Case Study

Michail Petsalakis

BSc (Hons) International Tourism and Hospitality Management

Michail Petsalakis has years of experience in the tourism industry. In his case study, he tells us why he decided to do this degree and take add to his expertise.

I started my degree aged 49 and when I finish I’ll be 53. There’s no reason at all that should hold me, or anyone else, back.

“Back home in Crete, Greece, I have my own business. I’ve been a tour operator for over 27 years.

The company is pretty big at this point, with seven branches, eight coaches and 46 employees taking tourists around the island and showing them the beautiful sites and interesting history.

All those years of managing my business have given me the practical know-how to succeed.

But I’ve always been missing one thing – the academic knowledge that comes with studying for a degree.

Choosing the right university was, of course, really important. I had a friend who came to study here and she recommended it so highly I had to check it out.

Luckily for me, she was absolutely right, so I applied and was happy to be offered a place.

I’ve honestly enjoyed every module I’ve studied so far, mainly because I can already see how the things I’m learning will have a positive impact on my company.

Of course, when I finish, I’ll be going back to my business. But I’m also thinking of doing a masters and writing my dissertation on tourism in Crete.

I want to say to my daughters, “look, your father was able to be successful because he didn’t just have the experience, but the knowledge as well.”

I’m going to hang my graduation certificate on my wall so I can see it every day. It’ll be proof to me that knowledge has no age limit.

I started my degree aged 49 and when I finish I’ll be 53. There’s no reason at all that should hold me, or anyone else, back.”

Want to follow in Michail’s footsteps? Take a look at our Tourism, Hospitality and Events courses now.

You can also register your interest or book a personal consultation to find out more.

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