Career Days 2 12 FEB – MAY

With the last event held on the 8th of May 2012 the Career Days at IMI came to a successful end this semester. Visitors ranging from the airline industry to consultancy, country clubs and hotel chains through to resorts, restaurants and spas, IMI students had an insight into the huge diversity in the hospitality industry. The Career Services Department would like to thank once more all companies, representatives and guest lectures that made this semester’s career events so successful. The Career Services Department is looking forward to the next semester, to further beneficial cooperation with various hospitality companies and interesting experiences for all IMI students whether studying or working in the field. If you are interested in attending IMI’s Career Days in Sep/Oct 2012, or in 2013, kindly send your request to Ms Greta Musu on careers@imi-luzern.com. Thank you once again for your kind collaboration. Greta Musu Head of Career Services & Alumni

Thank you! from IMI

Guest Lecturer Mr Ioannis Evagelou

The Career Days 2012 started

with a guest lecture about Innovation & Entrepreneurship

from a renowned Executive Project Manager in Regional

Development from Greece. The lecture portrayed a distinction

between innovation and entrepreneurship and showed

future trends in tourism.

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“I really appreciated to have Mr. Evagelou lecturing the MBA

students at IMI. We had a good time and learned a lot of things in terms of tourism. Besides, we had a good opportunity to participate

in the seminar of Mr. Evagelou. Thank you for providing us with

good memories.” Benz Suponsahatsarangsee,

MBA-student

The Ritz-Carlton Asia Pacific The first company that visited the IMI campus for recruitment this year was The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. With an unshakeable credo and corporate philosophy of un-wavering commitment to service, both in their hotels and in their communities, The Ritz-Carlton has been recognised with numerous awards as gold standard in hospitality.

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"I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity I got at IMI for an intership training with the Ritz-Carlton. I think it is a great advantage to be able to put in practice all the theoretical knowledge I got. I am sure that this internship will contribute to my future personal development and career." Vlad-Ionut Ristea, BA-student

Fletcher Recruitment Ltd

Fletcher Recruitment have been successfully placing candidates from overseas into jobs in the

hospitality industry for over 10 years. They specialise in finding

internships in the UK for foreign students from renowned

international hotel schools and visited IMI University Centre for

recruitment this semester again.

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“The presentation by Mr. Fletcher was very informative and clearly

structured. Interesting for me was to get to know about the various opportunities in the UK even for

non-European students. Mr. Fletcher supported me throughout

the whole Visa process and I am looking forward to my internship.”

Tendayi Chingwaro, Higher Diploma-student

Frenchman’s Creek Beach & Country Club It is a residential country club community many long to call home. It is one in which 600 families live sharing an active life of casual elegance, luxury and style. They visited the IMI campus to introduce students into country club operations and to recruit outstanding talents to join their company.

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“People usually have the mentality that being in the hospitality industry we would end up working in hotels but the options are wide so do not restrict yourself to only working for big hotel names but to consider other major establishments such as upscale residential country clubs like Frenchman's Creek. A very insightful presentation.” Grace Soh, BA-student

Meliã White House London

Located in the heart of London, the Meliã White House faces the

popular Regents Park and is within walking distance of Oxford

Street and Piccadilly Circus. Additionally, Meliã is the first

biosphere hotel company in the world. IMI was proud to welcome

a representative from this company on campus for

presentation and recruitment.

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“It was an interesting presentation that gave me new insight and

interest to do an internship for a company that I did not know before.

The presentation was presented in such an engaging manner that it

actually made me think twice about the previous internship offers that I

had already received.” Jack Chan,

Postgraduate Diploma-student

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is a distinctive group of deluxe hotels

for today's discerning modern business and leisure travellers,

combining the renowned Swiss touch with a fresh, modern and

contemporary design. Throughout the whole semester the company was highly engaged

in supporting students in both, academic and professional terms.

