The World’s Best Hotels recruit from the World’s Best Hospitality Schools

Since its launch in 2008, Swiss Education Group’s (SEG) International Recruitment Forum (IRF) has served as a premier biannual event, linking students from SEG schools with recruiters across diverse industries. This exclusive career platform offers students a rare chance to connect with hiring partners from fields like hospitality, luxury retail, banking, airlines, and cruise lines. This IRF welcomed around one hundred esteemed properties and companies, all actively in search of new talent.

16 of the World’s 50 Best Hotels of 2024 at the 32nd edition of the IRF

The October 2024 IRF was particularly exceptional. Not only was it the 32nd edition of this renowned recruitment forum, several participating properties this year had recently been featured in The World’s 50 Best ranking.

These properties are no strangers to the IRF; they have been regular participants over the years, with numerous SEG students and staff having built careers within their ranks. SEG sees their consistent involvement in the IRF as a testament to the quality of our students. After all, to be among the World’s 50 Best properties, hiring the world’s best hospitality students is essential.

16 of our participating properties and groups were among the prestigious "World’s 50 Best Hotels" list and we congratulate the following partners: 

• #3 Rosewood Hong Kong

• #4 Cheval Blanc Paris

• #5 The Upper House, Hong Kong (Swire Group)

• #12 Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

• #14 Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

• #15 Hôtel de Crillon, Paris (Rosewood Group)

• #18 Maroma, Riviera Maya (Belmond)

• #19 Four Seasons Firenze

• #22 Bulgari Tokyo 

• #23 The Lana, Dubai 

• #24 Rosewood São Paulo

• #28 Mount Nelson, Cape Town (Belmond)

• #30 The Carlyle, New York 

• #32 Four Seasons, Madrid

• #34 Four Seasons at The Surf Club, Surfside

• #42 Castello di Reschio, Lisciano Niccone

The Importance of Recruitment Fairs  

To truly grasp the impact of the IRF, we must listen to the recruiters themselves. Representatives from leading hotels and hotel groups shared their experiences and perspectives, shedding light on why the IRF is a cornerstone event in their recruitment strategies and what they are seeking and finding in the SEG schools’ students.

Rosewood: Creating Authentic Hospitality Experiences

Thierry Kuhn, Director of Talent Acquisition at Rosewood, emphasizes that Rosewood properties are ranked highly due to their commitment to ultra-luxury and personalized service. Rosewood’s properties, such as Rosewood Hong Kong (#3) and Hôtel de Crillon (#15), and Rosewood São Paulo (#24) are renowned for their immersive guest experiences, requiring staff who can anticipate and fulfill nuanced guest needs. Kuhn highlights that ultra-luxury hospitality extends beyond standard service; it’s about understanding guests holistically to enhance their experiences at every level. Rosewood looks for talent that brings not only operational skills but also the curiosity and empathy needed to exceed guest expectations.

In the world of ultra luxury, it's not just about not serving and delivering now, but it's about anticipating, understanding what's next, and having a more holistic view in terms of what would be the client experience and what they would be looking for. 

Kuhn values the diverse pool of talent at Swiss Education Group’s IRF, noting it as a standout among Swiss hospitality schools. This diversity aligns well with Rosewood's global expansion, particularly across Asia and the Middle East, where language skills and cultural understanding are crucial. He advises international students to consider the strategic advantages of returning to their home countries to peruse their internships, especially given Europe’s visa complexities. Kuhn finds that bachelor’s students often have an edge in placement due to their substantial hands-on experience, which is essential for the operational roles that Rosewood’s growth demands.

In terms of personality, Kuhn stresses that Rosewood seeks individuals with a genuine enthusiasm for customer interaction and an intuitive approach to service. Candidates should be adept at anticipating guest needs—going beyond fulfilling requests to offer personalized touches that elevate the guest experience. Kuhn believes these qualities set candidates apart, and he encourages students to develop their communication and soft skills, as these are vital for creating positive, memorable interactions with both guests and colleagues.

LVMH: Belmond Group and Cheval Blanc

Belmond and Cheval Blanc, both under the LVMH umbrella, exemplify an extraordinary commitment to luxury and operational excellence. Joe Maher, Global Director of Talent Acquisition, highlights that both brands highly value practical experience for interns, emphasizing that hands-on operational exposure is essential to developing future leaders in luxury hospitality. Maher describes Belmond’s approach as blending uncompromising standards with rich, authentic settings, capturing the unique essence of each property. Properties like Maroma, Riviera Maya (#18) and Mount Nelson, Cape Town (#28) embody this approach, delivering an experience that is distinctively local yet globally refined. Maher noted that the IRF is an ideal venue for connecting with motivated students who are driven to excel in luxury hospitality, with a particular focus on sectors like Food & Beverage (F&B)—an area Belmond is championing within its operations.

