From Wedding Planner to Airline Business from Consultant, to Lecturer to Store Manager with Starbucks; Sales and Marketing at famous luxury hotels all over the world; Working at a Gordon Ramsay restaurant, District Sales for Jamaican Tourism Board all those are few but always impressive stories who could better not be told as through the voice of our alumni.
We at IMI believe in transparency and we know that our alumni is the best marketing we could ever dream of, BUT only if we do a great job and enable them to start a professional career and fullfill their dreams. Therefore read below some of the testimonies and mails we have recieved from our alumni and follow their success stories. To get an honest idea of what our alumni have achieved, go to facebook and connect with our IMI group ( "IMI-Luzern2.0") and get into touch with our alumni to hear their stories and learn about their career paths
A Selection of stories from 2008 (we did not alter them)
IMI strives for Employability for its students, here one proof.
In December 08 still student at IMI, now in January 09 already appointed Guest Relations Officer with Royal Caribbean Cruises- IMI Alumni Efi Ella from Israel starts impressively into his professional career.
From IMI Alumni Xiao-Hong Raemy, Yvonne (IMI 2000- 2002)
Greeting from Fert ChinaGate in Geneva! My name is Xiao-Hong Raemy-Weng, I have shared 4 wonderful years with IMI and was known as Yvonne. It's such amazing time in my life that I meet regularly some ex-colleagues to recall each drop of our IMI life. After my graduation in 2002, I firstly worked for a renowed luxury swiss hotel in spa team, I then engaged by an international hotel chain which the headquaters are based in Lausanne as Key Account Manager for the Asian markets development.
Last September, I joined Fert, which was established in Geneva since 1871, a specialist in tailor-made luxury travel with today hundreds employees. Our Chinese market represents 45% of the total turnover of our incoming service.
Currently, I am working in a division of Fert called ChinaGate as Project Manager. A specialized team to assist swiss companies, notably in tourism, education and health wishing to develop the Chinese market with a strong focus on media, public relation, event and operation. Our representative offices in China (Beijing and Shanghai) with 10 local and swiss staffs opened already since 1998. For more information regarding ChinaGate, please refer to www.fert.com/china
From IMI Alumni Dewi Karmawan, Indonesia (IMI 1994-1997)
I was glad to be at IMI and IMI has made myself as what I am now. Started as a Guest Relations Officer at Le Meridien Nirwana in 1997-1998, I then took a different challenge as a Senior Guest Relations at newly opened Hard Rock Hotel Bali. In 2001, I was promoted to Assistant Manager Guest Relations to appreciate my effort. After few years worked in operational area, I had a chance to start my career in Marketing Communications Department. I found that it's very interesting to work in this division! I began my position as a Marketing Communications Coordinator. Hard Rock as an entertainment hotel, hosted various events, I had a lot of chance to meet with celebrities as well as International media. Had alot of fun.....! 3 years later, I was promoted to Assistant Marketing Communications Manager. After 7 years working with Hard Rock Hotel, I decided myself to join Grand Hyatt Bali in Nusa Dua. Still in a similar position.... Grand Hyatt Bali was under refurbishment at that time and I felt my role is similar to the pre-opening task which includes rebranding, renewing all collaterals, etc. Grand Hyatt Bali was an official hotel and host for the Commonwealth Tennis Classic Tournament where International women tennis players stayed and competed here. In September 1997, we hosted a PATA luncheon in our new Grand Ballroom when it's first opened. I felt grateful as I have achieved the goal and became promoted as a Public Relations Manager. I am proud to be a member of Hyatt family, it gives me a lot of chance to expand my network and develop my skill. Last but not least, I would like to thanks to IMI with what it has been given!
From IMI alumni Michael Schwarz wrote following lines to our Dean:
A very good memory indeed - It was first Hilton and then Hyatt - That was where i did two trainee programs right after graduating from IMI. I've then worked for 2 years as sales manager with Starwood before leaving operations and moving into consultancy. I am now working with the London office of HVS International. Job is great. I get to travel all over Europe to value hotels and perform feasibility studies. really interesting and good fun. I do enjoy it a lot.
