Ronan Fitzgerald, COO: On Embracing Change, Student Room Service, and Writing on Walls

We asked Ronan Fitzgerald, Chief Operating Officer of the Swiss Education Group and the man responsible for leading the development of 21st century learning tools and study environments across our 7 campuses. Ronan oversees the strategic planning and operational management of the Swiss Education Group schools, ensuring daily operations is up to the highest standard, running effectively and efficiently and meeting the evolving demands of the next generation of students. Read his interview below.

What makes coming into work everyday interesting?

The best part of my job is having direct contact with our staff and students. Working in an international and multicultural environment is very rewarding. In particular being invited to participate in banquets, major events like Freddie For A Day and academic project launches ensures everyday is interesting. It is very inspiring to watch them join us as students and leave as hospitality professionals ready to take on the world.

How does Swiss Education Group stay ahead of the competition?

It has a lot to do with the freedom we have to take an idea and run with it! Within Swiss Education Group there is a strong spirit of openness to new ideas and the desire to be innovative and entrepreneurial – this extends from staff to student and from student to staff. If someone comes up with a great idea, we are very quick to say – yes lets do it! My job is to listen to suggestions, embrace exciting ideas and create an environment that is ready for change.

How do you find the balance between staying true to Swiss traditions and innovation in learning?

We believe in the importance of the traditions of Swiss hospitality and live and teach these principles in and outside of the classroom. Swiss Education Group has always and will continue to provide our students with a dynamic and flexible approach to learning that is truly revolutionizing our schools.

We saw an opportunity and we took it when we became the first hospitality school in the world to launch 1:1 iPad technology in the classroom. Flexible learning environments that can fluidly move from a lecture to a breakout session have replaced the conventional classroom in our schools. We invested in Ideapaint allowing our students to write on their desks and walls serving their creative process. Interaction and group work is given priority and when technology can augment the learning experience it is carefully investigated, selected and integrated into our programmes.

How do you keep up with the latest innovations and trends in education?

The most important thing we can do is listen to our students. They set the tone for energy, commitment, creativity and willingness and we do everything we can to support the changing learning needs of the next generation.

We continuously renovate our physical environments and do so in line with the needs of the industry. Our faculty undergoes ongoing academic training and we always look at ways technology can improve teaching and learning.

What role do the buildings play in enhancing the learning experience across Swiss Education Group?

It was a conscious decision from the beginning that almost all of our schools are renovated historical hotels. Our focus is hospitality education and it is a natural fit for us to offer our education in an authentic setting. Our students are truly living, studying and working in a hotel environment. They reserve their accommodation, interact with the same departments that are present in a hotel, work in service, enjoy fine dining experiences, organize and host private events and even have room service! We believe that there must always be a practical application in learning and we even extend this to the living environment.

What has been your most rewarding professional achievement with Swiss Education Group?

The most rewarding achievement is the fact that over 11 years I have worked in a number of different roles in the organization and I have been happy in every one! Since my early days as a lecturer at Hotel Institute Montreux, Managing Director at César Ritz Colleges to leading Operations for SEG, I have found joy and pride in my work. The opportunity to maintain and improve quality in this growing organisation is a real privilege.

What do you hope to achieve by 2020?

Personally, I hope to do everything I can to help Swiss Education Group continue to be a leader in hospitality education. My success is strongly linked to the success of the staff and students of our schools. I am proud of the work that has been done to date and am confident we are headed for a strong future.