Toi Ohomai Students Land American Internships

Matthew Hemingway-McPhee is preparing for the adventure of a lifetime. The Toi Ohomai Hospitality Management student will finish his course in November, and in the new year, he’ll fly to America for a 12-month placement at one of the country’s premier wilderness resorts. 

Matt is one of four Toi Ohomai students to be selected for the year-long internships at Big Cedar Lodge.  

Big Cedar Lodge is spread over 4,600 acres where rustic luxury is tucked into the rugged landscape of the Missouri Ozark Mountains.

It is a popular destination boasting accommodation, spectacular restaurants, two full-service marinas, five golf courses, a 50,000-square-foot activity centre, spa, fishing, and countless outdoor adventure activities.

Matt chose to study at Toi Ohomai as it was close to home and close to family support. 

“I also appreciate the support that Toi Ohomai offers its students.

“My tutors have been very supportive throughout every element of my study. They have been quite encouraging of my efforts and goals for the future as well.”

One of those future aspirations was to travel and experience the world, so when the Big Cedar Lodge internship came up, Matt jumped at the opportunity. 

“I had already begun making plans for the upcoming year, including where I may travel first. But as soon as I heard about the internship, I couldn't resist. The United States has long fascinated me, and I had high hopes for visiting there. 

“It was a no-brainer for me because it enables me to work while simultaneously exploring what the states have to offer. While also enabling me to increase my industry expertise and professional experience.”

Matt says his interest in golf helped him during the interview process.

“Being a golfer myself, I had been researching the different courses that Cedar has. As a result, I was eventually offered the job of working in a pro shop in the golf sector. Additionally, it gave me the option to branch out and attempt greens keeping and other shifts throughout the resort if I desired.”

Matt says he is looking forward to exploring American culture and lifestyle and seeing how it differs from life in New Zealand.

“I also want to experience American sports events like NFL and NBA games. But the golf courses are what I'm most excited about.”  

He is hoping his Hospitality Management diploma helps with his goal of continuous travel. 

“I hope to travel the world, if not here in the United States then some other fascinating and thrilling destination. My travel wish list is rather long, so ‘travel while you're young’ is my life motto.”

Despite current challenges facing the tourism and hospitality industries, Matt says there’s huge potential and different career paths to follow. 

“Just go for it; the industry is fantastic and always changing, so why not get involved? A fresh experience or opportunity is constantly waiting around the corner, waiting to be seized. I will always be grateful for how it has helped me discover the world.”