Q&A with President and CEO of Northwood University Keith Pretty

Friday, June 20^th was graduation day at Hotel Institute Montreux recognizing the achievements of the students and commemorating 30 incredible years for Hotel Institute Montreux (cake was served!). Keith Pretty, President and CEO of Northwood University flew in from Michigan, United States to award Northwood degrees and address the graduating class as the Guest Speaker.

We took the opportunity to sit down with him to learn more about his work with Northwood University and the longstanding partnership with Hotel Institute Montreux.

What do you think are the factors that have contributed to Hotel Institute Montreux and Northwood University’s 12-year relationship?

For any partnership to work there needs to be trust, integrity and mutual interests and desires. In the case of our two schools, we are very honored to partner with HIM because we both put the student first in everything we do. Our shared values include practical learning, internships, the importance of networks and the opportunity to apply learning long before students graduate.

What stands out for you when you travel to Switzerland to visit Hotel Institute Montreux?

Every time I have the opportunity to visit Montreux for a graduation I am so impressed! I am always amazed when they announce the home country of every graduate to see how diverse the population at Hotel Institute Montreux is. I believe that coming from so many different parts of the world gives these students a real leg up to become leaders in the hospitality industry. Most American and global corporations are looking for graduates that aren’t afraid of working in foreign environments and already have cultural awareness. The fact that these students have already stepped outside of their comfort zones shows the quality of the individual and their willingness to take risks with their careers.

Congratulations to Northwood for your recent award recognition by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)!  What does this accreditation bring to HIM’s Bachelor of Business Administration graduates?

This recognition is very important for us and especially relevant to Hotel Institute Montreux due to its international focus. The award standard gives our programs more credibility, helps with recruitment and opens up networks to new job opportunities. In only 7 short months, brand new prospects have already arisen with numerous governments around the world, other academic institutions and corporations.

Northwood University encourages an entrepreneurial and free enterprise approach to business education preparing students for cross-functional careers.  What role can a university play in supporting and nurturing talent after graduation?

A university plays a huge role after graduation especially in today’s rapidly changing business world. What we need to do first and foremost is teach our students how to think, operate and be passionate about lifelong learning opportunities and then provide continuous support.

Our worldwide alumni association has a very strong mentorship program. We provide life-long career advice, Internet based tools and access to job opportunities. People often choose to become entrepreneurs at different moments in their career and sometimes even change direction. We believe that continuing career advancement services are critical to long-term success therefore our mentorship program is open to anyone with a Northwood degree at any stage in their career.

How has your current role as President of Northwood shaped the way that you travel and see the world?

We have over 54,000 alumni working around the world and 56% of them are entrepreneurs. This absolutely shapes my experiences when I travel as I encounter our alumni in so many different sectors. We encourage our graduates to create products, opportunities and wealth and to give back to their local communities. The power of entrepreneurship is strong and we see the benefits across the globe.

Can you identify any cultural differences in hospitality between the Americans and the Swiss?

I think that different cultures can have different expectations. But when it comes to serving customers I think we are completely in synch. We share in the passion to teach our students to serve others.