UTM alumnus Joseph Kim's journey within the hospitality sector serves as a testament to the University's emphasis on teamwork, hands-on experiences, and a global vision. After ten years devoted to front office and concierge duties, Joseph previously excelled as the Director of Front Office at Capella Taipei in Taiwan Region, and advocates for aspiring professionals to uphold consistency and humility while developing career prospects.
The aspiration for Joseph Kim to work in the hospitality industry dates back to the onset of the robust development of mega integrated resorts in Macao in the late 2000s. In Joseph's perspective, who was still a secondary school student at the time, the glitz and glamour of the Cotai Strip signified an abundance of job opportunities.
This drive, coupled with four years of studies and training at UTM, has propelled him in the sector, leading to his previous role as Director of Front Office at Capella Taipei in Taiwan Region, one of the prestigious resorts nestled on the Cotai Strip.
A Korean native who moved to Macao with his family in 2006, he graduated from UTM in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management.
His first foray into the industry commenced during a six-month curricular internship at Grand Hyatt Macau, where he served as a front office agent. Describing his time at Grand Hyatt Macau as fruitful, he transitioned to a part-time trainee position at the hotel after the internship and later became a full-time employee upon graduation.
In the decade following his graduation from the University, Joseph has held various positions in different Macao hotels, but his career has remained steadfastly focused on front office and concierge roles. Speaking about his passion for the field, he explained, “I enjoy talking with people, and back then, it was a simple thought—if I worked at the front office or concierge, I could engage more with guests.”
The daily emergence of new tasks and experiences at the front office has further fueled his enthusiasm for the job. “What motivates me is that each day is unique—compliments vary, and complaints are also different,” he remarks.
Be consistent and humble
Besides UTM offering a plethora of networking opportunities within the industry that have expedited his career, Joseph reflects that another significant takeaway from the University is teamwork. As UTM's curriculum emphasises both classroom knowledge and practical opportunities, as well as individual and group projects, he has been well-trained to collaborate.
"I've learned about effective communication and motivating others to get the job done. Each person has unique personalities and requires different communication approaches,” he stated. "I've also understood the significance of assigning responsibilities based on individuals’ strengths and weaknesses, which is an important aspect of front office and concierge roles.”
The diverse student body at the University has also equipped him with the skills to effectively communicate with and lead a team comprising individuals from multicultural backgrounds.
The friendships forged during his time at UTM have also proven invaluable, enriching both his career and personal life. “Many of my classmates still work in the hotel industry, and it's great to have these connections in Macao,” he adds.
For current UTM students and aspiring industry professionals, Joseph's advice is simple: consistency. “I always tell this to my new team members: Don't try to be outstanding in the beginning, instead, be humble and consistent," he encourages.
“No one wants an unreliable person in the workplace,” he continues. “When you are consistent and get your job done, you will always have opportunities.”
