Even though the hospitality industry is facing hard times, due to the pandemic, a master’s degree in hospitality is still a solid choice for the future, according to Till Gasser, a student of EHL’s Master of Science in Global Hospitality Business.
Having started the program in February of 2020, Till had to adapt his expectations and study habits to the extraordinary situation, but he discovered some unexpected strengths in this experience. Here is what he wished to share with others who are facing the choice between continuing education, or hitting the job market, in these unprecedented times.
Preparing for future opportunities
While we may not know exactly what the future will bring, two things are for sure: change brings opportunity, and a graduate degree prepares you to seize opportunities when they arise.
“I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to educate myself further, and I believe it is the right time to do so,” Till explains, “The desire to travel is still very present and the hospitality industry has proven its resilience through past crises; therefore, I’m confident that once things ease, the travel and tourism industry will recover quickly to mirror pre-pandemic times.”
He added, “During this time of uncertainty, it is also advantageous to learn more about the impact on the industry, and to prepare for the shifts it will be making in the future.”
First-hand insights into digital transformation
Till made an excellent point about digital transformation when he said: “Learning in the digital classroom, and under current circumstances, gives us insights into the processes of digital transformation, which provides us with important experiences for our professional future.”
Indeed, his class went from in-person lectures to digital classes in just a few weeks, and the transition was smooth.
“From the start (in February 2020), EHL provided us with a “hyflex” option to follow the lectures virtually. Using cameras and microphones in the classrooms, students can virtually interact with the ongoing lectures. The classes are also recorded, so we have the chance revisit everything that had been discussed. When it became obligatory to study from our dorms, everything was already up and running.”
The school even managed to make an effective online introduction week, which proves that digital channels can be good for social integration as well:
“My roommate from India had to quarantine prior to joining the campus, so he missed the first week that is full of presentations and ice breaking activities. He was very grateful to attend the intro week virtually, and it helped him to integrate the classes and introduce himself to his fellow classmates.”
Developing soft-skills for the future
We live in a world where things happen, and the rules of the game can change quickly. How to deal with unpleasant change is one lesson that the MGH students are getting a crash course in right now, as Till pointed out, when asked if he felt the communication with the school was clear and strong enough.
“Yes,” he answered, “there is enough communication and assistance in place to adapt to the new processes, but we also feel responsible to continuously check the (Swiss) government’s website. Seeing this example from EHL’s leadership has been a valuable lesson for us on how to communicate clearly to create a sense of cohesion and solidarity.”
Clearly, this program is a perfect place for honing one’s soft skills, especially communication skills, for a fast-changing, digital world.
The online learning advantages
Compared to in-person learning, the digital university experience has its pros and cons. Yet Till pointed out one clear advantage: a greater focus on subject matter.
“Educationally, the situation allows us to focus more on the studies, which is great. We currently have lectures about business strategies in Europe, Middle East and Africa, which I find particularly interesting. We learn how to analyse and make decisions, and how sustainably affects the hospitality business. In the upcoming weeks, we will have several guest speakers from the UK, Switzerland and Belgium, which I am very excited about.”
Additionally, research suggests that online learning is beneficial for student’s digital literacy, improving writing and team work skills in the online environment.
Pioneering the future of travel and guest experiences
The Master of Science in Global Hospitality Business takes place in three universities on three continents: EHL in Switzerland, Hong Kong Polytechnic University in China, and Houston University, in Dallas, Texas, USA. Consequently, the MGH students are learning firsthand what the “new normal” looks like for travel and tourism worldwide.
“There are certainly some aspects that come less into play,” Till admits, “Nevertheless, we are all hoping that the situation eases soon, so that we have the chance to experience the social and cultural aspects in Asia and the US even more extensively. Of course, the information we are receiving will be more cohesive, if we are immersed in the respective foreign countries.”
On the upside, these students are gaining empathy and insights into the difficulties and disappointments that travellers and guests sometimes face. What better way to prepare for the guest experiences and business challenges of the future?
A final recommendation
Till left us with a final word for candidates considering this program:
“I would recommend the program to everyone, but I would manage their expectations by communicating the adaptations due to the pandemic,” he explained. “When I applied for the MGH, I knew what could possibly happen due to the pandemic. I knew that the cancellation of business field trips and virtual classes could become a reality, which has now been confirmed. Nevertheless, I am very happy with my decision. I am very positive that this program is an excellent steppingstone for my future and that it is giving me experience and skills to further enhance my international profile.”