How an HIM Graduate turned a disappointing rejection into his dream job

Timid or shy would not be the first words used when describing recent HIM graduate Ayrton Vencatachellum.  Born and raised in the hotel industry in Mauritius, for the first 16 years of his life Ayrton worked in every corner of his parents’ hotel getting to know the guests and learning the hospitality trade from the inside.

Ayrton learned from a young age that you should never shy away from going after what you want. This drive and determination has landed Aryton a role as an Account Executive in a Swiss-based marketing agency – an opportunity almost unheard of for an inexperienced graduate right out of university.

What skills and job seeking tactics did Ayrton use to pursue his dream? We ask him in our Q&A.

Why did you choose to study at Hotel Institute Montreux?
I knew that I wanted to study hospitality in Switzerland, as it is renowned to be the best in the world. Choosing which school was a bit challenging at first but once I visited the Montreux campus I knew it was exactly where I wanted to be.

“From the historical hotel setting, the partnership with Montreux Jazz Festival to the arts and literature and business focused curriculum, I knew that HIM would be the place where my life would change.”

What made you pursue a marketing position with an agency?
Mr. Karlström from the Marketing Agency, the Magic Pencil hosted lectures twice a year to my Marketing Specialization class at HIM. I found him very inspiring and from day 1 was convinced that I would do everything I could to try and work for him.

What were your expectations when applying for the job?
I knew very clearly that applying for a position with a marketing agency without experience was a long shot!

“But I was willing to put in the effort to prove myself and make sacrifices in order to achieve my goal. It took me 1 full year of trying (with rejections) before I was hired.”

Here is how it unfolded:

Spring 2014:
I contacted my marketing lecturer to see if she could connect me with Mr. Karlström. At this stage I only had funds in my account that would last me for 3 weeks. 3 weeks came and went very quickly and I was forced to return home to find work for the summer.

I spent the summer working in Mauritius.

Autumn 2014:
The autumn came and I was back in school. Finally in November Mr. Karlström called me! He asked me what I was looking for. I told him very simply an opportunity for an interview to share what I had to offer.

Winter 2015:
Mr. Karlström invited me for an interview in February. But after the interview (which went very well), he told me that I didn’t have enough experience. He invited me to apply online – which I did. However because I did not have enough experience my application didn’t make it through to the second round.

I called and left a message explaining that I was still interested. No response.

I called again and left another message. No response.

I sent a follow-up email persistently demonstrating that I was very interested. He responded! He said that he thought I was a pain in the a$$ but he was impressed by my determination. He offered me a 2-week trial period.

Spring 2015:
During my term break I spent 2 weeks at the Magic Pencil and completely clicked with the team. During that period there were some internal changes happening that offered an opportunity for me to demonstrate my talents and stand out. Based on my performance and the quick relationships I built, I was offered the position of Junior Account Executive!

It is practically unheard of for a new graduate without experience to work as an Account Executive for an Agency, why do you think you stood out?
Well other than my determination, I think my client service and customer relation’s skills played a big role. In my hospitality degree we were taught the importance of making the customer happy.

“My responsibility is to make sure each of our clients is not only satisfied with our work but enjoy working with us too. My hospitality skills are put to good use every day in my professional life.”

What skills did you learn at HIM that serve you in your current role?
One of the key skills I learned at HIM that serves me in this role is how to smile on the phone. Even though it can be difficult some days, I have learned that a genuine hospitality greeting goes a long way. A lot of industries aren’t used to Swiss hospitality treatment and today, because of my professional approach I am confident that all of my clients now know who I am.

What advice do you have for HIM students trying to pursue their dreams?
Don’t give up and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes will happen because as a fresh graduate you still have a lot to learn about the professional world but don’t let that deter you. I also recommend finding a mentor if you can. Mr. Karlström has now become an incredibly important person in my life. I feel like I can count on him for anything.