Born in Lisbon, Portugal, Beatriz Vaz Leal chose to pursue her studies at the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) after the Covid-19 pandemic reshaped her plans to attend university at home. This decision marked not only the beginning of her journey with UTM, but also the moment she set her sights on turning her career aspirations into reality.
Among the programmes offered at UTM, Beatriz found that the Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management best aligned with both her personal aspirations and the practical demands of the industry. “I’ve always dreamt of a career that would allow me to travel the world and immerse myself in diverse cultures,” she shared. “UTM’s stellar reputation and top-tier ranking made it my ideal choice undoubtedly.”
As a student who values hands-on learning, Beatriz reckons that UTM’s practical teaching approach deepened her understanding of hospitality's core values while setting off her passion for the field. For this Portuguese student who spent her formative years in Macao, Macao itself is a living textbook — one filled with everyday opportunities for learning and inspiration.
“Macao is a hub of culture and entertainment that we know and love. It is the perfect place to study hotel management and hospitality,” she said. “The number of options, the level of competition, and the opportunities within our reach, along with the scale of hotel operations and service standards, are truly impressive.” With UTM’s strong industry connections, Beatriz gained valuable exposure to the professional world, paving the way for her long-term success.
In this compact city where multiculturalism thrives, Beatriz learned to build interpersonal networks and expand her professional connections. “Macao’s networking potential is remarkable, setting it apart from other places. Its distinct dynamism and culture foster the perfect environment to develop interpersonal skills and expand your professional network,” she explained. “Through every exchange, I’ve continued growing, gradually clarifying my personal direction and sense of purpose.”
Reflecting on a pivotal internship experience during university, Beatriz recalled how it reshaped her vision and values. “I had the opportunity to intern at Four Seasons Hotel Macao in the Food and Beverage department, where I became part of the incredible Four Seasons culture and received training aligned with Forbes standards.”
She fondly remembers working alongside professionals from around the world, learning their meticulous attention to detail and grasping the deeper meaning behind genuine service. “I had the opportunity to develop my overall service and professional skills while building lifelong connections and creating wonderful memories.”
When speaking about her post-graduation plans, Beatriz expressed her commitment to advancing in the culinary field. After a long journey of self-discovery, she has gradually clarified her aspirations and professional direction. “Baking has been a hobby of mine for as long as I can remember, and I wanted to take on the challenge of pursuing it in a professional setting to elevate my skills and learn more suitable techniques.