Key components of all our degree programmes are the paid, internship placements which support students’ theoretical study.

Our Careers team support students to secure internships in various ways, including sourcing placements both in Switzerland and internationally as well as providing them with access to our Hosco careers and alumni network.

However, one of the most direct ways we introduce students to international opportunities is through our regular Career Days on campus.

Career Days see international hospitality firms visit us to present their brands and career pathways to students before interviewing for both internship and management training roles.

For our first Career Day of the Autumn term, we were delighted to welcome St Regis Bal Harbour and W Hotels from Miami, bringing a ray of sunshine to our Kastanienbaum home.

They were accompanied by Placement International, a Swiss-based agency specialising in US placements for hospitality school students.

The Marriott-owned St Regis Bal Harbour was awarded the coveted Forbes five-star and AAA five-diamond awards for 2021 and is one of Florida’s premier beach-front resorts.

W Miami is described as a “downtown oasis” and targets business travellers looking for an energising and relaxing space with luxury amenities including a 300-foot infinity pool.

Some of IMI Switzerland's regular Career Day visitors.

Explaining why Career Day visits were so important to the major brands, Ms. Bionny Ayala, Market Assistant HR Director of St Regis Bal Harbour and W Miami, pointed to the value of face-to-face interactions.

“Meeting with young hospitality students directly, gives us a real feel for their enthusiasm and suitability for different positions,” she said.

“We love coming to Swiss hotel schools as we know the students will be trained to the highest of standards, making them excellent fits for our properties.”

It was great to see so many of our students interview for positions with St Regis Bal Harbour and W Miami and we have our fingers crossed that many of them will secure exciting US-based placements.

Of course, this was just the first in our series of Career Days this term and we look forward to visits from representatives of Ikos Resorts, Frenchman’s Creek and Marriott hotels over the next few weeks.