Life is Suite: Dorchester Collection selects 2 HIM students for Graduate Training Program

The competition was high and the stakes higher at the Achieve Management Graduate Assessment Day at the Dorchester in London, England. It was a full day event with the power to truly define the future of the 30 carefully selected invitees.

Hotel Institute Montreux is proud to have 2 exceptional students hand selected for this professional opportunity.

What made you interested in working for the Dorchester Collection?

Johanna: I first heard about the Dorchester from a friend and then had the opportunity to learn more about them during the March International Recruitment Forum in Montreux. After speaking with them, the representative unexpectedly requested my CV and followed up with the online assessment. Following the results, I was invited to the Assessment Day.

Benedikt: My first point of contact with them was during the International Recruitment Forum in March where I was invited to participate in the online assessment. I was surprised to be invited to the Assessment Day as I have some time still before I will graduate. During the Assessment Day I was the youngest participant there. My plan is to first undergo an internship with the Dorchester, return to school at HIM then undertake the traineeship following my official graduation next year.

What impressed you about the Dorchester?

Johanna: During the Assessment Day you could feel a very clear ambience that appealed to me right away. Although I went into the day nervous, I quickly became relaxed due to the warm welcome we received. The point was to have fun and we were always encouraged to be ourselves. I believe this is something that transfers over into the professional culture and something I am happy to be a part of.

Benedikt: I was attracted to the Dorchester as they have 10 very exclusive properties in prime locations around the world each offering a different experience. Working for them opens up very interesting international opportunities.

What type of support were you given from the team at Hotel Institute Montreux when applying?

Johanna: Mr. Ellegaard, the HIM Career Coordinator was very supportive. He arranged a one-to-one meeting every week and always followed up with what we were doing. He even contacted the Dorchester directly on our behalf to ask for tips on how to prepare.

Benedikt: Mr. Ellegaard helped by supporting my preparation of my personal speech. I met with him in person to practice, which really helped give me confidence.

What do you think set you apart from the competition?

Johanna: It was clear during the Assessment Day that many of the other candidates had more experience than me. But I think what set me apart was that I was happy talking to people, could make friends easily and was able to comfortably present in front of a large group.  I think living in a culturally diverse hospitality setting prepares you to be natural in an international environment. I used to be very shy and now I realize that since attending HIM I have grown up so much and become professional and confident.

Benedikt: My profile was different than the others as I am younger and less experienced. I’m very open and eager to learn a lot and I think showing this to the decision makers helped me stand out.

Why do you love hospitality?

Johanna: I love hospitality because there are so many surprising and interesting opportunities that can come up. For example last week I was invited by the Schloss Elmau in Germany to work during the G7 Summit. I worked as the security assistant checking badges and had the opportunity to meet President Obama on his way to the gym!

Benedikt: I have been attracted to the hospitality business since I was young. I like to give people good service and really enjoy acting as the host. I also love traveling and languages which is important in the industry.

What do you hope to do after the Ultimate Leaders Programme?

Johanna: I am very excited to learn where the Management Traineeship will lead. But eventually I hope to return to education to complete a Masters in Economics.

Benedikt: I plan to do what it takes to work towards becoming a General Manager of a Hotel. My aim is to reach this goal in the next 10 years!