Having relevant work experience is a critical factor in finding the best possible role after graduation. That’s why many hospitality degrees incorporate professional internships.
There are many benefits to a hospitality internship program, but the most important is the work experience itself – no matter how hands-on and business focused your education, there is simply nothing to match having the opportunity to put what you’ve learned into practice in a real-world professional setting.
And not just any setting. Study with a highly regarded and well-connected hospitality school and you will have privileged access to internship opportunities at prestigious brands. These are rarely advertised to the general public; instead, brands come direct to the top schools, because they trust the knowledge, professional polish and work ethic of the students they’ll encounter.
It doesn’t mean securing your dream job posting is easy – you still have to shine at your interview – but don’t underestimate the value of a ‘foot in the door’.
Let’s take a look at some of the main ways that internships for hospitality students can help set you up for a successful career in the industry.
If you’ve been fortunate enough to stay in a luxury hotel, one of the things you will surely have noticed is how things are just so. The bed is perfectly made; the bathroom is spotless and every complimentary amenity is neatly arranged; you are greeted warmly on arrival, perhaps even using your name.
None of this happens by accident. These hotels are finely-tuned machines, and if you want to be in control of the machine you have to understand exactly how it works – from the ground up. That’s why degree courses will give you skills training as well as a great hospitality management internship.
For Bachelor students, most hospitality degrees – including Glion’s – kick-off this learning process with a first semester devoted to the practical skills (housekeeping, front desk, F&B service, etc.) that add up to a top quality guest experience.
It’s the internship in hotel management where that process goes up a gear. As an intern you are out in the real world of hospitality; facing actual customers and experiencing real-life situations where your actions (or inactions) can influence guest loyalty and ultimately the reputation of the hotel!
For many hospitality degree students, a hotel internship represents their first actual work experience in the hospitality industry – that makes it an incredibly important rite of passage, as well as an excellent addition to your resume when the time comes to forge your hospitality career.
What you learn in terms of operational skills depends on your choice of role. An internship in a restaurant within a hotel will teach you more about food service, while a general internship for hospitality management will have you oversee staff from a wider range of roles. But in all situations you will enhance your soft skills, such as communication, teamworking and problem solving.
Hospitality internships are also a chance to experience life in different countries. We encourage – where possible – our students to choose internships away from their home country and campus location, because we believe that experiencing different environments is the best way to gain the intercultural fluency and language skills which are highly prized within the global hospitality business.
If you are not too choosy about your brand or location, it’s possible to secure an internship in a hotel by simply approaching the hotel or resort directly.
However, there are plenty of good reasons to intern as part of a hospitality degree at a leading school. These include:
Boosting your options
The top hospitality schools have dedicated internship teams that can deliver multiple opportunities for students to pick from. For example, Glion Bachelor students have an average of 5.7 internship offers each, meaning that you can pick the best hospitality management internship to suit your career goals.
Access to the most prestigious brands
High end hotel operators live or die by the quality of service they offer, so naturally they target the best schools when searching for suitable interns. These hospitality companies will often only accept interns from the top schools because they know they can get interns who can hit the ground running.
Being better prepared
The world of work is tough and challenging, especially for a young person fresh from high school. With a typical hospitality degree curriculum, you are given a strong grounding in operational processes before you begin your internship. This can help you make the most of the hospitality industry experience when you start as an intern.
At Glion, we have close ties to a lot of the top hospitality employers in the world. This helps us ensure that we get the best internships in the hospitality industry for our students. We have designed each course so that the internships help to reinforce the skills and knowledge you have gained in the theoretical portions of the course. Our two bachelor’s degrees both offer three internships spaced throughout the course.
Bachelor’s in international hospitality business:
Semester 2: Hospitality operations practice
Semester 5: Management practice
Semester 8: On-the-job experience & research project.