From IMI alumni Nour El Din Khalil currently employed by Banyan Tree hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. End 2008 Nour won the Customer Delight, additionally he wrote to us:
Greetings from Bangkok! I thought you would also like to know that I earned an earlier award this year in October for being the top up-seller in the front office department by convincing guests to upgrade to higher floors, larger sweets and more benefits by paying just a little bit more. Please find the attached internal newsletter and read the article on the top-right of the second page.
From IMI alumni Sasidhar Thathapudi
The marketing picture tour, i am attaching my pictures from my previous employer At Hotel InterContinental- (5star deluxe) -Dammam-Saudi Arabia. Which are my demonstrations in kitchen with the chefs, and the recognition received by the executive chef and general manager of the hotel.
From IMI alumni Mochamad Suryadharma Sasradipoera (Harry) Director of Sales JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta
First of all, allow me to introduce myself as one of the alumni from IMI. I joined in 2000 for higher diploma and finished my degree in 2002. I also took 6 months internship at Best Western Hotel Luzern in F&B. During this period, I was also President of PERMISWISS - association of Indonesian IMI students and alumni - from 2002-2006.
I came back to Jakarta in 2002 and got my first job as Catering Sales Executive and then Sales Executive at Hyatt Aryaduta Hotel for almost 2 years. in 2004, I joined with the most luxurious hotel in Jakarta called The Dharmawangsa a Rosewood Hotel & Resort as Sales Manager for one year before finally working for Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta also as Sales Manager.
in 2006, I decided to work with one of the biggest hotel chain Marriott Hotel as Senior Sales Manager at JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta. one year later, my career moved to the next level as an Assistant Director of sales. In 2007, I won the prestigious award from Marriott International as Best Sales Leader Region Asia Pacific. I was also the winner for Leadership of the Year 2007 at JW Marriott Jakarta. In July 2008, I was appointed as Director of Sales.
Having studied at an International School like IMI and worked with best hotel chains such as Marriott Int'l, Hyatt, Four Seasons and Rosewood in Sales and Marketing has certainly developed my knowledge and skills. IMI is one of the keys to my career achievements and I am proud to be the alumni of IMI and will always be an ambassador of IMI.
From IMI alumni Cherrez Ake Victor Manuel, Mexico we received following report:
Here is my story of what I have achieved until now. First of all, I am very thankful to IMI since they gave me the opportunity to enlarge not only my theoretical knowledge with regards to international business, but also to understand international cultures, what has an immense influence on my present career. My career at Starbucks started in 2005, where I worked for Starbucks during six months as Shift Supervisor, leading a team of 8 to 12 employees. After having obtained my Bachelor of Arts in International Hotel und Tourism Management in December 2006, I came back to Starbucks in February 2007 with other purposes. I started working as Shift Supervisor, however with aim of managing one of the retail stores in the near future. After having demonstrated my interest and understanding in Starbucks' core business in the first five months of work, I moved one step forward: I was promoted to Assistant Store Manager. In this position I had the chance to demonstrate my creativity, business analysis knowledge and the improvement of standard operating procedures in the business, planning and organizing. As Assistant Store Manager I worked in different Starbucks in the region of Zürich until May 2008 when I was given the opportunity to manage a retail store. As a result, since June 2008 I have been in the position of Retail Store Manager from Starbucks Max Bill-Platz in Oerlikon Zürich.
Stood out performance? Reality for IMI alumni G. Shervington working as district sales manager for western USA for the Jamaica Tourist Board:
The choice of studying in Switzerland was to learn from the best; a country rated number one in the world for hospitality training (The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2007). The choice of IMI for pursuing the MBA was due mainly to the wealth of expertise of the lecturers, considered experts in their field, with numerous publications in recent years. These include Professor Ray Pine, in the area of Globalization Strategy in the Hospitality Industry; Professor Mike Hitchcock, who wrote his doctoral thesis at the University of Oxford on Asian Business Culture; and Professor Ray Pine, in Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management.
"I also thought it beneficial to immerse myself in the tourism capital of Switzerland, Luzern, so I could experience each and every component of the industry in this efficient culture that runs like clockwork, and the 'icing on the cake' was learning German as a foreign language."
