Benjamin Dwira - Finance

Can you tell us about the Dalata Graduate programme and your experience with this programme?

The Graduate Programme, for me, has been more than a pace setter in my hospitality career journey. Starting as an Ops Grad and moving into Finance has been enormous experience. 

The program has given me vast understanding and great insight in the hospitality business. The training sessions- both online and in person-were of such great value in preparing me for what was ahead.

 The transferrable skills harnessed from this journey have been ones I would always value.  I also loved the travels to Ireland and learning from different people. Overall, the graduate was very enlightening. 

What is the most interesting project you have been involved in since you joined?

I would say the Graduate innovation project. Working as a team with colleagues from different streams, did not only enhance our teamwork skills but also opened some great personal development for me. In terms of presentation, communication, etc. My team winning the competition was another level for me 😊

What is your favourite part of your job?

The Team work. 

What prompted you to apply for the Dalata Graduate Programme?

In my final weeks during my master’s program in Manchester, I happened to find myself at a career fair by my department after a lecture. There were many companies present, but one way or the other, I was drawn to Dalata. Asked some few questions about the program and I said to myself why not give this a try. The interest I believe came from my background, as my family has been into baking and offering Catering services way back in Ghana. I was ready to move it to a different level of experience. I must say, I have never regretted this decision. 

What was your experience of the Dalata Graduate recruitment process?

This was one of the smoothest I had ever experienced with regards to recruitment processes. There was not struggle for me. It was swift and straightforward.

Have you any tips for someone else thinking of applying to the Dalata Graduate Programme?

I would say just go for it, give it your all and you will get the best outcome and experience.

Always remain focused and ready to embrace changes as the hospitality space is not static. 

If you have already completed the graduate programme

Please give a brief overview of your journey since completing the graduate programme, including your current job title

I completed the Grad program in March 2024. I then moved straight into Assistant Financial Controller role as Maternity Cover in Clayton Hotel Chiswick. Six months into the role I took the opportunity to apply for AFC in the newly built Maldron Hotel Liverpool. I got the role, and I am now the permanent AFC for Maldron Liverpool. I have also enrolled and keep learning to write my ACCA. I owe all this to the Graduate program.