Originally from Mumbai, India, Saanchi Nadkarni came to Niagara College seeking a fresh start, and found so much more. Now a proud graduate of the Hospitality and Tourism Management program, Nadkarni is ready to make her mark in destination marketing, with hopes to contribute to Niagara’s tourism sector.
Nadkarni’s NC journey helped her build confidence, develop industry-ready skills, and embrace her passion for creating meaningful guest experiences. As she crosses the stage at convocation, she reflects on the experiences, mentors, and milestones that brought her to this moment.
Q&A with Saanchi Nadkarni:
How do you feel about your upcoming convocation day and what does it personally mean to you?
I am incredibly excited about convocation! For me, it represents a significant milestone – a fresh start and the beginning of a new chapter in a new country. I am eternally grateful to Niagara College for providing me with this opportunity.
What were you doing before attending NC?
Before coming to Niagara College, I had just finished an internship at a marketing place. Honestly, I was going through a pretty tough time in my life, and coming to NC really helped me put things into perspective. Since I’d always worked in hospitality, starting in the pastry kitchen, I wanted to mix my knack for organization with what I love – food, hosting people, different cultures, and traveling. The Hospitality and Tourism Management program at NC was exactly what I needed to make that happen.
What led you to study at NC and to your program of study?
Niagara’s strong global reputation as a premier tourism destination was a significant reason. When I was researching postgraduate programs, NC’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program immediately stood out to me as the perfect fit for my aspirations.
What interests you in and why are you passionate about your field of study?
My passion for the hospitality and tourism field stems from a deep appreciation for creating positive experiences for others — something that my grandmother instilled in me from a very young age. I’m also fascinated by the dynamic interplay of service, organization and culture that makes this industry thrive. From culinary arts to travel logistics, I enjoy the multifaceted nature of the field and the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures!
Do you have a specific career goal in mind when you enrolled in your program and did it change since you started?
Throughout the Hospitality and Tourism Management program, my primary career ambition has been destination marketing. My experiences in pastry and hospitality, coupled with the hands-on marketing and operational management of my own small business, have underscored the importance of crafting compelling narratives and attracting visitors in a way that honors local culture and fosters sustainable growth. My studies have given me the specific skills I need to achieve this goal.
How did you find your program experience – any highlights?
My program experience at Niagara College has been very enriching! One of the major highlights was the hands-on learning approach. The practical assignments and simulations allowed us to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Collaborating with my diverse group of classmates on projects also provided invaluable learning opportunities and encouraged lasting connections. I would especially like to mention my colleagues and teammates – AJ, Anushka, Aiza, Jueilin, Nihal, and Solomon, without whom this course would not have been the same!
What did you find rewarding about your program/area of study? Does something stand out to you that you will never forget about your time at NC?
The most rewarding aspect of the program was the tangible skill development and the confidence it instilled in me. Learning from industry professionals – our incredible faculty – and gaining insights into the Canadian hospitality landscape has been invaluable. One experience that really stands out was starting a mock business in our Entrepreneurship course. It was challenging, but incredibly rewarding to see our planning come to life and receive positive feedback.
The recognition I received for my hard work was a big factor in building my confidence, and I am incredibly proud to be finishing my second semester on the President’s Honour Roll.
Also, Scout, NC’s Greenhouse cat, is another aspect of life at NC that will stay with me forever — he is easily my favourite connection at the college!
Do you feel your NC experience has helped prepare you for the future?
Absolutely! My time at NC has really set me up well for my career. The program gave me a solid understanding of the theory, but also the hands-on skills and a good look into the industry. The focus on being professional, working in teams, and problem-solving has given me the confidence and abilities I need to do well in the competitive hospitality and tourism landscape here in Niagara. Plus, the people I connected with – the professors and industry connections – have become a great network as I start my career journey.
What have you been doing since you completed your studies at NC?
I’ve been working closely with NC’s career counsellor, Emily Caldwell, and have been applying for jobs since completing my studies. I appreciate the continued support that we have received throughout and beyond the course.
What’s next for you? Are you working or working towards a career goal or are you planning to pursue further education?
My immediate goal is to find a position in the tourism industry in the Niagara region. I’m keen to use the knowledge and skills I gained at Niagara College, particularly in areas like tourism marketing and the essential operational processes. While I’m focused on starting my career, I’m also considering completing a Masters program in the future to keep developing my expertise in the field.
Any other info you feel is important and would like to share?
I want to take this space to appreciate all my faculty who worked so hard to ensure we were successful in this program:
- Professor Christine Blane was incredible! She was very knowledgeable and always fair in her approach. What I really appreciated was how helpful she was, always pushing us to improve and achieve more.
- Professor Ian McKnight is one of those professors who really cares about his students’ success. I was lucky to have him for classes in both semesters, and I was always so impressed by how much he focused on each of us individually. His approach was truly inspiring, and it gave me a real boost in confidence as a student.
- Professor Bradley Tuckwell was fantastic! I always enjoyed our chats about all things food, and honestly, you could talk to him about anything. His classes were so well organized, and it really felt like he was always in our corner, ready to help us out whenever we needed it.
- Professor Jennifer Hall’s passion for tourism and sustainability was so clear in her classes. What really stood out to me was how incredibly helpful she continued to be, even after I wasn’t in her class anymore in the second semester. She’s so knowledgeable, and you can tell she truly goes out of her way to support students and really takes our feedback seriously.
- Agnes Nowaczek is truly passionate and incredibly knowledgeable. She always created a classroom where we felt encouraged to be curious and ask questions. I really appreciated how she pushed us to think critically and make mindful choices. Her passion for ecotourism and sustainable development is clear and, honestly, it made me excited about those topics too!
