Rising Star in the Business and Tourism Industry: Bandana Rai’s Endeavour Towards Destiny

Lalitpur, Nepal. At just 21 years old, Bandana Khaling Rai, a Gorkhali Cheli (young woman) and native of Solukhumbu, Nepal, is already carving out a promising career in the tourism and hospitality sector. Currently in her final year of studies at Mid-Valley International College, Rai is on track to complete her Bachelor of Business in Hospitality Management (Honors) (BHM).

Academic Excellence and Dedication
Rai’s Academic achievements have been exceptional. She scored an A+ in her Higher Secondary Education Board (HSEB) exams, showcasing her commitment to excellence. Her disciplined approach to her studies and determination to succeed have been key drivers behind her impressive academic record. Rai follows a rigorous daily routine, including waking up at 5 a.m. every morning to work on her final-year degree projects and prepare for her future career.

“From 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., I am fully immersed in my
studies at college, which keeps me extremely
overwhelmed; however, it is all part of building the
foundation for my future,” Rai said. “I am committed
to laying a solid cornerstone for my future, and I
believe that every effort I put in now will lead
to long-term success.”

Securing an International Opportunity
Rai has recently secured a contingent pre-employment offer letter for an internship at Mensyoku Co., Ltd. in Japan, where she will work under the mentorship of the company’s president, Makoto Nakahara. This certificate guarantees her a two-year job opportunity with the company following the internship, resulting in a significant step toward establishing her international career in the hospitality industry. Rai is set to fly to Japan in April 2025, marking a milestone in her professional journey. The internship offers invaluable hands-on experience and is an important step toward building a global career in tourism and hospitality.

Rai expressed, “The knowledge, skills, and, experiences
I gain through my internship and work in Japan will
empower me to fully harness Nepal’s rich natural
resources, cultural heritage, arts, and skilled
workforce—especially through the tourism industry—
while also inspiring new generations to drive sustainable
economic development and elevate the country’s global
recognition to its fullest potential.”

Balancing Work and Studies
In addition to her academic pursuits, Rai works at Hills Sherpa Trekking, a well-known trekking agency in Kathmandu. Here, she gains industry experience, learning from professionals in the field and honoring her skills in hospitality management. Her experience in Nepal’s tourism sector enriches her insights into the country’s natural and cultural heritage, which she aims to promote on a global scale.

“I believe working while studying is essential for gaining
practical experience,” Rai shared. “It allows me to apply
what I have learned in real-world settings and lay
a solid bedrock for my future career in tourism
and hospitality.”

Solely Focused on Academic and Professional Growth
Rai has made a firm commitment to dedicate the next five years solely to her academic and professional development.

“For the next five years, my focus will be entirely on
my academic career and building professionalism,”
Rai stated. “This time is crucial for shaping my future,
and I am determined to make every moment count as
I work toward my goals.”

A Bright Future Ahead
Rai’s dedication to academics, combined with her hands-on experience in the tourism sector and the upcoming internship in Japan, sets the stages for a promising future. With a two-year job guarantee at Mensyoku Co., Ltd., she is poised to make a significant impact in the
hospitality and tourism industries both in Nepal and internationally.

Looking ahead, Rai misses her parents and shares a personal dream:

“I am grateful to my parents, who bore, raised, educated,
and made me who I am today. On top of that, I am
delighted with the fact that they always let me fly in the
open sky without clipping my wings. Simultaneously, I
look forward to the day when I can show them Japan
shortly, at least once in my life, as a way of expressing
my gratitude for all their contributions, fulfilling
parental responsibilities to achieve my dreams.”

Bandana Khaling Rai’s focused journey serves as a powerful example of integrity and dedication, offering valuable intution into the importance of education; as a result, her story sparks inspiration in young students in Nepal, particularly those aspiring to careers in hospitality, tourism, and international business, and in upcoming days, her remarkable footprint will notably establish her as a leading figure in the new millennium.

(Himan Rai is a professional researcher in language education pedagogy (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8624-8907) and has written this feature article based on an ethnographic research methodology from phenomenological perspectives.)