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Why internships are the gateway to your hospitality career

Internships bridge the gap between theoretical and practical knowledge, giving students a taste of the industry they’ve been studying. It’s one thing to learn the ins and outs of hospitality management in a classroom, but it’s entirely different to apply that knowledge in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment. Internships provide the real-world experience that employers seek in a CV, making them essential for kick-starting a successful career in hospitality.

What is an Internship?

An internship offers you the opportunity to work for a given company for what is usually a fixed length of time. It’s your chance to get a sense of the field and to put what you’ve learnt in the classroom into practice.

Typical Responsibilities During an Internship

Internships in hospitality cover a range of responsibilities, which will vary based on the department and type of establishment you’re working for. Some common areas interns find themselves working in include:

Front-of-House Operations: Assisting guests with checking in and out, managing bookings, and ensuring guests have a seamless experience.
Event Planning and Coordination: Helping with the organisation and management of events, including weddings, conferences, and private gatherings.
Food & Beverage Management: Supporting restaurant and bar operations, from serving tables to managing inventory.
Human Resources and Marketing: Assisting with recruitment, employee training, or marketing campaigns to attract guests and clients.

Many internships allow you to rotate between departments, giving you a broader understanding of the industry and helping you find the area that interests you most. This diversity in experience not only makes your CV stronger but will help you make an informed decision as you choose your career path.

Paid vs. Unpaid Internships

In Switzerland, many internships are paid. Globally, however, unpaid internships are more common. While paid internships are an attractive option, both paid and unpaid roles provide invaluable experience and give you a competitive edge when applying for future positions.

The Benefits of a Hospitality Internship

There are countless benefits to completing an internship, especially in hospitality. Here’s a closer look at the key advantages:

1. Real-World Experience

While academic learning is essential, practical experience is what employers value most. Whether your internship is in a busy hotel, restaurant, or event space, you’ll be tested on your ability to think on your feet, face challenges, and deliver exceptional service.

Practical experience is also invaluable when it comes to career advancement. Employers value hands-on skills, and having an internship under your belt can open doors to higher-responsibility roles after graduation.

2. Career Exploration

Internships are the perfect way to explore the many opportunities and pathways of the hospitality industry. From luxury hotel management and event planning to food service and corporate hospitality, there are many areas you can pursue. Stepping into a variety of roles during your internship allows you to determine which area best corresponds to your goals and strengths.

3. Networking Opportunities

When it comes to advancing your career, who you know is often as important as what you know. Internships allow you to build a network of professional connections with industry professionals and other interns. These connections can lead to mentorship opportunities, job offers, and collaborations down the line.

Networking is crucial in hospitality because many job openings are filled through internal recommendations or referrals. Making a good impression during your internship and building relationships in the field can give you an advantage in securing your next role.

4. Skill Development

Working in the rigorous and fast-paced environment of the hospitality industry will help you develop new skills that will allow you to thrive, including:

Flexibility and Adaptability
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Problem Solving and Proactivity
Customer-Centred Approach

Each of these elements will play in your favour when it comes to your future employment. In fact, a 2021 study made by Baert et al found that people with internship experience are 12.6% more likely to be invited for an interview than those who don’t.

Career Trajectory After an Internship

Your career trajectory in hospitality largely depends on the experience you’ve gained, and internships are the first step up the ladder. After your internship, you can expect to start with an entry-level position such as front desk or server. From there, you can work your way up to a supervisor role to an assistant manager position. As you gain experience and confidence in these higher-responsibility roles, you’ll be able to move up through department, general, and senior management roles.

Internships provide a solid foundation for your career. For example, many BHMS graduates, have gone on to work for top-tier companies after their internships, advancing quickly thanks to the hands-on experience acquired early on. By demonstrating dedication and skill during your internship, you set yourself up for rapid career growth and exciting opportunities.

Prerequisites for Applying to Hospitality Internships

In most cases, you don’t need prior experience to apply for an internship—the purpose is to gain that experience! However, certain factors can improve your chances of landing a role, especially in highly competitive regions or companies.

When applying for internships in Switzerland, for example, your chances will largely depend on your level of spoken French, German, or Italian. Any prior experience you may have, such as volunteer work or previous work in the service industry, may give you an edge.

Tips for Securing Your First Internship

There are various ways to approach your first internship search. One option is to look for vacancies on company websites. Each company will likely have a different employment process, but you’ll need to craft a strong CV and hone your interview skills to an art. While you may have success applying this way, your best chance at getting a good internship in hospitality is to attend a well-regarded hospitality school, such as BHMS. BHMS boasts a 100% placement rate for students who will all do a 4- to 6-month internship in Switzerland or abroad during their studies.

As a BHMS student, you’ll benefit from a dedicated career services team that offers:

CV and Interview Preparation: Guidance on crafting a professional CV and perfecting your interview skills.
Internship Seminars: Insight into what employers look for and tips on making the most of your internship experience.
Networking Events: Our Career Days are great opportunities for you to connect with industry professionals and potential future employers.Our network includes top employers in Switzerland and worldwide, ensuring you’ll have access to industry leaders who can help you launch your career.

What Kind of Experience Can You Expect During Your Internship?

There’s no better way to understand the value of an internship than by hearing from those who’ve been through it. Many BHMS students have completed internships with 5-star hotels and global hospitality brands, gaining unparalleled experience in the industry.

BHMS graduate Tergel Bat-Uzlii stated that, “To this day, I make sure to point out the experience I gained at BHMS to my employers, and point to my internships as playing an integral role in making me who I am.”

Conclusion

Internships are truly the gateway to a successful career in hospitality. They provide essential real-world experience that enables you to build essential skills, allow you to explore different career paths, and helps you build a professional network that will be invaluable throughout your career. Whether you’re interested in hotel management, event planning, or another area, internships will equip you with the skills, connections, and confidence needed to thrive in the hospitality industry.