Sabīne

I decided to study abroad in order to get international experience as I believe that this vital knowledge and experience will help me in my future career. When I went to LINKTURS to look into options for hotel management schools in Switzerland, they quickly offered me multiple options and organized a tour to ”Open House” of 4 different schools. I would recommend everyone to visit schools before making a decision as it gives better understanding of what these schools have to offer. During the “Open House” I had a chance to talk to lecturers, students, get to know the environment and choose the school that fits me the best.

I chose hospitality industry because of the opportunities it has to offer – transfer opportunities, work in various departments and ability to take control of my career. I chose IHTTI, School of Hotel Management in Neuchatel, Switzerland because of the lecturers being able to personalize and guide students into the right direction and reach their goals. Most of all I enjoyed the environment in my school as we had students of more than 40 nationalities and I was able to learn about different cultures and create lasting relationships with my peers. IHTTI had 2 mandatory internships and after assisting with an internship placement my career in the industry began. These internships were very beneficial as they gave me fundamental work experience that is very significant in this industry and helped at the very beginning of my career.

After completing my first year I did my internship in Food and Beverage at Amathus Beach Hotel Limassol in Cyprus. During my first internship, I was able to learn about hotel operations and get a feeling in the industry. My second internship brought me to Hilton Budapest Westend in Hungary as Front Office Trainee. Lecturer support and modules learnt at IHTTI helped me to succeed in this role and be a successful trainee. I believe that in order to succeed in this industry one has to go through all phases of development and ensure the diversity of experience gained.

I joined Fairmont Hotels and Resorts in 2012 as a Fairmont Gold Supervisor at The Fairmont Palliser in Canada. From the very beginning I knew I wanted to join a well-known brand to get worldwide opportunities. I believe that when pursuing career in the hospitality industry you have to believe the company’s values and mission to ensure you can benefit company and company can benefit your work. Less than a year after my first position as Fairmont Gold Supervisor I got promoted to Fairmont President’s Club Supervisor. I was responsible for the daily operations and ensuring that Fairmont President’s Club members receive service and experience they have come to expect from Fairmont Brand. A year later I was promoted to the position of an Assistant Front Office Manager, where I was responsible for assisting in the overall performance of the Front Office that included ensuring quality and efficiency of all services provided by the Front Office and enhancing occupancy levels and responsibilities of a Duty Manager.

Worldwide companies are looking for hospitality professionals who are mobile, passionate and take control. Believing in yourself and setting clear career goals will help you to achieve them!