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“The presentation was really interesting and helpful in terms of informing us about the career opportunities available. The Recruitment Manager Mr Hoffmann was extremely approachable and forthcoming, and I had gained so much more insight into Swissôtel's working and business environment after our chat.” Samantha Poh, BA-student

HOSCO Hospitality Connection

More than a traditional Employment board, HOSCO,

based in Geneva, Switzerland, is where top hospitality

companies, schools and students from all over the world meet and interact. HOSCO was visiting the

IMI campus to introduce the online platform and to enrol and

welcome the graduating students of this semester.

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“HOSCO's presentation was delivered

in a very informative manner. I've definitely benefited from it, as such an innovative platform would keep

me in the loop of the hospitality industry even after we've

graduated." Joyce Li,

BA-student

ENTRÉE Resources Entrée has been working with international students since 1989 provides a connection to excellent management internship programs in the USA. Entrée takes pride in providing personalised service to student-interns and to their employers. IMI heartily welcomed the representatives of this small and personal organisation.

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“Entrée Resources is an excellent connection for students especially in Hospitality to do their internship programs in the USA. In my opinion, Entrée Resources managed to organise the whole placement process very well. I would say it is one of the best internship organisations and I am glad to work with them.” Mohammad Faiz Mohd Fadzil, BA-student

Guest Lecturer Ms Singhvi-Charbonnier

Ms Singhvi-Charbonnier is the Co-

Founder of the Swiss hospitality services firm Minds in Motion. She visited the IMI campus to

lecture about Corporate Social Responsibility and Crisis

Management. Students from different academic years such as

Higher Diploma, BA, Postgraduate Diploma, and MBA students

participated in classes with her.

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“Speaking with enthusiasm and passion, Miss Singhvi-Charbonnier’s lecture was an interesting one. She

shared a lot wonderful and detailed career insights with us from the

industry which could not be found in books and made the lecture very practice related and interactive."

Angelia Tan, BA-student

The Landmark London The five-star Landmark London hotel ranks among the finest of London’s leading luxury hotels. With its distinctive style and ambience, it combines classic British elegance and grandeur with the deluxe facilities demanded by today’s discerning travellers. They visited IMI campus to recruit for the forthcoming Olympic season.

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“The Landmark London had the warmest presentation of Careers Day, the Hotel representatives tried to bond with students by having a close approach in their speech. I did not feel at any moment that I was talking with managers but with people that make me feel welcome and in a familiar environment, like equals.“ Andreia Coito, BA-student

Kempinski Hoteliers since 1897

Europe‘s oldest luxury hotel

group with a collection of distinguished properties around

the world invited IMI students to join their Career Day 2012 in

Munich. Almost 120 students from this semester accepted their

invitation and had the opportunity to enhance their

network and set up their professional career.

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“I felt that Kempinski's career day was very interactive. Besides the interesting presentations of the

different regions, we had the opportunity to talk with every GM

from the worldwide Kempinski properties. So, I felt they care about

employees and their recruitment system and training system is well

organized." Rie Shoji,

Postgraduate Diploma-student

MARUGAL Hotel Management Marugal specialises in the conception, launch and operation of unique premium hotel properties in the luxury segment. Their portfolio of management properties ranges from Spain to France. The representative from Marugal visited the IMI campus to recruit talented students from all nationalities for internships in their various properties.

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“During the presentation I realized that Marugal has a really interesting collection of boutique hotels. The fact that Franziska as a previous trainee there shared her experiences with us made me come to the decision to apply for an internship position. I am looking forward to enjoy my training at the Cap Rocat Hotel“ Valeriya Molotilina, Postgraduate Diploma-student

Carlson-Rezidor Hotel Group

The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is one of the world's largest and

most dynamic hotel companies. It has a portfolio of 1,319 hotels in

operation and under development, a global footprint

covering 81 countries and territories and a powerful set of

global brands. IMI welcomed the newly merged group this

semester on campus.

