Subhuj Pradhan left Kathmandu; nestled in a picturesque valley in the Himalayas to land in Sydney one Sunny afternoon in 1995. He had initially enrolled for an advanced diploma of business and eventually completed his Bachelors in Computing.

A chance query while doing contract work for an IT company led join the hospitality industry as a casual employee. Ten years on, Subhuj has climbed the ranks and now is an Assistant General Manager at Cambridge Hotel in Sydney's vibrant Surry Hills neighbourhood. 

On choosing Australia out of the many foreign education destinations Subhuj says "I had the options to go to the US, Russia and Australia and being a cricket fanatic it was no brainer that Australia was chosen place to continue my further studies and I am sure I would not have been able to cope the cold weather in other places."

He has a refreshingly positive attitude towards the initial struggle to find one's footing in a new country and prefers to call it a learning experience and exciting rather than hard; "Coming to a different place where the culture is different I knew was going to be an interesting phase in my life and it did. There is so phases as best and worst memory however I was quite enjoying the independent lifestyle I had which was much different from back home. Juggling with studies and work was challenging however an education in itself. Meeting new people from various parts of the world was always exciting."

Eventually after finishing his studies Subhuj decided that he could comfortably live in what he calls a great country; "The people I met, the abundant variety of food, the weather were the key factors in my decision."

On being asked if he considers this home he replies decisively "Absolutely Sydney is my home especially after spending 19 years in this country. These 19 years have been educational, challenging, exciting and still every day is a different and I haven't stopped learning. Though Kathmandu and Nepal are still in my heart with my family there I have considered Sydney to be home as this country has bestowed upon me many opportunities. I do try to go visit Nepal at least once a year but I am happily living here with my lovely wife."

The dynamic hospitality business with its challenges is what Subhuj thrives on; he says "My official title is Assistant General Manager and it may sound like a clich� but I do enjoy meeting guests from different parts of the world and various walks of life as well as making their stay in this lovely city and great country as enjoyable and memorable as possible.

I have been on this role for about three years and started working in this position after various roles such as Director of Sales & Revenue, Revenue Manager, Assistant Manager etc. It was a natural progression to be on this role as I had been through few roles prior to this. I started from a Frontline position and eventually got to this current position after about seven years."

His stint in hospitality has had many highlights, he elaborates "We have won many prestigious awards nationally and internationally. It is pleasing to see that we have been able to obtain a fair share of the market. Personally I have won few awards ranging from Staff Member of Year, Manager of the Year , Hall of Fame in our Master franchise etc."

From being an international student to now a successful professional in Australia Subhuj believes it is not hard for foreign students to stand out personally and professionally, he says "I believe international students have the experience and knowledge of two worlds which they can put into practice in real life scenarios. Key attributes that make them stand out include self-belief, determination also have a vision and a goal of what you want to do."

When hiring new hiring team members Subhuj says he looks for; "Confidence, past experience, their genuine desire to progress and work with the team. In this industry personal grooming is very important. Training can always be provided to enhance and sharpen the skill sets."

He believes Sydney has lots of potential of women professionals as well "Judging alone by my wife's profession there are multitudes of opportunities out there. This is also evident with many other female colleagues, friends (both international students & locals alike) that I know who are successful in their chosen career."

He completely believes that there are great opportunities for keen, hardworking professional in Australia and states "This country doesn't judge you by your colour, sex, ethnic background etc. As long as you know you have a vision and you are on that path people respect you."

As a migrant to a new country many people face challenges but its people like Subhuj who persevere on and succeed and help make Australia a better, more multi-cultural nation with a wonderful prospects.