Skills shortage; a major threat to the Hospitality Industry.
1 December 2022
The Swiss Hotel School 2015 Graduate, Beula Somers
4 April 2023
“My father and uncle both owned restaurants, so from a young age I started helping clearing tables, serving drinks or just going to the market. This continued throughout my school years until I graduated high school. I then decided to study marketing, but sadly by the end of my first year realised that it wasn’t for me. A cousin of mine suggested a course in hospitality as this was something I was already familiar with and enjoyed. She was right, and still takes credit for it to this day. “
“I was an intern at the Westcliff which I believe has now been re-branded to the Four Seasons. My experience was very enjoyable, I learnt a great deal and had the opportunity to learn the department and all its various subdivisions. I think I was also fortunate to have team leaders who were open to teaching and supporting my learning as well a General Manager who fully encouraged internships within the property. At the end of my time there, I was fortunate to be offered a permanent role, which allowed me to go straight into employment after graduating. “
“My first opening as an operations Manager, truly was a learning experience. The immense sense of achievement when the hotel finally opened its door, and we welcomed our first guest will stay with me for a long time. Sadly, I quickly realised opening the doors was the easy part and the hard work was yet to follow.
“In addition, my recent promotion to General Manager at my current hotel which is located in Central London. This was a long-term goal since I started working in London as a front office team member.”
How did the Swiss Hotel School help you advance your career?
“By setting high expectations from the start, I developed an amazing work ethic, which meant that I was not afraid to roll up my sleeves and get involved in the practical’s, keeping the school clean and cooking for everyone. It definitely softened the shock and prepared me for when I entered the workplace. It also allowed me to enter an internship where I learnt first-hand within an operating hotel. Lastly, it gave me the opportunity to be part of a group of students from varied backgrounds, which in turn gave me the ability to adapt how my communication styles, a requirement for this industry. As an example, at Park Plaza County Hall, we have 38 different nationalities. “
Alex Caetano Class of 2001
General Manager at Park Plaza County Hall London
“My father and uncle both owned restaurants, so from a young age I started helping clearing tables, serving drinks or just going to the market. This continued throughout my school years until I graduated high school. I then decided to study marketing, but sadly by the end of my first year realised that it wasn’t for me. A cousin of mine suggested a course in hospitality as this was something I was already familiar with and enjoyed. She was right, and still takes credit for it to this day. “
“I was an intern at the Westcliff which I believe has now been re-branded to the Four Seasons. My experience was very enjoyable, I learnt a great deal and had the opportunity to learn the department and all its various subdivisions. I think I was also fortunate to have team leaders who were open to teaching and supporting my learning as well a General Manager who fully encouraged internships within the property. At the end of my time there, I was fortunate to be offered a permanent role, which allowed me to go straight into employment after graduating. “
“My first opening as an operations Manager, truly was a learning experience. The immense sense of achievement when the hotel finally opened its door, and we welcomed our first guest will stay with me for a long time. Sadly, I quickly realised opening the doors was the easy part and the hard work was yet to follow.
“In addition, my recent promotion to General Manager at my current hotel which is located in Central London. This was a long-term goal since I started working in London as a front office team member.”
How did the Swiss Hotel School help you advance your career?
“By setting high expectations from the start, I developed an amazing work ethic, which meant that I was not afraid to roll up my sleeves and get involved in the practical’s, keeping the school clean and cooking for everyone. It definitely softened the shock and prepared me for when I entered the workplace. It also allowed me to enter an internship where I learnt first-hand within an operating hotel. Lastly, it gave me the opportunity to be part of a group of students from varied backgrounds, which in turn gave me the ability to adapt how my communication styles, a requirement for this industry. As an example, at Park Plaza County Hall, we have 38 different nationalities. “
Alex Caetano Class of 2001
General Manager at Park Plaza County Hall London