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“Ms Andrea Berg gave an interesting and well-designed overview about the new company Carlson-Rezidor. The presentation of the worldwide properties that are very modern or

freshly renovated made me apply for this company. I am looking forward to get my first experiences with the

company in France now." Pablo Schildknecht,

Diploma-student

Butler Search Group The Butler Search Group specialises in providing a range of services and solutions to clubs for all management positions below General Manager. Ms Rasheeda Butler visited the IMI campus this semester to recruit future managers for country clubs throughout the US. IMI appreciates the close cooperation with the Butler Search Group.

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“I think the presentation was insightful and very different from all other presentations this semester. I liked the connection Mrs. Butler had with the students. She sold herself as someone who takes care of the students she has recruited. I am looking forward to conduct my management training mediated by Butler Search Group.“ Norman Kiehl, BA-student

Sandals Resorts

Sandals is a diverse collection of 14 of earth's most idyllic luxury

All Inclusive Resorts. Sandals is a uniquely romantic vacation for

couples in love looking to get away from it all and to just be

with each other. IMI welcomed Ms Marion Weinbeer-Holding on

campus for interviews with students about positions in the

Caribbean paradise.

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" I enjoyed the presentation because it was very engaging and Ms. Marion

Holding was very upfront and jovial about the environment at Sandals resorts. The various opportunities

and the chance of gaining international experience made me

apply for Sandals. I am convinced the experience at Sandals will help me in

future. " Purani d/o Murugananthan,

BA-student

Guest Lecturer Mr Pierre Botteron The Vice President of Human Resources from Swissôtel supported the Enterprise Development Planning project for the Higher Diploma students. Additionally, the IMI students benefited from his guest lecture about good leadership practice. The events gave a detailed insight in the practices of an international hotel chain.

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“The project was to build a three star segment for the hotel chain Swissôtel. Mr Botteron’s engagement gave me a better understanding for the requirements of the project. I really enjoyed the presentation, and it really helped me to relate my knowledge in the hospitality industry.” Irina Kuvshinova, Higher Diploma-student

WISE Foundation Student Exchange

The Foundation for Worldwide

International Student Exchange (WISE®) is a non-profit organisation providing international exchange

opportunities to students, youth and adults. As in the previous

semesters IMI welcomed WISE representatives to inform

students about the Visa application process in the US.

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" I was interested in the requirements and opportunities with

the J1 Visa process. Thanks to the very passionate and personalised presentation I am considering my next training to be in the US and I

surely will rely on the support of WISE foundation."

Jurate Tomsonaite, Diploma-student

Jialu Chinese Restaurant Jialu is a Chinese restaurant in Switzerland operated by the IMI Alumnus Ms Jen Liu. The restaurant is unique in its lively passion for authenticity and sustainability. The Jialu became a renowned restaurant for authentic Chinese cuisine in the Luzern area over the past years. Ms Liu came to IMI for presentation and recruitment.

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“The session was very informative and dealt with all students concerns as Ms. Liu was studying at IMI before. Besides the job opportunities Ms. Liu gave a great overview of future career paths after graduation, branching into entrepreneurship. I feel well-prepared and informed regarding my upcoming internship at the Jialu restaurant.” Rachel Chan, BA-student

Guest Lecturer Ms Zehetner-Joore

The IMI Alumnus Ilse Zehetner-

Joore came back to IMI to talk about opportunities and her experiences with KLM in the

airline industry. For all IMI students this was an interesting

excursion in the hospitality industry beyond the usual visitors

from international hotel chains. Ilse is finishing her MBA studies at

IMI this semester.

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"The airline career talk was very interesting, thank you for bringing

this to us!” Dorothy Lo, BA-student

“Nice talk today with the flight attendant, brings back a lot of memories.” Ruishan Zhang, BA-student

Guest Lecturer Mr Kevin Mauffrey The Area Manager from Expedia the largest Online Travel Agency in the World visited IMI to share his experiences about the online travel industry and lecture about e-Marketing. Additionally, he illustrated the career opportunities in this fast growing field of the hospitality industry, which enabled the IMI students to think about a different career.