From IMI alumni Andy Choi, South Korea we received following email update:
My Name is Andy Choy i studied in HDC06A I am now currently working in Hilton Dubai Creek UAE as a "Demi Chef de Partie" in Verre by Gordon Ramsay's. I also selected into the Hilton elevator Assesment centre. I really miss My time when i am in switzerland i really enjoy the experience and hope that i will visit switzerland once again soon or even have the opportunity to work in Switzerland.
From IMI alumni Christian Lo we received following email:
Can't describe it in words though, but one thing for sure, everything I have learnt and experienced my time back in IMI is really supported my professional career and development growth and because of IMI also, I could have my career as now.
Christian Lo works today as Senior Sales Manager, Sales & Marketing at Ascott International Management, Indonesia
Many More
From IMI alumni Fredrik Blomqvist we received following success story:
Greetings from Four Seasons Philadelphia! Long time no news!! A few years have passed by since we were in contact last time and I am sure many things have changed at the IMI. I am writing to you, informing you that I am now based at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia as General Manager.
Please see below one of the press releases:
Philadelphia (September 11, 2008) - Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia is pleased to announce Fredrik Blomqvist as new Hotel Manager. In this position, Mr. Blomqvist will oversee the day-to-day operations of the hotel.
"I am looking forward to this new opportunity," said Mr. Blomqvist. "As a life-long hotelier, I am excited to work for Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia and to get to know our guests. I look forward to settling in to Philadelphia with my family and having a chance to experience all the city has to offer."
Prior to joining Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, Mr. Blomqvist was the Director of Food and Beverage for Four Seasons Hotel Dublin. Under his leadership, Four Seasons Hotel Dublin executed several successful food and beverage promotions, including a one-week experience with David Thompson, the world's only Michelin-starred Thai-cuisine chef. In addition to importing Thai elements and ingredients, the promotion showcased Thai food in a different light for Dubliners. In addition, Mr. Blomqvist spearheaded the initiative to have ICE bar introduce a food concept to their menu, bringing in a Japanese chef to serve fresh sushi each evening. He also implemented several seasonal and mouth-watering promotions utilizing ingredients such as white asparagus, autumn mushrooms, sweet wines with chocolates, and Spanish tapas with selected wines.
Mr. Blomqvist has previous worked as the Director of Food and Beverage at the Park Hyatt Villa Magna in Madrid, Spain and at the Hyatt Regency in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia. In addition, he has worked with several hotels around the world over the past 15 years. Mr. Blomqvist received a Higher Diploma in Hotel Management and a Diploma in Hotel Operational Management from the International Hotel Management Institute in Lucern, Switzerland. A native of Sweden, Mr. Blomqvist speaks fluent Swedish, English, German and Spanish.
"We are pleased to introduce Fredrik Blomqvist as our new Hotel Manager," said Harry Gorstayn, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. "His strong background will be an asset to our hotel as we continue to grow and offer first class services in the city of Philadelphia."
More short stories
Angie Chin (SIM_IMI 08A) started as a lecturer in hospitality/tourism management with Temasek Polytechnic
Joanna Tng (SIM_IMI 08A) achieved her dream of being a wedding planner and is working as Assistant Events Sales Manager at Traders Hotel Singapore
Gordon Hya (SIM-IMI o8A) is working as Business Services Executive, Novotel Clark Quay Singapore
Jan Sulga from Latvia (HD 05B) is a soap opera star in Office Boys in Indonesia - speaks fluent Bahasa Indonesian and is a teenager pin-up!
Cathy Sugiarto is achieveing both her and her mother's dream of being an air hostess and just started with Air Asia
Her brother, Tommy Sugiarto (HD)has just got married (august) is wheeling and dealing with many business projects from restaurants to in-line skating (his passion) and would love to return to IMI to complete his degree... along with
Chris Santosa (HD) who has set up two, after school tutoring clubs where students can get additional tutoring and support with their education. Both plan to apply for the Race around the world challenge to raise money for their studies!
Elfina Vendari (BA2002) is a Senior Sales Executive at the Ritz Carlton Bali
Christian Lo (BA2003) is senior sales executive for a property development company
Garna is working for the Ritz Carlton and is hopefully transferring to Germany in 2009
Arkan working for same company as Chris Lo, and just had a son... IMI wishes all the best for the young family :-) |