Bachelor’s in luxury business:
Semester 2: Professional immersion
Semester 5: management practice
Semester 8: On-the-job experience & research project
Our master’s degrees all offer you a six-month-long internship in hospitality at the end of your course. This will help you learn how to apply your skills and know-how. Some of our MSc courses also offer an optional hospitality immersion program at the start of the course to help you find your feet ready for study.
We have over 350 recruiters visit our campus every year, meaning that we have access to a wide range of great hotel management internships open to us.
Theoretical knowledge only gets you so far—practical experience is the true game-changer. Internships offer a hands-on immersion into the industry of hotels, restaurants, and events, where every task becomes a lesson and every challenge an opportunity for growth. Through practical experience, you not only get to practice your classroom learning but you can also develop invaluable skills that set you apart in the job market.
From mastering guest interactions to understanding operational intricacies, each day of your internship is a step closer to career readiness. On top of this, practical experience doesn’t just end with skills—it builds confidence, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of industry nuances. Plus, it can help you find which area within hospitality you most want to work in.
In today’s competitive job market, securing a fulfilling career after earning a hospitality business degree is not just about academic achievement. It’s also about demonstrating practical skills and industry readiness.
An internship plays a big role in this as it adds a valuable endorsement to your resume – one that is certain to get you noticed by potential employers seeking recruits who can hit the ground running.
On top of this, the relationships and networks you cultivate during your internship are equally instrumental in shaping your career trajectory. The mentors, supervisors, and colleagues you connect with become invaluable resources, offering guidance, support, and professional insights. These relationships often extend beyond the internship period and can serve as the gateway to your first job after graduation. Whether it’s through direct employment offers or valuable referrals, the connections forged during your internship can significantly enhance your prospects in the job market.
Beyond the practical skills and industry insights gained, hospitality internships offer a unique platform for expanding professional networks—a crucial asset in today’s interconnected job market. Whether you’re working alongside seasoned industry veterans or collaborating with fellow interns, each interaction presents an opportunity to forge meaningful connections.
These relationships extend far beyond the confines of your internship period. The mentors and supervisors you engage with can provide invaluable guidance, career advice, and mentorship long after your internship concludes. Their insights and recommendations can open doors to new opportunities and pave the way for career advancement.
Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections—it’s about cultivating genuine relationships based on mutual respect and shared interests. By actively engaging with colleagues, attending industry events, and participating in professional development activities during your internship, you’re laying the groundwork for a robust professional network that can support your career growth for years to come.
One of the most enticing aspects of hospitality internships is the potential for travel. Whether you’re interning at a luxury resort in a tropical paradise or gaining experience at a bustling city hotel, these opportunities allow you to immerse yourself in diverse cultures, cuisines, and traditions. From front-of-house interactions with international guests to behind-the-scenes insights into local customs, each day presents a new adventure and a chance to broaden your horizons.
This benefit extends beyond just seeing the world. Internships in the hospitality sector foster personal growth in a lot of ways. You’ll develop resilience as you navigate challenging situations, adaptability as you acclimate to new environments, and empathy as you interact with guests from all walks of life.
These soft skills are invaluable not only in hospitality but also in any future career path you choose to pursue, making you more confident and capable when you look for a full-time role. Plus, your internships will help you get a deeper understanding of your career aspirations, whether that’s working in a remote resort or a high-end restaurant.
One of the most significant advantages of internships is the opportunity to hone skills specific to hospitality operations. Whether it’s mastering point-of-sale systems, perfecting the art of mixology, or fine-tuning culinary techniques, interns gain hands-on experience in the tools and practices that form the backbone of hospitality establishments.
Beyond technical proficiency, you’ll also cultivate essential soft skills crucial for professional success. Interns navigate a wide range of challenges, sharpening their abilities to thrive in fast-paced, customer-centric environments. This means that you’ll be able to work on skills such as customer service, event management, communication, and problem-solving. These skills are transferable and valuable across various roles within the hospitality sector.
