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Hospitality is inherently people-oriented, emphasizing the importance of soft skills – personal attributes that enable individuals to interact effectively and harmoniously with others. These skills are not only essential for success in the hospitality industry but are also increasingly valued across all sectors in today's job market making a degree in hospitality a real advantage.
Pursuing a hospitality degree opens up a world of opportunities, allowing students to thrive in various sectors and positions worldwide.
While traditionally associated with careers in hotels, resorts, and restaurants, the principles of hospitality—customer service excellence, operational efficiency, leadership, or cultural fluency—are now sought after in various industries such as luxury retail, event management, technology, and even banking.
At the Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS), our alumni exemplify this global versatility and rapid career progression. Across continents, they hold prestigious leadership roles, shaping the future of the hospitality and related industries.
Here are some inspiring examples:
From the rigorous academic programs to the hands-on internships and leadership opportunities, our graduates consistently emphasize how SHMS prepared them to thrive in dynamic, global careers.
As Leonie, a 2024 graduate, puts it:
"The program is excellent, and we learn so much in a short amount of time. I think I learned more in six months at SHMS than I did in three years in Hamburg."
Our students gain invaluable international exposure through internships and cultural immersion. One alumnus reflected on their experience in Japan, saying:
"First, I wanted to challenge myself, to get as far out of my comfort zone as possible; second, I wanted to learn more Japanese; and third, I wanted to learn more about their interesting culture."
89%
hold management roles or created their own company
97%
have job offers by graduation day
71%
work in the hospitality tourism & culinary sectors
29%
work in other industries (Finance, healthcare, real estate, and consulting)
The hospitality industry is a world of endless possibilities for those passionate about delivering exceptional service, creating memorable experiences, and working in dynamic, people-centered environments.
Some of the most prominent hospitality career opportunities available in the industry are:
At SHMS, students enjoy exceptional access to industry leaders. Central to this experience is the International Recruitment Forum (IRF), an event that happens twice a year and serves as a direct pipeline to global career opportunities.
The IRF brings together representatives from world-renowned companies such as Marriott, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and more, allowing students to make meaningful connections and showcase their potential.
As a private event exclusively open to students from the institution, the IRF ensures that recruiters are entirely focused on engaging with this select group. This creates a unique opportunity for meaningful interactions with managers and potential employers. Even a simple conversation at the event has the potential to open doors to unexpected internship opportunities.
Hospitality education opens the door to a world of possibilities where service, empathy, and interpersonal skills are paramount. This unique field of study not only prepares students for careers within the hospitality and tourism sectors but also equips them with a versatile skill set invaluable across a myriad of industries. This is accomplished through:
Soft Skills Development
Studying hospitality cultivates soft skills such as empathy, communication, teamwork, and adaptability, essential for creating positive guest experiences and effective interpersonal interactions.
Real-World Application
Through practical training and internships, students apply these skills in real-world settings, refining them through direct guest interaction, teamwork, and service excellence.
Transferable Skill Set
The skills developed through hospitality studies are highly transferable and offer significant advantages in any role or industry that values interpersonal interaction and customer service.
Whether in hospitality, customer service, or any field requiring exceptional interpersonal interactions and client relations, the foundational skills honed through hospitality education pave the way for success and career fulfillment.
"Swiss Hotel Management School not only gave me a well-recognized degree and a solid foundation, but also an edge in the job market and an invaluable network spanning from Bogota to Shanghai."
-Mathias Schneider
General Manager, Gimo Herrgård
Standing out as a job seeker requires more than just technical skills. It demands a unique blend of qualities that make an individual not only employable but indispensable. That's where a hospitality education, especially from an institution like SHMS, makes all the difference.
Our focus extends beyond the classroom, shaping individuals into versatile professionals ready to excel in any environment.
Let's explore how this education stands out—and hear from our students who've lived the experience.
A hospitality education prepares graduates to work in a globally connected world. It develops a profound understanding and respect for world cultures. Along with the on-campus international experience acquired from a multinational student body and faculty, to learning the subtleties between French and Russian fine dining, the following competencies are standard in an SHMS hospitality education:
Hospitality education emphasizes understanding and respecting cultural diversity, which enhances cross-cultural communication skills – a vital component of soft skills in a globalized world.
Learning to work effectively with individuals from various backgrounds fosters global collaboration skills, preparing students to succeed in diverse and inclusive work environments.
Exposure to and interaction with different cultures in the hospitality industry cultivate cultural adaptability, enabling professionals to navigate and thrive in a variety of cultural contexts and enhance their global perspective.
Through developing an appreciation for cultural diversity and the ability to adapt and communicate across cultures, hospitality education prepares students for any profession that values global awareness and cultural sensitivity. This preparation makes graduates invaluable in workplaces that operate across borders, ensuring they are equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global market with confidence and competence.
Change is a defining characteristic of the hospitality industry, fueled by different factors. Advances in technology, growing demand for sustainable practices, and shifting guest expectations are only some of the factors that shape this field.
With exciting changes on the horizon, here are three major areas shaping the future of hospitality that you need to know about:
Swiss Hotel Management School offers a wide choice of degree programs based on a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
The Bachelor of Arts in International Hospitality Management program at SHMS combines the core principles of traditional hospitality with the latest management trends, preparing you with the cross-cultural competencies, business expertise, and practical experience needed to excel in top hospitality organizations around the globe.
Next Intake: February 2025
Duration: 3 years
Location: Caux & Leysin
Credits: 120 credits (UK) (60 ECTS credits)
The Master of Arts in International Hospitality Business Management program allows you to specialize in one of three tracks, helping you focus on areas that align with your career goals. The MA in International Hospitality Business Management program is divided into two semesters. The first focuses on advancing executive and managerial skills, while the second semester includes a business project or dissertation, with the option of an internship to deepen your expertise in your chosen specialization.
Next Intake: February 2025
Duration: 1 year
Location: Leysin
Credits: 180 credits (UK) (90 ECTS credits)
The Master of Science program at SHMS is tailored for individuals with prior hospitality experience who aim to develop their leadership skills. This program offers a dual degree from SHMS and the University of Derby, providing a strong foundation for advancing in the global hospitality industry.
Next Intake: February 2025
Duration: 1 year
Location: Leysin
Credits: 180 credits (UK) (90 ECTS credits)
The Online Master of Arts in Executive Hospitality Management is designed for busy professionals. Whether you're aiming for a promotion, becoming a top executive, or refining your hotel management skills, this program equips you with the necessary skills and industry expertise.
With our fully online format, you can earn an accredited degree from the comfort of your home.
Next Intake: May 2025
Duration: Up to 3 years
Location: Online
Credits: 180 credits (UK) (90 ECTS credits)
Through our Postgraduate Diploma, students will be able to explore key areas of hospitality, including service excellence, international cuisine, and spa management. By the end of the program, graduates will be well-equipped for advanced roles in hospitality management and have the option to pursue master's programs at the Swiss Hotel Management School.
Next Intake: February 2025
Duration: 1 year
Location: Leysin
Hospitality is a dynamic and evolving field that offers a wealth of opportunities to build connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds and create unforgettable experiences for your guests that leave a lasting impact.
With an emphasis on adaptability, emotional intelligence, and a service-first mindset, a background in hospitality equips you with the skills needed to navigate and excel in industries far beyond hotels and restaurants.
At SHMS, we believe in transforming passion into a fulfilling career. With our global network, cutting-edge programs, and proven track record of alumni success, your hospitality journey is safe with us.
Start your journey at the Swiss Hotel Management School today!