The sky is the limit

Meet Liam Wynn Williams, a Hong Kong SAR native and graduate of Swiss Hotel Management School and Hotel Institute Montreux. After several rounds of interviews, competing with graduates from all over the world, Liam finally landed a coveted 18-month Manager-in-Training (MIT) position with Four Seasons Hong Kong.

After almost 10 years of work experience, Liam established a successful career first in an aviation corporation, then an energy management company. Despite winning numerous accolades including the CEO Recognition Award, Liam decided to leave his comfortable job to pursue higher education at the London School of Economics and Political Science where he attained a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance.

His mind set on building a career in revenue management in the hospitality industry, Liam moved to Switzerland where he completed his Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Hotel Management at SHMS and a Master of International Business (MIB) in Hospitality and Luxury Business Management at HIM. The accolades continued - at HIM, Liam was awarded Best Academic Performer and Most Outstanding Graduate in Luxury Business Management.

For every achievement I have made in my life, I worked very hard for it. Although I took a risk by leaving a good job to advance my education and make a career switch, I’ve never looked back because I knew my passion truly lied in hospitality.

You studied in Hong Kong SAR and the United Kingdom, what convinced you to undergo a postgraduate diploma and a master’s degree in Switzerland?
I did a lot of research about the country and came to understand its reputation for offering world-class hospitality education. I was also attracted to the quality of life and the international environment in Switzerland.

Why did you choose to specialize in Luxury Business Management?
I was interested in getting a global perspective about luxury business, and I see a growing demand for hospitality graduates in this industry. There are specific marketing and business skills, beyond hospitality management, that you need to gain to work with luxury brands.

I feel the luxury business specialization gives me an edge in an industry that is increasingly becoming competitive.

After already working for a number of years, can you tell us what it was like to return to the professional world as an intern?
I got an internship at the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong after an interview I did at the International Recruitment Forum during my PGD. I was fortunate to have been offered a position at the IRF itself without any further interviews needed.

To be honest, I was initially nervous about it! Even though I had quite a bit of work experience already, it still felt like taking on a job for the first time! Working at the Ritz Carlton was an eye-opener for me. To me, it is one of the leading hospitality brands in the world and the experience I gained equipped me with invaluable luxury hospitality knowledge, which is helping me in my current role at the Four Seasons Hong Kong.

How is the Manager in Trainee program organized at the Four Seasons Hong Kong?
It’s intense, but I’m really enjoying it! It’s an 18-month training with work exposure in different departments within the Rooms Division. When I complete the MIT program, I will move to an Assistant or Managerial position, depending on my performance.

It is exciting for me as I get to interact with senior managers regularly. We also have a quarterly Manager in Training meeting with the Hotel Manager and Department Heads to present our innovative ideas to improve staff morale, guest experience, efficiency and sales in the property.

What’s next for you?
I am very clear about my goals and objectives in life. Once I finish this MIT program, I would like to continue growing with the Four Seasons brand to gain more exposure. I am interested in being a part of their pre-opening teams to launch new hotels in the region.

When I retire, my dream is to eventually own and run a bed and breakfast in the countryside in the UK. Although I have a long way to go before retirement, this dream motivates me to keep pushing myself and going the extra mile to do my best.