Spanish Student Receives Unexpected Internship Offer thanks to the International Recruitment Forum

Spanish student Marta Gordillo is studying International Hotel Management at SHMS Swiss Hotel Management School. Thanks to a connection she made at the International Recruitment Forum, Marta landed a very unexpected internship role with the Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa, Retreat & Cultural Hideaway in Germany.

 

“My first internship experience was amazing and I would repeat it again without changing a thing! I met interesting people, learned a lot about myself and confirmed that this is the career that I love and want to continue!”

 

How did you land your internship with Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa & Cultural Hideaway?
It was a bit unusual because I wasn’t looking at internship opportunities in a German speaking country since I didn’t speak any German. I had already picked out my top companies but decided to stop at the Schloss Elmau booth while I was touring the International Recruitment Forum. I asked them a few questions about what they were offering and to my surprise they offered me an interview on the spot.

How did the impromptu interview go?
After our discussion the interviewer asked me if I was interested in the role. I was truthful and told them that I needed to do more research on the company. I went home after the IRF and did my research and shortly after I made my decision and contacted them to let them know that I was interested. With accommodation and food as part of the package deal they offered me a very attractive internship role in the Food & Beverage Department that I was happy to accept.

Why do you think your profile was chosen?
They told me that they based their choice very strongly on my personality. They liked that I wasn’t shy or nervous and was honest about what I wanted. I was a bit concerned that I did not speak any German, but they told me it was unusual to hire a non-German speaker but as long as I was willing to learn the language they would accept me.

How did your education at SHMS help prepare you for your internship?
I found the lessons we learned were directly applicable specifically my Business Industry training.

 

“But the most important thing I took from SHMS was my preparedness and readiness for hard work. Many of my colleagues complained a lot about the long hours and hard work but this did not surprise me at all as I felt that SHMS prepared me well for this.”

 

If you could go back would you do anything differently?
Absolutely not! I would do everything as it was. Even though it was a challenge to go to a small town in a German speaking country I have learned so much. Thanks to this experience I am now more confident and open-minded and now I can even speak German!

What advice do you have for students attending the International Recruitment Forum for the first time?
Being young offers the incredible opportunity to be brave with our decisions.

 

“Following my surprising and positive experience I would definitely encourage first time students to explore out of the ordinary options and be open to the unexpected. If you are ready to be surprised, it is very possible that you will surprise yourself.”

 

What is the value of the International Recruitment Forum for Swiss Education Group students?
The International Recruitment Forum is a very good opportunity that we have. The other hospitality universities don’t have anything that compares to it. Most of my classmates found their internships because of the International Recruitment Forum. The career preparation and advice from the school’s internship office is extremely helpful and honest.

What is your career plan after graduation?
After graduation I would like to try out different departments in a hotel setting, then I am interested to work for a cruise line. Afterwards I liked to complete a Masters degree in Enterprise and eventually start my events business.