Class of 2025: Fernando Odio

Costa Rican student Fernando Odio was drawn to Edge Hotel School because of its “unique” offer. Not only is he graduating with a BA Hospitality Management, lifelong friends and unforgettable memories, but he also leaves Essex as part of an award-winning student team who scooped a top European prize.

He was attracted to studying hospitality because of an interest in “people’s experiences and relationships” and his Edge experience didn’t disappoint.

“Essex changed my life through my course, the people I have met and the amazing student life,” he said.

Speaking about choosing Essex, he explained: “I’d heard of Essex because my father previously completed his postgraduate degree here and the University came to my high school to talk about the opportunities offered.”

However, it was the “unique” chance to learn “from some of the brightest and most innovative minds in the industry while receiving hands-on experience at Wivenhoe House Hotel at the same time” that clinched it.

He cites meeting people from all around the world and forming “lifelong friendships that feel like my chosen family” as the most memorable thing about his time at Essex, and credits his dissertation supervisor, Dr Whitney Vernes-Smith for helping him succeed.

“She is one of the most inspirational figures. Her research in diversity, equality, and inclusion inspired me to explore the perception of Latin American employees in the UK service context,” he said.

During his final year, Fernando was inspired to join the Edge student team competing in the prestigious EMCup which tests the innovation, teamwork and business knowledge of hospitality students across the continent.

They were the first Edge team to ever compete in the prize and would go on to win.

Explaining why he took part, Fernando said: “It provided a challenge and forced me to go out of my comfort zone with public speaking, competing with some of the best hospitality schools in the world, and develop potential solutions to relevant issues in the current hospitality environment.”

Although he calls it a “nerve-wracking” experience, it offered an exclusive opportunity to develop his skills.

“I learned about the importance of understanding and communicating with a team to deliver the best possible results. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses but coming together to understand how we can bring the best out of each other was the most valuable lesson and something I will carry as I continue developing.

“The experience pushed me to surpass my own perceived limits and explore facets of skills that I hadn't had no idea I had within me,” he added.

His only real challenge at Essex was a fear of adjusting to the unfamiliar British culture but “the cultural diversity and openness of the Essex community, both UK based and international, allowed me to feel comfortable almost immediately,” he said.

Fernando has secured a job at the London Marriott Kensington hotel, an achievement he says wouldn’t have been possible without the networking opportunities offered by Edge Hotel School.