Wingy Ye Yingqi, from Guangzhou, is a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Business Management programme at the Macao University of Tourism (UTM). Equipped with the university’s comprehensive curriculum, industry-education integration resources and international learning environment, she kept exploring through study and practice. Her internship at the airport helped her define her career path. Upon graduation, she decided to pursue further studies and commits to long-term development in the aviation sector.
"When choosing UTM, I was impressed by its solid reputation in tourism and hospitality, as well as the promising prospects of the tourism industry in Macao and the Greater Bay Area," Wingy shared. She added that the practice-oriented curriculum and close ties with the industry, together with the inclusive international atmosphere and abundant exchange opportunities, were also major factors that influenced her choice.
Gains from Airport Internship and Clear Career Goals
A six-month internship stands out as Wingy’s most memorable experience during her university years. After taking the Tourism Transportation Management course in her second year, she built a solid theoretical foundation in aviation and developed a keen interest in this field. She then completed her internship in the Terminal Management Services department at Macau International Airport Company Limited.
"This internship allowed me to apply classroom theories to real workplace scenarios. It deepened my understanding of aviation operations and strengthened my resolve for my future career," said Wingy. Working on the front line made her realise the value of integrating theory with practice and set a clear direction for her career.
All-round Empowerment via Curriculum and Capacity Building
In Wingy’s opinion, UTM’s courses lay a solid foundation for students in both professional skills and comprehensive competencies. The curriculum covers core knowledge of tourism and hospitality, and extends to human resources, marketing, financial management and other related fields. Courses progress gradually and are closely interconnected.
"This well-structured curriculum enables us to fully understand the operations of different sectors in the industry and discover our personal interests," she noted.
Data analysis skills have brought her tremendous benefits. "The analytical tools and logical thinking I learned in class have played a vital role in writing my graduation thesis and handling internship tasks." She used data analysis to process passenger flow data in the terminal during her internship, helping her team identify peak hours and allocate manpower reasonably.
Besides academic skills, numerous group projects have honed her teamwork and problem-solving abilities. Collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds has cultivated her multi-dimensional thinking, which will serve her well in future studies and work.
Further Study, Career Plans and Advice for Prospective Students
After graduation, Wingy will pursue a Master’s degree in Aviation Management at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. She aims to conduct in-depth research on industry issues, exploring how smart technologies can improve airport operational efficiency while enhancing service experience for special groups such as elderly passengers. In the long run, she plans to work in the operations department of Hong Kong International Airport. She also hopes to strengthen ties between her alma mater and the aviation industry and give back to UTM with her experience.
To prospective students, she offered her advice: "Make the most of the university’s rich resources and explore what you are truly passionate about. The tourism and hospitality industries in the Greater Bay Area are thriving. Feel free to try different courses and internships — every experience will bring you closer to your goals." She encourages students to seize opportunities on campus, explore bravely and pursue their dreams.