was a defining moment in my career. As a
recent graduate, I felt nervous and overwhelmed by the luxurious hotel environment.
During the interview, I misunderstood the Front Office Manager’s (FOM) instructions
to "go back," believing it meant I should leave. I went home, but the HR team went
above and beyond to find me. Concerned for my well-being, they searched for me and
eventually called my home to ensure I hadn’t gotten lost. They quickly brought me
back to the hotel and helped me prepare for my meeting with the General Manager,
ensuring I felt confident. When I finally met the Austrian GM, his warmth and kindness
turned the interview into a genuine conversation rather than a formal evaluation. At
the end, when he asked if I had any questions, I boldly asked, "When do I start?" He
laughed and replied, "I like your answer. Wait and see." This experience taught me the
true essence of hospitality—kindness, care, and making others feel valued. 
The Vice President personally emailed me detailed instructions on how to get to the office, and when I arrived, she greeted me with a warm smile and a big hug. This experience reinforced my belief that hospitality is not just about service; it’s about making people feel valued. As the saying goes, "People may forget what you said, people may forget what you did, but people never forget how you made them feel." These moments taught me that true hospitality is about creating meaningful connections and positive experiences, no matter the context.

​

What are your favourite aspects of your job?

My favorite aspects of my job come from the opportunities to make meaningful
connections with students, inspire their growth, and watch them thrive in the hospitality
industry. I love guiding students on their career paths, just as I was guided and
mentored during my own journey. I take great joy in helping students build the
confidence and skills they need to succeed in hospitality, an industry founded on
kindness, care, and making others feel valued. Seeing them succeed and knowing that I played a part in their journey is the most fulfilling aspect of my work.

​

What has inspired you to continue your career path in hospitality?

What has inspired me to continue my career path in hospitality is the profound impact
that genuine kindness, care, and making people feel valued can have. It’s about creating meaningful experiences and lasting connections. These experiences have shaped
my passion for the industry and continue to inspire me to contribute to the growth of
future hospitality professionals. I am motivated by the opportunity to share my
knowledge, mentor students, and help them navigate their careers in hospitality, just
as others did for me. The ability to make a positive difference in someone’s career
journey is what keeps me committed to this path.

​

Advice for students interested in a career in hospitality:

My advice for students interested in a career in hospitality is to approach the industry
with passion, curiosity, and a strong commitment to service. Here are a few key
pieces of advice: Be Open to Learning: Whether it’s through formal education, on-the-job training, or learning from your colleagues and mentors, always seek opportunities to improve and stay updated on industry trends. Embrace Challenges: Learn to handle difficult situations with grace, whether it's a guest complaint or a challenging work environment. Stay Adaptable and Resilient: Be open to change, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Build Your Network: Network with your peers, industry professionals, and mentors. This will open doors to new opportunities and help you navigate your career path.