Student suggests key things you need to know while studying Hospitality in Switzerland

(The Free Press Journal publishes articles by study abroad consultants, Consulates, foreign universities, international students, and much more every Saturday to give its readers a glimpse of the world of overseas education.)

Born and brought up in India, I have seen that hospitality management is not given much importance. To date, my relatives believe that I'm doing a culinary course or that I'll be working as a waiter in a restaurant after graduating. Hospitality is so much more than that; let me try and paint a picture for you with my experience.

First and Second year opens students to a world of opportunities 

In February 2019, I started my 4-year Bachelor's in International Hospitality Management at EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland. The first year, split into 2 semesters, focuses on the operational aspect of hospitality – be it in events, hotels, fine dining, quick-service restaurants, or the bar. This year is crucial as it builds a foundation of knowledge and skill set that you'll need in order to succeed in any role and, especially since about 50% of graduates continue out of the hospitality industry stricto senses – in luxury, finance, and real estate. 

In the second semester, we are required to complete an internship in operations, mine was a cross-training role in luxury serviced apartments in Geneva. Having a look into the real working world of hospitality has allowed me not only to discover a passion for coordination and organisation but also to realise what parts of the industry didn’t interest me.  

In the second year of the Bachelor’s degree, management classes make their entry -  from marketing and accounting to CSR and leadership classes – all with a human-centric approach that stays true to the DNA of hospitality. Throughout the curriculum, I gained knowledge I could use in real life including as a student assistant at my university and on various student committees.

Creating content, internships, Hospitality’s horizon endless

For example, I organised an event on campus for over 1,000 students called 'Fête Universelle' - celebrating 127 nationalities. I created content for social media channels, and planned gatherings for the Indian community on campus. 

In the second semester of the third year, we are required to complete a second internship – but this time in the administration field. I found mine in London where I worked in business development and events coordination. There, I was able to create a vast professional network as well as enhance my research and communication skills.

As time passes, I realise that everything I had learned inside and outside the class all came together and made perfect sense. Next semester - the final one - we will work as consultants on a project related to brand awareness or product development for a real client. The horizon of where you can work after this course is endless. You cannot practise medicine but you can well be the head of communication of a hospital, you cannot be an engineer at Google but can handle their whole marketing department or even organise their corporate events.

I have seen the side of hospitality that most people don't realise exists, only then you can fathom the extent of opportunities it provides.

The author is a final year student, Bachelor in International Hospitality Management, EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland.

(FPJ's My Space column gives a platform to Indian and international students abroad to relay their experience which can prove to be helpful to many other students. Stay tuned for more!)