The students seem very clear on what their ambition and their aim is. The people that have come to see us have come to see us because they have researched us and they knew our region.

Cheval Blanc, represented at the IRF by Julie, shares this dedication to luxury, known for its “attentive excellence” that distinguishes properties like Cheval Blanc Paris (#4 globally). With an impressive staff-to-guest ratio, Cheval Blanc’s commitment to personalized service is unmatched, with each property delivering a bespoke experience. The integration with other LVMH brands, such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Hublot, elevates Cheval Blanc’s unique appeal, offering guests exclusive touches that set it apart in the world of luxury hotels. Julie pointed out that students interested in guest-facing roles in France would need fluency in French, though flexibility is extended for other roles, emphasizing LVMH’s dedication to cultivating versatile, high-caliber talent.

We are lucky that we are able to work with different brands from LVMH. We're working with Dior, with Louis Vuitton, and with Repossi and Hublot for the jewelry as well. So that makes a difference between Cheval Blanc and the other hotel brands in LVMH. And, maybe one of these lucky students will be there. We hope so!

Both brands seek students who not only demonstrate a passion for hospitality but also show an eagerness to grow within the broader LVMH ecosystem. This aligns with the group’s global expansion plans, including the highly anticipated Cheval Blanc opening in the Seychelles. From guest-facing roles to specialized functions across HR, marketing, and finance, LVMH provides numerous career pathways for students, nurturing long-term growth for those with the skills and dedication to embody its luxury standards.

Castello di Reschio, Lisciano Niccone

Reschio stands as an embodiment of Italian heritage and refined luxury, blending design, nature, and a unique family-driven ethos. Established in 1994 by the Bolza family, Reschio’s origins lie in transforming an abandoned estate into a breathtaking retreat in the heart of Umbria. The younger Reschio Hotel project, now in its fourth season, includes a restored 1,600-hectare estate featuring a 36-room castle hotel, 25 villas, and extensive grounds with facilities like an equestrian theater and private lake. The estate’s architectural design, managed by CEO and interior designer Count Benedikt Bolza, along with an in-house creative team, brings an unparalleled authenticity to every element, creating a seamless blend of history, artistry, and natural beauty.

At the IRF, Ilaria Mazone from Reschio highlighted the brand’s search for interns who naturally align with the estate’s values of meticulous attention to detail, warmth, and synergy with the environment. Reschio seeks individuals with genuine curiosity and an open demeanor, qualities that help them thrive in a family-like setting focused on authenticity. The team values body language and natural communication styles as much as technical skills, looking for candidates who can contribute to an atmosphere where even the smallest actions, from plating a dish to writing an email, are infused with care. This emphasis on personal and professional growth has led several interns to build long-term careers within Reschio, progressing from entry-level roles to higher responsibilities like guest relations.

The students here, I perceive that they have a more natural approach which resonates for us. We really look into the students, their style and mannerisms. We look for uniqueness in our employees.

With over 260 employees spanning diverse areas—including gardening, agronomy, architecture, and hospitality—Reschio offers interns exposure to a multifaceted operation rooted in sustainability and cultural preservation. The estate also produces its own wine, olive oil, gin, and honey, reflecting a commitment to self-sufficiency and the land’s natural resources. Mazone emphasized that students interested in experiencing a holistic approach to hospitality will find unparalleled opportunities at Reschio, where each role contributes to a carefully crafted guest experience that is as welcoming as it is sophisticated.

SEG’s Role in Shaping Future Hospitality Leaders  

Recruiters from top-tier hotels consistently emphasize the unique qualities of SEG students, which make them highly valued in the hospitality industry. SEG’s four schools, each with its distinct specialization, prioritize a comprehensive education that spans all facets of the industry—from culinary arts to finance and management. This ensures students graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a broad range of roles. SEG’s global perspective also aligns well with the international nature of hospitality, where employees regularly engage with guests from diverse backgrounds.

Today’s recruiters seek candidates who are adaptable, versatile, and skilled in providing excellent service even under challenging conditions. SEG students, with their wide-ranging skill sets and international mindset, are particularly well-prepared to meet these evolving demands.

Diverse Pathways in Hospitality Careers  

The hospitality industry offers an array of career opportunities beyond the traditional path of moving from operations into management. students have the opportunity and the flexibility to explore various areas within hospitality, such as finance, marketing, data analysis, and even sectors beyond hospitality. The IRF acts as a crucial link between students eager to begin their careers and some of the world’s most prestigious hotels, including those listed in the World’s 50 Best Hotels rankings. This forum underscores SEG’s commitment to preparing students for success across diverse roles and challenges, cementing its reputation as a vital platform for aspiring hospitality professionals and renowned global hotel brands alike.