Last week the HSMAI Europe Student Council sat with Emilien Dombele, 3rd year Hospitality Student and the Student Assistant in Admission department at EHL Hospitality & Business School to get to know his dreams and expectations of working in the industry. Read his interview below:
Q. Why did you choose to study Hospitality Management?
I am a person who is people oriented. I get my energy from the interaction with people, so hospitality management was the best choice for me.
Q. Why are you passionate about hospitality? What makes this industry unique?
Hospitality is a small world and there is the “family” that you won’t find in other industries.
Q. What are the biggest challenges as a student in hospitality?
For me, the challenges include mastering various skills such as customer service, time management, and problem-solving, while also balancing academic and work commitments. Other challenges may include adapting to different cultures and languages, dealing with demanding customers, and working long and irregular hours.
Q. The hospitality industry – as many others – faces the challenge of attracting and retaining talent. Do you have any thoughts on this that you would like to share with us?
To attract and retain talent in the hospitality industry, offering competitive compensation and benefits, providing training and career growth opportunities, and creating a positive and supportive work environment can be effective. Employers can also leverage technology and data to better understand employee needs and preferences.
Q. Why did you decide to join the HSMAI Europe Student Council?
It is an honour for me to represent the EHL students in this council. I was already part of EHL student council when I got this opportunity, so I decided to take it further by joining the HSMAI Europe Student Council.
Q. How is HSMAI Europe Student Council helping your studies/students?
The HSMAI Europe Student Council is helping by putting the interest of the various hospitality school across Europe together.
Q. What is your dream job when you graduate?
When I graduate, I want to work in consulting.
Currently The HSMAI Student Council is working hard on preparing the full-day student conference “Hospiality Unlocked” where hospitality students will have a chance to explore opportunities within the hospitality industry. Get your free ticket to the upcoming student conference “Hospitality Unlocked” on May 23rd at SHL in Luzern and meet Emilien and other inspiring students in person!
