From Classroom to Career: IBCP Students’ Inspiring Journeys in Hospitality

Recently graduated from Hotel Institute Montreaux (HIM) in Switzerland, Stefan Martin, 21, started his career path as an IBCP student in Malmö Borgarskola. Early on, Stefan had a clear vision of wanting to study abroad and explore the hospitality industry at its core. Read on to discover Stefan’s aspirations for creating an impact in the exciting world of hospitality!

Hey Stefan, it’s great to have you here! So, we’re curious, what led you to choose hospitality as your field of study at HIM?

Well, completing the IBCP program in hospitality definitely influenced my decision to study at HIM. The program provided me with practical and career-focused education, offering a hands-on experience that aligns perfectly with HIM’s approach. Plus, the close collaboration between the two partner schools makes it easy and fast to get started on this journey!

Can you share how IBCP prepared you for your studies abroad and the ever-evolving hospitality industry?

Absolutely! At Borgarskolan, we received a practical and career-focused education that combined academic courses with hands-on experience, which helped me develop a structured plan for my future studies.

The program helped me develop communication skills, cultural awareness, professionalism, industry knowledge and trends, and leadership skills, which are essential not only for studies abroad but also for pursuing a career in hospitality.

And what have you enjoyed most about your time at HIM?

Mostly I enjoyed the hands-on experience we gained through internships and work-based learning opportunities. But I also need to mention the diverse and multicultural environment that enabled me to become a more well-rounded person.

If you had to describe HIM in just one word, what would it be?

International!

How have you changed during the years studying at HIM?

Wow, where do I even start? On a personal level, studying at HIM has allowed me to become more independent, mature, and culturally aware, as I’ve had the chance to connect with students from all around the world.

But it’s not just personal growth – through internships, partnerships, masterclasses, and coursework, I’ve gained valuable industry knowledge and practical skills. I’ve learned how to communicate effectively and lead a team, and I’ve built a network of connections that will serve me well throughout my career.

We were amazed by your performance at the EMCup. Has it enabled and inspired you to further pursue a career in the hospitality industry?

Absolutely! The EMCup is an incredible European competition that challenges hospitality students to come up with innovative and sustainable business concepts for the industry.

Participating in it has opened my eyes to a whole world of career opportunities within the hospitality industry. Plus, the connections I made during the competition have been invaluable – I’ve been able to build a strong network with some of the top leaders in the industry.

What advice would you give to current IBCP students who are thinking about pursuing a career in hospitality in Switzerland?

Great question! My advice would be to get as much industry experience as possible in any form, whether it’s internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs. Develop the skills and confidence you need to stand out in the job market.

Networking is also super important, so be sure to take advantage of any opportunities to connect with industry leaders and professionals. It helps open doors and lead to exciting career opportunities.

Last but not least, stay open-minded! Get out there, take on new challenges, and give yourself an early competitive advantage in the industry!

Thank you, Stefan, it was a pleasure talking with you!