Tirzah Vincent
Event Coordinator, Voco Hotel
Master of International Hospitality Management with Honours (First Class)
Her passion for the food and beverage industry has been a driving force throughout her professional journey, says Tirzah Vincent who completed her Master of International Hospitality Management at the end of 2024.
“I started my career in hospitality, but then realised that I wanted to transform from a hospitality professional to a strategic hospitality leader who can drive innovation and excellence in the industry. I recognised that a Master of International Hospitality Management offers a comprehensive and strategic approach to hospitality management. I knew that by pursuing this degree, I would not just acquire academic credentials but would also invest in a deeper understanding of the hospitality ecosystem.”
Tirzah, who came to AUT as an international student from India, says deciding to come to AUT for her studies was easy.
“AUT's strong academic reputation, global rankings, emphasis on workplace experience, and the vibrant and inclusive campus environment made it the ideal choice for my educational and career aspirations. As an intellectually curious student, AUT provided me with an exceptional learning experience that went far beyond traditional classroom instruction. AUT also demonstrated a profound commitment to student wellbeing. As an international student away from family, I found immense value in diverse recreational activities, events and student clubs.”
Making a difference through research
For her master’s degree dissertation, Tirzah focused on the culture of silence around sexual harassment in the New Zealand hospitality industry; exploring the complex dynamics influencing victim and bystander responses to sexual harassment in this sector.
“As a hospitality professional in New Zealand, I've observed firsthand the challenges faced by employees, particularly those in lower hierarchical positions. My personal experiences and those of my colleagues inspired me to shed light on these often-overlooked voices and experiences.
“The research revealed an intricate interplay of factors that discourage victims and bystanders from speaking up, and that help to maintain a culture of silence around sexual harassment. By addressing these factors, my research has the potential to improve workplace safety and culture in the hospitality industry, empower employees at all levels to voice their concerns, develop more effective anti-harassment policies, raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of sexual harassment, and contribute to broader discussions on workplace ethics and employee rights.”
Her research was supervised by Associate Professor Shelagh Mooney from AUT’s School of Hospitality and Tourism, and Tirzah says being able to conduct research as part of her master’s degree was inspiring.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the research part of my studies. Knowing that my research could impact people and give them a voice made me feel like I can make a difference in my own way. I’ve decided to pursue a career in hospitality and tourism research, and am planning to take on a PhD next.”
Advice for other students
Tirzah – who is proud of being named on the dean’s honours list and of being awarded an AUT Summer Research Scholarship Award – has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.
“My advice is simple: fully embrace every opportunity at AUT. Don't hesitate to ask questions, participate actively in discussions and immerse yourself in campus life. Attend events, join clubs and step out of your comfort zone. Each interaction is a chance to learn, grow and expand your horizons. Remember, your time at university is more than just academic study – it's about personal development, building networks and creating transformative experiences. Be curious, be courageous and make the most of every moment.”
She wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT to other students.
“What sets AUT apart is its commitment to not just educating students but empowering them to discover their potential, navigate challenges and prepare comprehensively for their future careers.”
