Mirko Cocco

Q: How did you decide on your specific area of study within the hospitality industry?

My passion for hospitality stems from the opportunities it presents to travel, explore new cultures, and connect with people from all over the world. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of a career that would allow me to experience life in different countries, and hospitality seemed like the perfect path to make that dream a reality. What excited me the most about this industry is its global nature—no matter where you go, hospitality is at the heart of every culture. It’s an industry that offers endless possibilities to grow, learn, and make a meaningful impact wherever you are. When it came to choosing a specific focus, I knew early on that Food and Beverage would be my area of study. For me, F&B is the soul of hospitality.

It’s where the guest experience truly comes to life. From the first sip of coffee in the morning to a beautifully crafted meal at a fine-dining restaurant, F&B is all about creating unforgettable moments. It’s not just about serving food or drinks—it’s about curating experiences that stay with people long after they’ve left. That’s what excites me: the power to enhance someone’s day through a thoughtful service or a delicious meal. During my five-year diploma, I realized just how crucial F&B is in making a lasting impression on guests. It’s the ‘cherry on top of the cake’ in the hospitality experience. While other departments ensure that operations run smoothly, it’s often the food, the drinks, and the service that people remember most. That’s why I chose this path—to be part of a department that has such a profound impact on guests and to push the boundaries of what we can deliver through innovative and exceptional service.

Q: What advice would you give to students about to embark on their first internship or work experience?

One of the most valuable lessons I learned during my first internship was that the hospitality industry requires a vast amount of knowledge and a strong work ethic to be successful. It’s not just about learning on the surface—you need to understand every detail, every process, and how they fit together. The industry is fast-paced, and to thrive, you have to be willing to put in the hard work. One of the key challenges you’ll face is stress management. Hospitality is a sector that often comes with high levels of stress, especially during peak times or when things don’t go as planned.

It’s crucial to learn how to manage that stress and remain calm, even when situations are incredibly demanding. This ability will not only make your day-to-day work smoother but will also help you become a more effective leader in the future. To make the most out of an internship, my advice is to absorb as much knowledge as possible. The primary goal of an internship is learning, so take every opportunity to do so. Watch how the more experienced colleagues work—become their shadow, observe their methods, and try to understand why they do things in a particular way. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if it means ‘bothering’ them a bit. In hospitality, every action has a reason behind it, and understanding the logic of how things are done will set you apart as you grow in your career.

Q:. How do you keep up with the latest trends in the hospitality and tourism industry?

I stay updated on the latest trends in the hospitality industry through several channels. Social media is a great resource for spotting new trends, especially as more industry professionals and companies share their insights online. I also regularly read industry magazines, which provide in-depth articles on emerging trends, best practices, and innovations. Additionally, as I’m currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree, I’m constantly researching for my studies. This academic environment encourages me to stay on top of the latest developments in the industry. Whether it’s new technology, sustainability initiatives, or guest service innovations, my ongoing studies help me remain aware of what’s changing in the field, and this knowledge is invaluable for my professional growth.

Q: What area of the hospitality industry excites you the most, and why?

The area that excites me the most is Food & Beverage. What fascinates me about F&B is how interconnected it is with every aspect of the hotel. Whether it’s coordinating room service with housekeeping, collaborating with events teams to plan the perfect catering for functions, or ensuring smooth communication with the front desk, F&B is involved in everything. This level of teamwork makes the role dynamic and exciting every single day. F&B is also a department that constantly evolves with changing customer preferences, which gives us the opportunity to be creative.

Whether it’s experimenting with new flavors, designing unique dining experiences, or incorporating trends like sustainability or health-conscious menus, F&B allows me to explore new ideas that can enhance the guest experience. Additionally, the F&B department requires knowledge in many different subjects, including food, wine, coffee, cocktails, and more. This demand for diverse expertise constantly pushes me to expand my knowledge and stay informed about the latest trends and innovations. As I mentioned before, F&B is like the cherry on top of the customer experience cake. It’s often what guests remember most, and I find great satisfaction in being part of a team that delivers those memorable moments.

Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact on the hospitality industry, either locally or globally?

I believe that the future of hospitality professionals hinges on creating a better balance between work and life, enhancing benefits, and changing the perception of entry-level jobs within the industry. Many people still view roles like waiters and housekeepers as lower-status positions, but the reality is that these jobs require a wide array of skills, dedication, and hard work. To make a positive impact, I aspire to advocate for increased recognition and respect for all roles in hospitality. This includes pushing for enhanced benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and mental health support. Many professionals in the industry work long hours under high-stress conditions, and providing better benefits can significantly improve their well-being and job satisfaction.

Furthermore, I envision initiatives that support the next generation of hospitality professionals by providing mentorship and training opportunities. By fostering a culture that values every role in the hospitality sector, we can improve job satisfaction and retention, ultimately benefiting the industry as a whole. I am committed to being part of the movement that brings about these changes, whether through advocacy, training programs, or simply by leading by example in my workplace. By promoting better benefits and work-life balance, we can create a more sustainable and positive environment for everyone in the hospitality industry.

Q: What are your long-term career goals, and how are you preparing to achieve them?

I aspire to achieve a Vice President area leadership role within a worldwide hotel company. To reach this career goal, I am actively increasing my knowledge while building my career. Currently, I am in the last year of my Bachelor’s degree in International Hospitality Management, which has provided me with a solid foundation in the industry. Following my graduation, I plan to pursue an MBA to further enhance my leadership skills and strategic understanding of the hospitality sector. I am proud to work at Hyatt Regency Malta, where I have been gaining valuable hands-on experience within the Food and Beverage department for nearly four years. Recently, I was promoted to Senior Food and Beverage Supervisor, which has allowed me to develop my leadership abilities and deepen my understanding of operations.

I am grateful for the learning opportunities I have here and the chance to grow within such a reputable hotel. Through this combination of education and practical experience, I am preparing myself to take on greater responsibilities and make a meaningful impact in the hospitality industry. I believe that continuous learning and growth are key to achieving my long-term career aspirations, and I am committed to being proactive in my development.