Why Study Hospitality | Swiss Hotel Management School

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.

A successful career

A degree in hospitality opens doors to an illustrious career anywhere in the world. Our alumni span the globe, holding positions such as:

General Manager of the Radisson Collection Hotel in Tallinn, Estonia
Director of Sales and Marketing for Jeju Sun Hotel & Casino in Jeju, South Korea
Managing Director at Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel in Santorini, Greece.

Graduates from SHMS benefit from a rapid career progression and are more likely to be hired in a leadership role. An education in hospitality management generates multi-disciplinary skills that are sought after in many business sectors.

We expect the percentage of hospitality graduates working in industries outside of the traditional hospitality industry sector will continue to grow as more emphasis is put on customer-centric business models.

Our internal surveys show that five years after completing their studies, of our students

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)

Advantages of a hospitality education

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:

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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

How hospitality differentiates you

The advantages of hospitality education differentiate our graduates, making them stand out among job seekers. Through a curriculum that emphasizes service, emotional intelligence, and adaptability, hospitality education molds individuals into versatile professionals. As a result, graduates are well developed in the following areas:

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Adaptability and Problem-Solving

The dynamic challenges of the hospitality industry nurture adaptability and creative problem-solving, showcasing the ability to think on one's feet – an invaluable soft skill in any professional context.

Emotional Intelligence

Exposure to diverse cultures and customer service scenarios enhances emotional intelligence, enabling graduates to navigate and manage social interactions and relationships effectively.

Service Mindset

The emphasis on service excellence in hospitality education fosters a strong service mindset, highlighting graduates' commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of others – a key to success in any client-based industry.

The unique skill set honed through a hospitality education at a reputable alma mater doesn't just open doors within the industry; it differentiates graduates in a crowded job market. The service mindset, heightened emotional intelligence, and unparalleled adaptability are traits that employers across various fields seek out. This positions hospitality graduates as preferred candidates, ready to excel in diverse professional environments and tackle challenges with grace and innovation.

Learning and working with world cultures

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:

Cross-Cultural Competence: Hospitality education emphasizes understanding and respecting cultural diversity, which enhances cross-cultural communication skills – a vital component of soft skills in a globalized world.
Global Collaboration: Learning to work effectively with individuals from various backgrounds fosters global collaboration skills, preparing students to succeed in diverse and inclusive work environments.
Cultural Adaptability: 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.

A career with a future

In an era where the future of work is being reshaped by technology and artificial intelligence (AI), the hospitality sector emerges as a field rich with opportunities for those equipped with the right skills. "A Career with a Future" isn't just a promise—it's a reality for those who choose to pursue a hospitality education. Here’s why this path is more relevant than ever:

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Essential Soft Skills in a Tech-Driven World

As AI and automation take on more tasks, the skills that distinguish us as humans—such as empathy, communication, and adaptability—become invaluable. A hospitality education prioritizes these soft skills, ensuring that you're prepared for a future where they're in high demand across all industries.

Safe Space to Learn and Grow

One of the unique benefits of a hospitality program is the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them in a risk-free environment. This approach allows students to experiment, take creative risks, and build their confidence, all without the pressure of real-world consequences. It's an invaluable part of preparing for a successful career.

Specialized Paths for a Fast-Track Career

Hospitality isn't one-size-fits-all. With specializations in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Luxury Brand Management, and Design Management, you can choose a path that aligns with your personal career goals. These specialized tracks are designed to equip you with the specific skills and knowledge needed to excel in your chosen area, setting you on a fast track to your dream job.

Choosing a career in hospitality means investing in a future where your skills are not only relevant but essential. It's about securing a place in a workforce that values the human touch more than ever before. Whether you're drawn to the dynamic nature of hospitality or the broad applicability of its core skills, a hospitality education opens doors to a future filled with possibilities.

Choose Your Program

Swiss Hotel Management School offers a wide choice of degree programs based on a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the hospitality world. For more details and to explore how you can become a graduate of this prestigious institution we invite you to download a brochure.

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