Smart Education in Switzerland : Internship Meeting - Students Meet Industry

According to the WTTC Economic Impact Report 2014, the travel and tourism sector is the world’s largest employer, making up 8.9% of total global employment in 2013 – 1 in 11 of all jobs worldwide. By 2024, it is predicted that an additional 81 million jobs will be created (10.2% of total employment), thanks to the tourist population expected to double in the next 20 years, reflecting the increase in the middle class population and boosted particularly by growth in South East AsiSo which skills will the next generation of hospitality leaders need to navigate the global hospitality industry of the future? What career opportunities exist in this dynamic, expansive international sector? And how could a graduation from BHMS Business & Hotel Management School prepare you for your dream career in hospitality?

Understand the Millennial Consumer

Millennials will become the core customer in the travel and hospitality sector, a generation that will be within its peak earning power within the next 10 years. These savvy consumers, who have grown up with connected devices and social media, expect a fast booking process and an even faster response to their needs. With access to more information online, customers are able to ‘unbundle’ the travel experience with their decision-making process often based directly on online reputation and social media.

This represents key opportunities as well as challenges for hospitality organizations. Future managers of the hospitality industry will need a strong understanding of changing consumer needs and the ability to adapt their business in order to constantly delight the new millennial generation, keeping them visiting, staying longer and spending more in the hospitality sector. Studies at BHMS equips students with a broad, strategic view of hospitality management, teaching them how to create, manage and maintain the customer experience that is key to success in this industry. A focus on innovation throughout the program will also provide them with the skills to identify new opportunities for diverse consumer groups and how to create tangible value.

Master the Booming Asian Hospitality Industry

In South East Asia, Travel & Tourism economic growth increased by 7.9% and employment grew by 4.1% in 2013, with China expected to grow the most of any G20 country in 2014 at 8.3%. According to Deloitte’s Hospitality 2015 report, it is predicted that by 2019, China will have exceeded the US in absolute industry growth. Penetration of the domestic travel markets in China and India will yield the greatest long-term returns for international brands.

It is important for future managers of this industry to understand Asian consumer’s needs, as well as how to take advantage of this huge growth opportunity. With more than 65 nations studying at BHMS, this will enable the students to improve their social skills and get valuable insights in cultural differences and business behaviors. Within different courses, students of BHMS get trained in international etiquette, preparing for an international environment.

Innovating Hospitality

Innovative hospitality leaders of the future need to constantly bring new ideas to this complex, dynamic industry, with an understanding of the diverse expectations of their customers across global markets. Innovative hands-on projects throughout the program require students to take an active role in their own learning and develop the capabilities to deliver new concepts and offerings.

“Innovation is not just a formula. It is a mind-set which needs to be cultured and guided into a way of thinking by being exposed to many different types of cultures”

Leading Brands Network Will Launch Hospitality Careers

The hospitality sector spans a huge range of industries, from hotels and resorts, to restaurants, events and cruise ships, to travel, tourism and airlines, to name a few. And the range of careers awaiting graduates is just as varied and far-reaching. Hospitality management graduates are equipped for management positions within hospitality operations, such as a hotel manager or catering manager, or as specialists or managers in specific industry functions within the hospitality or service industry, such as sales, marketing, operations or finance.

Positions could also include consultancy, research and advisory positions or even design, as well as cross over into other industries. By studying hospitality management, Master’s students will get a heavy customer focus that they would not get from a straight management program – something that today’s employers truly appreciate.

Paid industry training is an integral part of the study program at BHMS. The school provides one sound working experience per year in a business that has been carefully selected and chosen as a training venue. It provides an opportunity to gain paid work experience in a Swiss hospitality venue that is known throughout the world for its value during the early stages of a career. The opportunity to network with leading hospitality brands from day one and access to the careers services of BHMS and its branch MASTERWORK is a good chance to connect to brands like Hilton, Sheraton Hyatt, Kempinski or Marriott to set the goals for postgraduate career possibilities.

Join the Next Generation of Global Hospitality Leaders

BHMS (together with The Robert Gordon University) has designed one of the fastest track BA Degrees in Switzerland without compromising its educational quality. At BHMS, students can achieve a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Hotel and Hospitality Management in 18 months of study plus an 18-month paid internship period. A similar education in another Swiss hotel management school would require 24 months of study plus a 12 month internship period. This gives BHMS graduates an advantage of studying 6 months less while gaining 6 additional months of paid work experience in Switzerland.

The program balances theory, analysis, creativity and practical projects, offering you a comprehensive learning experience to fully prepare you for your dream career in hospitality management.

The education system in Switzerland is very diverse, because the constitution of Switzerland delegates the authority for the school system to the cantons. says Mr. Deepak, Education Manager, Career XL Services..