Student
Thanapong Kongsen (Class of 2023)
Thanapong Kongsen (Class of 2023)
- Background
- I was born and raised in Thailand to a family that owned and operated a tour company and hotel in Bangkok for over 30 years. After living a year in Costa Rica as part of a high school exchange program, I developed a strong interest in the hospitality industry and furthered my knowledge and skills through travel across Central and South America. Upon returning to Thailand, I studied Spanish and Hispanic studies at Chulalongkorn University, completing an internship in Bogotá, Colombia for a development project with the World Bank organization, and graduating with First Class Honors. After working at the Embassy of Spain for three years, I realized my passion for facilitating and helping people and decided to return to my roots to rebrand the family business as the General Manager of Baanpufa Resort in Kanchanaburi. With experience gained, I then embarked on my own entrepreneurial journey, developing a new premium glamping resort called 'The Three Bubble Houses.' before starting KC-CDO program.
- Why did you decide to apply to KC-CDO?
- I want to start my own hotel project with a Japanese Ryokan hotel concept. This program is the best fit to provide me with the best hospitality management education from Cornell and a deep understanding of Japanese culture, Japanese management style, and a great alumni network through studying in Japanese business school at Kyoto University
- What career goals will KC-CDO help you achieve?
- Hotel owner/ Hospitality management company owner
- Which class did you enjoy the most at both Kyoto and Cornell?
- I enjoyed Innovative Hospitality Management class the most at Kyoto and Negotiations class the most at Cornell.
- How were the classmates at both university?
- They are all very nice and come from diverse background. I got a chance to create life-long friendship during my time at Cornell as we shared so many interests in personal life and professional career path and made great connections with hotel owners in Japan
- Did you have chance to internship during the program?
- Yes, I did my first internship at Waldorf Astoria in Los Cabos Mexico during summer internship period of Cornell(June-July) as a management trainee through a support of Cornell Hotel School. My second internship was with Hoshino Resort head office in Tokyo for two months (August-September). I had an opportunity to work for Global Marketing Unit and President office which is directly under the supervision of Mr. Hoshino.
My third internship is in Kinosaki Onsen with the traditional Ryokan called 'Koyado Enn'. I got an opportunity to fully immerse myself in Ryokan operation so that I would be ready to start my own business with the similar hotel concept in the future. - What did you do on your days off?
- I traveled a lot around Japan. I have visited all the regions of Japan within my last semester.
- What have you most enjoyed about being a KC-CDO student?
- The opportunity to travel, make life-long connections, and live in two different worlds (completely different cultural values, way of living, and teaching styles) in two most prestigious universities which happen to locate in two of my most favorite countries in the world (USA and Japan).
- How did you connect with people and make new friends?
- I participated in most of the school and program events.
- Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for future/current KC-CDO students?
- This is one of the best decisions I have made for my life as a hotelier who seeks to develop a new business concept. You will get so inspired by all the experiences in these two years of your life living in different places and meeting interesting people. Definitely worth it!
