Where are they now? Oliver Harris

For the Assistant Operations Manager at Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, Edge Hotel School made a big impact on his career, and “just feels like home.”

Oliver Harris, who graduated with a BA Hotel Management in 2016 cites the School’s onsite training for transforming his career.

“My time at Edge Hotel School helped me in so many areas of my continued professional development. Not only did it open the door to the world of 5* luxury hospitality, it enabled me to gain fundamental operational, supervisory and management knowledge and understanding to take me to the next level in my career.”

After leaving the School Oliver benefitted from being mentored by two of the best-known names in luxury country house hotel management, Danny Pecorelli MIH and Sue Williams MIH. He also completed the Master Innholders Aspiring Leaders Diploma which helped him secure his current role at Whatley Manor where he oversees the Front of House, Housekeeping and Spa teams.

“My focus is on departmental recruitment, training, and standards and creating a sustainable environment for an ever-changing market,” he said.

Reflecting on his most memorable moments at Edge Hotel School, Oliver said: “My favourite experience was undoubtedly the opportunities to engage with industry, having been given the opportunity to work at the Independent Hotel Show and the Master Innholders Hotel Leadership Conference.

“Ultimately, this helped me find the right employer via the industry engagement opportunities that we had as students. Not only this, when I walk back into the reception at Wivenhoe House, it just feels like home, so the journey that Edge took me on is certainly one that I will treasure,” he added.

His advice to anyone interested in joining the hospitality industry is to consider a university degree: “What has made EHS stand out over the last decade is their commitment to the practical element of the industry, just as much as the theory.”