An internship, for most hospitality students, is their very first taste of life at a workplace. It’s an opportunity to practice all the know-how they’ve picked up during their degree and explore where their interests lie. The internship also gives them a sense of the executive and decision-making skills that they’ll need to excel in this fast-paced industry.

Every student comes to the internship with their own aspirations, hopes, and priorities. Many see this as a way to explore things and figure out what to pursue going forward. Others have very clear-cut goals about what they want to do and how they want to achieve it. The truth is, an internship can be as much or as little as you make of it. There is the core internship project that you’ll have to do, but there are also the interactions you have, the questions you ask, and the extra mile that you go. How can an intern make the most of these?

Antonia Vollet, Employer Relations Director at Swiss Education Group, shares her thoughts on how hospitality students can make the most of their internships. She offers tips on how to navigate workplace relations and shares the importance of making the right connections, especially in terms of gaining potential mentorship and recommendations as one progresses in one’s hospitality career. 

1. What are the key benefits and advantages of completing a hospitality internship? 

An internship gives you the opportunity to bring all your knowledge and learning into practice at an actual workplace. You get to see how concepts are implemented and used, learn which knowledge areas to reinforce, and figure out how to adapt to real-life situations. You also get to make important contacts in the hospitality industry who can be your guides and mentors as you go forward. 

2. How can students set specific goals and expectations for their hospitality internship to make the most of their experience? 

I would recommend going into the internship with an open mind. Of course, having some learning goals is important — you want to develop a deeper understanding of the role you will be undertaking and the departments you will work closely with. However, ultimately you’re going to find that your tasks and responsibilities might change depending on where you’re needed the most. While this might seem confusing, having a ‘big picture’ outlook will help you navigate this. Observe how different departments work and how decisions are taken, and ask questions whenever they occur to you. The more people you interact with, the more relationships you’ll build. 

3. What advice would you give to students on building strong relationships with colleagues and supervisors during their internship? 

It can sometimes be difficult to integrate into a busy department that knows each other well — especially when everyone knows you’re an intern and will only be there for a set amount of time. However, remember that every person you meet there has something to offer you, so take that extra effort to integrate with them. Ask questions and be friendly with everyone, regardless of whether or not you’re on their team. If a different language is spoken at your workplace, try to learn some of the words and ask your colleagues to tell you about the cultural context. If you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat it or write it down — you want to make sure you have everything you need to complete your tasks correctly! Take that extra effort to understand your colleagues and integrate with them. They’ll appreciate you for it.

4. How important is it for interns to actively seek feedback and use it to enhance their performance and professional growth? 

Knowing what you do well and where you can improve is vital to helping you grow in your role. By seeking feedback, you also show that you are interested in what you are doing, and that you can be trusted to complete your project well or even to take on more or different responsibilities. Gather as much information as you can about your performance — it will help you with important future decisions about what career paths to pick and what learning opportunities to take on. 

5. What resources or support systems are available to students during their hospitality internships to help them make the most of their experience? 

At Swiss Education Group, our Careers team checks in on our students regularly and are always there to provide support or assistance as needed. We are very aware that moving into the workplace can be intimidating, and we see time and time again that the first internship can be difficult to adapt to. But we’re also confident that you can do it, with a little time and effort. And we’re here to answer any questions or give you any support you need as you find your own rhythm.

6. How can students make meaningful connections and expand their professional network within the hospitality industry during their internship?

The hospitality industry is an incredibly connected one, and there’s a high chance that your colleagues or your bosses at the internship will be connected to people at your next company. So when you interact with people, make sure to form genuine relationships and to stay connected with them even after you leave. Remember that you never know who the other person knows — someone you worked with here could be a big support for you moving forward!

7. How can students navigate challenges or setbacks during their hospitality internship and turn them into valuable learning experiences? 

I always think that knowing what you dislike is a powerful and underrated asset. It will help you move forward with a clearer vision of what you actually want to do. I also advise students to have an approach where they’re always asking “what can I learn here?” The going can certainly get tough as you navigate a workplace for the first time, but there’s also a tremendous opportunity to learn core skills and build your confidence as you handle challenges. 

 8. What advice would you give to students on maintaining a positive work-life balance and managing their time effectively during their hospitality internship?

Working hours at hospitality internships can be long, so it’s important to ensure that you’re resting enough. You should also get the most out of the new experience by exploring, especially if you’re in a different city or country. Take time out to go on walks, discover the culture, and try new things. As a colleague of mine recently said: ‘if it’s not fun, it's not hospitality!’

About SEG

Swiss Education Group (SEG) is a globally known leader in hospitality education with four schools based across five campuses. Hosting over 6000 students from 110 countries, SEG aims to create exceptional learning experiences for every new joinee and prepare them for a successful global career ahead. Students can choose from various Diplomas, Bachelor’s degrees and Master’s degrees, all of which are conducted in English. Moreover, the Group has partnerships with Washington State University (USA), Northwood University (USA) and the University of Derby (UK) to make sure every qualification is internationally transferable. Students can also benefit from the Group’s Bi-Annual Recruitment Forum, where they can network with industry leaders and access the best career opportunities.