Wrapping Up the HSMAI Europe Commercial Career Start Program 2025: Starting point into the commercial field within the hospitality industry
Less than a year ago, HSMAI Europe announced a new and ambitious initiative aimed at attracting and developing young talent in commercial roles within the hospitality industry: HSMAI Europe Commercial Career Start Program. The idea was born out of HSMAI Europe’s Student Council, recognizing the need for a program like this.
The program was specifically designed to support hospitality final-year students and recent graduates in transitioning from studying to their first roles in sales, revenue, or marketing in the industry. You can read more about the program here.
This year’s edition was proudly supported by Marriott International, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Accor, with most sessions delivered by professionals from these partner companies. A special thank you goes out to the more than 30 industry professionals who contributed their time and expertise—this program wouldn’t have been possible without you!
Thank you to the HSMAI Foundation for supporting our efforts to attract, develop, and engage young talent.
Feedback from Participants
As the first edition wraps up, we’re excited and proud to share some highlights from the participant feedback (gathered anonymously).
The overall experience was rated an average of 8.48 out of 10—a strong endorsement from the emerging talent we aim to support.
In our evaluation, we asked how helpful the program was in three key areas:
- Understanding whether this discipline aligns with their career aspirations – Most participants rated this as helpful or very helpful.
- Preparing for the first months on the job – Many found it helpful.
- Gaining confidence to enter the job market – This area received especially strong ratings, with a majority finding it very helpful.
And when asked “How likely are you to recommend this program to other students and recent graduates?”, the average rating was 8.62 out of 10 — which speaks for itself.
In Their Own Words: What Participants Had to Say
“After completing my Master’s in Management, I was uncertain about which direction to take in my career. The HSMAI Europe Commercial Career Start Program opened my eyes to the many exciting and diverse career paths within the hospitality industry that I hadn’t previously considered.
Thanks to the program and the incredible participants I had the chance to learn alongside, I’m leaving with practical tools to launch my professional journey, and the confidence to grow into a future leader in this industry. I’m truly grateful for this experience and highly recommend it to anyone looking to start a meaningful career in hospitality.”
– João Sequeira, a recent graduate of NOVA School of Business and Economics, completed the Sales and Revenue track.
“Insightful sessions to have a great start in a commercial career in hospitality!”
– Fedde Wopke Christoffel Custers, a final-year student at Breda University of Applied Sciences, completed the Sales and Revenue tracks.
“The program provides valuable insights into the commercial side of the hospitality industry. Participants have the opportunity to engage with numerous successful professionals who are open to questions and eager to support others in their careers. The program is well-organised and structured in a way that delivers the essential knowledge needed for the first months in an entry-level role, all in an engaging format. It offers a comprehensive view of how to secure and succeed in an entry-level commercial position, with guidance from experienced HR professionals. After completing the program, I feel more confident in applying for and entering a commercial role in the hospitality industry.”
– Oana Buleandră, a recent graduate of Hotel Management School Maastricht, completed the Sales, Revenue, and Marketing tracks.
The HSMAI Europe Commercial Career Start Program fills a critical gap in the industry—there’s currently no other initiative focused specifically on helping hospitality students and recent graduates transition into commercial roles. This program was created exactly for that purpose: to support young talent through the first steps in their careers.
As one participant said, “The program also gives one the hope that if you are motivated and eager to learn you can do whatever you aspire for”.
What’s Next?
Supporting the next generation of leaders is one of HSMAI Europe’s key strategic priorities. The Commercial Career Start Program is just one part of a broader vision to attract, develop, and engage young talent. Here’s what’s coming next:
- Future YOU events this autumn in Oslo, Manchester, and Rotterdam (with more cities to be announced) — aimed at reaching high school, college, and university students early, helping them discover rewarding (and sometimes unexpected) career paths in the hospitality industry.
- University membership expanded beyond the Student Council, giving all students and recent graduates the opportunity to be part of HSMAI Europe.
- Volunteering opportunities launching in September, offering young people meaningful ways to get involved and contribute.
- HSMAI Europe Commercial Career Start Program 2026 — back, improved, and even bigger!
Thank you to everyone involved — those who helped develop the program, the speakers who shared their time and expertise, the educational institutions for their cooperation, our program partners for their support, and of course, the participants for your interest and participation.
