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Maria’s hospitality journey with TAFE Queensland
When Maria Daniella Amen left the Philippines, studying in Australia wasn’t part of her original plan. With encouragement from a chef instructor who told her to “grab every opportunity,” Maria decided to take a leap of faith and today, she’s thriving as a hospitality professional in Cairns.
Maria began her journey with prior training, having completed a Certificate IV in Kitchen Management and a Diploma of Hospitality Management (SIT4052 / SIT50422) before moving abroad.
However, she quickly realised that TAFE Queensland offered something she had been missing real-world, hands-on experience.
“I had prior education already, but I felt there was something lacking,” Maria explained.
“TAFE Queensland filled those gaps with practical skills and knowledge that really prepared me for the industry. Food safety, HACCP, and food standards were all areas that became much clearer, and I was able to apply that learning directly in the workplace.”
That workplace experience began with Bupa Aged Care in Mount Sheridan, before Maria moved into the hotel sector at Novotel Cairns resort. Today, she works at Crystal brook Riley hotel, in far north Queensland.
Maria says her studies gave her the confidence to grow in her career while building a life in a region she now loves.
“Cairns is very laid back, less traffic, less chaos, and close to nature. If you want a lifestyle away from the city rush, it’s perfect,” she said.
What started as a short-term study experience has now transformed into a long-term dream.
“It wasn’t my plan to stay in Australia, but everything changed,” Maria reflects. “My life plans, my goals - now I’m aiming for career growth here.”
For Maria, the advice that pushed her to take that first step still rings true today: “If ever you’re feeling scared, do it anyway. You only live once.”