Interview with Shylla Auguste, Overall Best Academic Performer at Shannon College of Hotel Management’s graduation ceremony |12 May 2018

‘Failure is not final, you only fail when you stop trying’

Following completion of her Bachelor degree studies at Shannon College of Hotel Management in Ireland, 26-year-old Shylla Auguste was awarded Overall Best Academic Performer during the college graduation ceremony on March 8 this year.

Shylla is from the district of Port Glaud and is the eldest in her family of three siblings.

Speaking to Seychelles NATION, the 26-year-old shares details of her efforts that led to making our country proud.   

Seychelles NATION: Tell us about your educational background.

Shylla Auguste: I attended both crèche and primary school in my district. After primary school, I moved to Anse Boileau secondary and graduated in 2008. I spent two years at the School of Advanced Level Studies (Sals) studying Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics.

I then joined the Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management (ADHM) at the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) which led me to Shannon College where I recently graduated with a Bachelor degree in International Hotel Management. My inspiration to complete this course was my passion for the industry and one of my family members encouraging me to apply for the course. I also wanted to challenge myself and follow my dream.

Seychelles NATION: In your opinion, what is the importance of our tourism industry and what major challenges does it face?

Shylla Auguste: Tourism has contributed immensely to help shape our strong economy through generating foreign exchange, investment and employment opportunities. The future of the industry looks to be growing from strength to strength, despite challenges both locally and globally.

The biggest challenge in Seychelles at the moment is a lack of local managers in key hotel departments. The STA, in partnership with Shannon College, has an extensive programme in place to train young Seychellois to become managers. The programme ensures that students acquire academic and technical skills both internationally and locally that are pivotal for the industry.

By encouraging past graduates to come forward and share their journeys and experiences to the media, this could help entice more young Seychellois to show interest in the industry. 

Our second biggest challenge is keeping young graduates in the industry after they finish at STA or other tertiary education institutions. To entice them to stay in the industry, they could be offered incentives such as competitive salary, housing allowance, development opportunities both locally and internationally, and the introduction of a scheme for returning graduates to acquire housing or a piece of land so as to reintegrate back into the community.

With regard to the impact of drugs and other related social problems being faced in our society, especially among the youth, I believe that we need to continue providing support and guidance to those in need so that they can function in society and grab opportunities being offered to them.

Seychelles NATION: Tell us about your studies at STA and Shannon College.

Shylla Auguste: My journey at the STA was both challenging and rewarding. When I first started, I was extremely worried that my lack of industry experience was going to hinder my performance. However, we were lucky enough to have had the opportunity to receive training from some of the best lecturers at the college. We had all the support and resources at our disposal which has contributed immensely towards our success.

The subjects covered varied according to industry needs, especially the demand for local managers in operational departments in hotels. The course covers a range of subjects from financial to business subjects.

The first year, we covered subjects such as front office, business skills, wine theory, financial accounting, food production, quantitative methods and food & beverage. For the second semester, we received practical training for restaurant, food production and front office. We had to complete our accommodation practical and exams at Constance Ephelia hotel which was a great experience for us.

The second year involves a one-year industry placement divided between four operational departments. I completed three months in food & beverage at the Constance hotel in Belle Mare Plage, Mauritius. Then I spent nine months at Constance Ephelia hotel and spa, focusing mainly on the other three major departments.

As for third year, it is mainly academic, however, we get to plan a theme night. The subjects covered focus on areas that will be crucial for planning the theme night, including marketing, accounting, business skills, information technology (IT), economics, food & beverage, hospitality law, sustainable tourism and intercultural communication.

When I went on placement in Mauritius, it was extremely hard leaving my family behind for three months but I had my friends with me so we gave each other support. It was very challenging working in the various restaurants but this helped to boost my confidence and I learned how to multi-task. Upon my return to Seychelles and working at Ephelia hotel, I could apply all the knowledge and skills I had acquired, and was able to improve my performance.

After graduating with my Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management, I proceeded to Ireland at the Shannon College of Hotel Management (SCHM) for my bachelor degree. The subjects covered at SCHM provide an in-depth knowledge of business and financial acumen such as entrepreneurship, performance management, marketing, research methods, international human resources and strategic management.

As part of our marketing module, we had to participate in a wedding trade show to promote a product to potential buyers on the day. It was an extremely fun activity and the knowledge acquired has been quite helpful during my current placement.

I have now been working for 11 months in a 4-star hotel and I have gained more confidence in my abilities, and developed my skills through training. The biggest challenge at first was adapting to the new culture, however, I work with a very strong team so they gave me their support and in the end, I have managed to successfully graduate. I believe that hotel exposure is extremely pivotal for growth and development, as you encounter numerous challenges and you learn to apply the best solutions to problems.

Seychelles NATION: How did you manage to achieve the award for overall best academic performer at SCHM?

Shylla Auguste: I was not expecting to receive this award, however, it was truly an honour to have made myself, my family and my country proud. This award would not have been possible without the support of my family, friends and lecturers from both SCHM and STA. Throughout this journey, there have been numerous challenges and moments triumphed, but with determination, I managed to remain focused on my goals and kept doing my very best.

When they called my name for the award, I was so shocked. This was not an achievement only for me, but for the other 11 Seychellois students who were also part of the class. I am happy to also announce that 3 other Seychellois students also achieved outstanding results. It was truly a memorable and happy day for all present, especially family and friends who had travelled all the way from Seychelles to attend this special occasion.

Seychelles NATION: Would you advise other youth to join this course?

Shylla Auguste: My journey has been extremely rewarding despite the challenges faced along the way. I would recommend this course to anyone who has a passion for tourism and working with people. My advice to the youth is that they should always follow their dreams and despite the challenges, keep the faith that everything will work out. Failure is not final, you only fail when you stop trying.

Seychelles NATION: Where are you currently working?

Shylla Auguste: I am working at a 4-star hotel, the Clayton Hotel in Liffey Valley, Dublin, Ireland on an 18-month internship until December 2018. The Manager in Training (MIT) programme was designed to provide graduates with extensive training in major departments of the hotel.

I have just recently joined the team in the accommodation department for three months. At the moment, I am learning the standard operating procedures specific to the department and assisting the Accommodation Manager with daily tasks in the office. I am enjoying my time being part of the team and learning how to manage the department.

Seychelles NATION: What are your plans for the future?

Shylla Auguste: Upon my return to Seychelles, I plan to work in the hospitality industry, preferably in the front office or accommodation department. I hope to gain adequate knowledge and experience to further my career as a Rooms Division Manager in the future. I would also like to share my contribution towards the vision of having more local managers in our hotels.

Photo sources: Shylla Auguste