22 Weeks to a Brand New Life: A Hospitality Success Story

Working in the Food & Beverage Department in Cost Control, you will find Hotel Institute Montreux graduate MariaViviana Scarcella. A dynamic and determined young professional, MariaViviana made the life-changing decision to return to school for her Post Graduate Diploma in Hospitality Management. Within less than a year, her dream to have a career in hospitality is coming true! Here’s her story.

Counting the Days
I did my first degree in Economics and Finance at the Carlos Cattaneo University in Castellanza, a small town close to Milan. This education led me to a job with Deloitte then a role with the Cost Control and Marketing Department at the Mediolanum Bank in Milan. It was during this experience at the bank that I made the decision to do something special for myself and take the steps necessary to follow my dream to work in a hotel. I wanted change, to grow and improve and more importantly a career where I could run!

Return to Education
I researched to find the best institute to give me the overview and base I needed for a career in hospitality management. After looking online I found the Swiss Education Group, which led me to the Hotel Institute Montreux. After many conversations on the phone I took the leap and visited Montreux in July 2014 where I had the opportunity to tour the campus, interact with other students and meet the Dean. Almost immediately, I knew that this was the place for me! My first day of classes was in October 2014.

A Life Changing Experience
I can clearly say that the 22 weeks I spent at the Hotel Institute Montreux was the most important experience of my life. If I could do it again – I wouldn’t change a thing! During my studies I met so many special people and felt completely supported by the teachers. And of course it has opened the doors to my dream to work in hospitality.

Determination + Passion = Recruited
During my first month at the Hotel Institute Montreux I attended the International Recruitment Forum where I first discovered my attraction to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Following an informative session they hosted, I immediately arranged to talk to the Human Resources representative. During this discussion I learned that there were opportunities in a new location in Milan and I was determined to work for them! The following day I began my research through Linked-In. I contacted the HR Director in Milan and asked for the opportunity to send him my CV. A few days later he contacted me. After 4 different and challenging interviews I was invited to meet with the General Manager who officially welcomed me to the team in early 2015.

The GM told me he was looking for motivated and passionate young people looking for a sense of belonging. He was impressed that I graduated from Hotel Institute Montreux as it carried a very strong reputation for him! I felt enourmously proud of my education in this moment.

Returning Home
I am so excited to share that I will begin working next month for the first Mandarin Oriental in Italy opening in Milan. I will be working for the Food & Beverage Department in Cost Control, combining my financial background with my passion for hospitality. For me, the Mandarin Oriental represents the best expression of hospitality, combining elegance with high standards of guest care.

A moment to take it all in
Within less than a year my life has completely changed! It’s hard to describe in words the feeling that I have. I have achieved everything that I wanted and can’t wait to follow this new path and continue to grow. I believe that if you have a great passion and motivation you can achieve anything you want in life!