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“The presentation was really wonderful & we could get an idea about how the online travel business works. The presentation certainly added some important things to our knowledge about the travel industry & answered our questions too. Once again thank you very much & hopefully we will have such presentations in the future as well.” Yogeshsingh Gurjar, Postgraduate Diploma-student

Davidson Hotels/ Placement International

Placement International is a

company specialising in the Hotel Industry that offers visa

J1 positions for students to do internships and management

training programs in properties in the United States. They were

accompanied by Davidson Hotels & Resorts one of the largest

independent hotel management companies in the US.

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"The presentation was very informative and professionally

presented. They gave me various background information and a clear pathway of internship opportunities

in the United States, which urged me to step up and seize the valuable

chance of enhancing my professional knowledge and skills for the next 12

months." Esther Wong,

BA-student

Ligne St. Barth Natural Cosmetics Ligne St. Barth is a producer of the finest natural cosmetic and care products based and operating exclusively from the small Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy, from which the company takes its name. IMI was happy to welcome the very enthusiastic managing director Mr Peter Grein on campus this semester.

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“I found the presentation very interesting for two reasons. The first one was the new insight in Spa Management. The other reason was that the passion Mr Grein had from the starting idea up to the build up of a successful company was very impressive for me. It shows with the right commitment you can overcome all obstacles.” Kimberly Koh, BA-student

Guest Lecturer Mr Carsten Hundertmark

The students from the new Swiss

MBA programme especially benefited from guest lecturer Mr

Carsten Hundertmark. He is a specialist in Spa Management

with a strong background in different Spa companies and now

Managing Director of C.H. Spa Consulting. The Spa Management lectures truly enrich the academic

programme at IMI.

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“Mr Carsten Hundermark is very patient in lecturing and was very

responsive to the interest we have in Spa management. He shared his

great experience to us such as how to set up a spa, the financial cost and

which spas he had worked for. Nevertheless, he always encouraged

us to think outside the box and not to take anything for granted.“

Ian Goh, MBA-student

Guest Lecturer Mr Larry Bowman Larry Bowman works as an Associate Consultant and is a specialist in the ‘people dimensions’ of the international hospitality business. He helps clients to achieve their strategic goals by making effective use of their people as a source of competitive advantage. He visited IMI to give an insight in the consulting branch of the hospitality industry.

"Hospitality consultancy is an emerging and fascinating business in the hospitality industry and Larry Bowman explained the complexity and benefits in the consulting business by using the industry examples. It was an informative and up-to-date knowledge lecture." John Kim, BA-student

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Guest Lecturer Mr Graeme Donald

Graeme Donald has 20 years

experience working in the UK and Europe within the luxury hotel

market. With a wealth of experience in Housekeeping,

Front Office and Revenue Management, his regular visits to

IMI allow students to gain an insight through case studies,

industry related games and formal lectures.

“The revenue management session was very informative and

interactive and made the complex topic of revenue management more understandable and interesting. Mr

Donald shared his various experiences in the industry. It was an

enjoyable class. Ismail Khan,

MBA-student

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Guest Lecturer Mr Pierre Botteron The second visit at IMI from the Vice President of Human Resources at Swissôtel this semester was on the theme of networking. The lecture was combined with an introduction to the IMI Alumni network by the Career Services Department. The number of registered members exceeded 1.000 Alumni in this semester.

“It was very informative in the very sense that it taught me how networking works in building my career. Mr Botteron has in fact shared with me details about their career openings website. I am sure some day I will be able to capitalise greatly from what I learnt in this session.“ Venkat Ekananth Shenoy, Postgraduate Diploma-student

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Email: greta.musu@imi-luzern.com Direct Tel: +41 41 349 6426 Skype: greta.musu.imi-luzern