In the never-getting-old topics around work and careers, sometimes, the most rewarding journeys begin when you say yes to something new. That’s what Keeley and Austin did at Club Med, finding their own path in a place that challenged, shaped, and eventually helped them grow in ways they never expected.
At Club Med, G.Os (Gentil Organisers) don’t just work; they live in immersive, multicultural resorts across over 40 countries. It’s this unique environment that makes Club Med especially appealing to young professionals: a place to grow, connect, and gain experience beyond the ordinary. Keeley and Austin didn’t arrive for the same reason: one came seeking new experiences alongside her nursing career, the other looking for a starting point in global hospitality. But both walked away with deeper skills, new confidence, and a clearer sense of where they were headed.
“Just something exciting for a break”
Here’s Keeley, caught in the moment (and in the air). At 22, Keeley recently started her career as a registered nurse in Australia. Grounded in her new role with an open heart to discover the world beyond, she saw this as the perfect moment to step outside her routine and explore something different. Taking a six-month break, she joined Club Med with a simple goal: to experience a new environment at a time when she felt ready to embrace something different.
Keeley’s role as a Mini Club G.O was nothing like her nursing shifts back home. “I work long hours as a nurse,” she said, “but only four days a week, and I get days off.” At Club Med, the pace was constant. Mornings started before 8:30 with setting up skis, music, and toys, followed by a rush of helping kids into their gear and sending them off to lessons. The days stretched into evenings, filled with meals, activities, and background tasks. “I’m going from sick adults to hyperactive children full of ice cream,” she laughed. The energy was relentless, but it pushed her to adapt quickly and stay present in ways she has yet to experience, giving her a fresh perspective and skills that enriched what she already brought from nursing.
That environment also encouraged her to do things she never imagined herself doing. Back in her first interview, she was told she might need to join the evening performances. “I’m naturally a shy person, so I thought it was probably not going to be for me,” she recalled. But once on site, she chose to give the entertainment quest a try, starting with the circus. “It looked fun, and I knew if I didn’t try, I’d regret it.” Needless to say any further, it became one of the highlights of her experience.
Beyond the long hours, what stuck with her most was the sense of connection. “You live with the people you work with. Within four months, complete strangers felt like family.” She shared dinners with guests, built friendships across teams, and even received job offers from a visiting family. “It’s not a regular nine-to-five,” she said. “But it’s life changing.”
Though it took her beyond the hospital walls, the experience reshaped how she approaches her career in nursing, with more empathy, flexibility, and confidence than before.
From the point-of-view of a hospitality graduate
Austin, a Vietnamese student majoring in Tourism and Hospitality Management, first heard about Club Med through an informative session workshop co-hosted with AHA Vietnam on the topic of global careers opportunities. The chance to work in Japan, with visa and flights covered and live in a multicultural resort right next to crystal clear seashore sounded like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “It felt like something I couldn’t miss,” Austin laughed.
Once selected, Austin joined Club Med Kabira Ishigaki as a Welcome and Service Coordinator, a role that tested him from the very beginning. Some days, he checked in nearly 200 guests while handling real-time requests from across departments. It was a sharp contrast to his hotel internship in Vietnam, where tasks were more structured and guest interaction was formal. At Club Med, the work moved faster, and the guest relationships were more open and personal. “You could talk like a friend” he said, “and that made every conversation feel more human.”
Working in such a fast-paced, diverse environment helped Austin grow quickly. He strengthened his communication skills, adapted to different cultures, and learned to manage pressure on the fly. “I love learning new cultures, it keeps my mind open and broadens my perspective” he shared. These soft skills, built through everyday moments, became some of the most valuable takeaways from his experience.
What made the biggest difference, though, was the people. “They’re so patient to teach you and to get you to understand what’s not working, just to genuinely help you become better. It’s what truly inspires me most,” he said. Supportive colleagues, both in work and life, turned tough moments into lessons, and made the experience feel more than just a job.
Beyond his main role, Austin was encouraged to join other activities across departments, from Mini Club to stage performances. That freedom to explore, to try and be supported along the way, turned Club Med into more than a workplace; it became a place to discover what he was truly capable of.
Looking back, Austin sees his time at Club Med not just as his first real job, but as his first leap into the wider world of hospitality. It gave him exposure, perspective, and a renewed sense of direction, qualities he now carries with him as he continues building his career.
Keeley and Austin were brave enough to choose an unconventional path, whether it was taking a gap year to explore or stepping into a global career abroad. Their goals were different, but what shaped them most was the environment: one that challenged them, supported them, and made growth possible through shared experiences.
For young professionals, progress isn’t always about climbing upward, sometimes it’s about finding the space to grow.
Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam 