Please click Disaster Relief Management for the Curriculum overview.
Michael Gimmingham – Graduate 2019
Hello, my name is Michael Gimmingham!_
What a rollercoaster my career has been! Two years ago, I reached a notable milestone, proudly working for one of the leading Revenue Management Systems in the industry, Flyr Hospitality (formerly Pace Revenue), where I am both humbled and impressed on a daily basis with the impact we are making in the field of Revenue Management, not just in hotels but the tourism sector as a whole. Gaining experience in such a fast-scaling hotel tech start-up, with founders who hold previous careers at companies like Google and Amadeus Capital, is eye-opening! In a Revenue Management Advisory role, I work hand in hand with teams that build platforms to regularly update the Machine Learning and AI algorithms and features that power our pricing and forecasting technology. Most importantly, I get to spend time with our incredible customers, helping them implement and strategize around our platform as well as supporting them to achieve their goals.
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Importantly, I am also enjoying a healthy work-life balance. I am based in Cape Town but working remotely for a European company. A typical day usually starts nice and early in the gym, followed by a quick dip in the cold water at my favourite local beach, and then it’s straight into the workday feeling energised and ready to tackle what the day holds. Reflecting on my journey at Stenden South Africa, I am reminded that the relationships I built with both fellow students and faculty have been pivotal in my growth. It never ceases to amaze me just how small the industry actually is and how often we surprisingly cross paths. Remember that relationships are EVERYTHING. To any students who want to know more or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to message me on LinkedIn!
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Greg van Mastrigt and Mia Donald – Graduates 2021
Hi there – We are Gregory and Mia. We met at Stenden 6 years ago, where we both graduated with our B.Com degree in Hospitality Management. We got together in the second year and have been traveling and working together ever since. We had an awesome internship at The Makokola Retreat on Lake Malawi after which we worked as Rooms Division and Food & Beverage managers for a year. Thanks to this placement by Stenden, we were exposed to great opportunities to apply what we had studied and to grow our hospitality knowledge._
Since before we met, we both had a goal to work in the yachting industry. After completing yachting courses in the beginning of 2023, we were fortunate to gain great positions as a deckhand and stewardess in Spain in May last year, and we haven’t looked back. Our studies at Stenden continuously contribute to our success in the hospitality industry, and we are so grateful for our experience there.
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Nicci Odendaal – Graduate 2016
This is Nicci Odendaal from Namibia 
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“I wanted to share a little update since graduating from Stenden in 2016. Following my internship at St. Regis Mauritius, I returned to South Africa briefly and served as the F&B & Bar Manager at 43 Airschool.
Shortly after, I was called back home to take on an exciting role managing a 5-star luxury lodge at the remarkable Ongava Game Reserve. Over the next four years, my partner and I enjoyed our time managing two lodges on the reserve before stepping away from the hospitality industry to welcome our daughter into the world.
Balancing motherhood and life has presented its challenges, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Currently, I am working in the vibrant city of Windhoek as a Retail Manager for a luxury African family business, Patrick Mavros, renowned for its exquisite handcrafted jewellery and objets d’art, originating from Zimbabwe.
In addition to my role at Patrick Mavros, I also manage my late father’s tour agency on the side, allowing me to enjoy the best of both worlds in hospitality and the retail industry.”
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