Top talents: winning Master’s students chosen for our Talent Connection mentoring program

Top talents: winning Master’s students chosen for our Talent Connection mentoring program

19 October 2023

The Talent Connection offers a chance to earn coaching and mentoring from an industry leading firm. The competition’s first winners have just been announced…

“This is a must to apply for; it’s such an amazing opportunity to receive coaching sessions, company visits, and it’s a nice opportunity for your internship.” Svitlana Rozlutska

As well as the opportunity to join our flagship graduate program, there was an added incentive to apply for the Fall 2023 intake of the Master’s in International Hospitality Business.

It took the form of an opportunity to win personalized career coaching by one of three world class companies:

“I wanted to learn more about hotel finance and real estate, and I think I was really well served. I’m really excited for the mentorship, as it’s a great opportunity to learn from people who have a wealth of experience.” Robinson Thomas

To enter, qualifying students accepted to the Master’s program had to choose the partner company they wished to be mentored by, then submit a 1,000-word business case strategy addressing a real world challenge for that company. After reviewing all the papers, 11 finalists were shortlisted by our faculty.

In September, this ‘first 11’ were invited to present their business strategies in front of a panel comprising their preferred partner and selected Glion faculty.

Joining from the partner companies were:

As the intensive day of presentations drew to a close, six winners were selected, two per partner. They are:

Congratulations also to those who made it through to Finals Day: Ahmed Alshaeri, Huu Vinh Tran, Qi Chen, Jacopo Rubini, and Sara Almushkab.

“I chose Watchfinder as a partner because, number one, I would love to own a luxury watch! But more importantly, I believe in what the brand stands for – using the secondhand market is something that I truly believe will be the next generation’s point.” Elena Kyalo

Once the formal business was complete, it was then time to make the short trip from Bulle to Glion campus for a celebratory cocktail in the stunning Lounge Bar of Maison Décotterd. There the finalists and jury members were joined by Glion Managing Director, Frédéric Picard.

Frédéric noted, “The Talent Connection is an excellent illustration of how Glion and our industry partners collaborate to genuinely boost students’ opportunities to pursue successful careers with the world’s most prestigious brands. We would like to thank all the students who participated in this competition, as well as our partners who agreed to be part of The Talent Connection.”

Having earned their ‘money can’t buy’ prizes, the winning students are now starting their programs of professional coaching and direction with their selected industry partners. This will continue throughout their academic program as well as into their internship and career. The package includes four individually tailored coaching sessions, an exclusive company tour, plus professional interview coaching to position them for future job success.

“I’m over the moon because I wasn’t expecting to be one of the winners. As an African, for me it’s amazing. It’s a great opportunity to be mentored by one of the top hospitality companies in the world.” Stephane Um Mayo

Bravo one and all!

What others said:

“I think that the opportunity to be mentored by Four Seasons is absolutely marvelous and I am looking forward to everything that it can give me. I believe their mentorship will really help me in my future career.”
Anna Kuptsova

“I chose Cushman & Wakefield because I want to get into real estate development. I’m really excited to begin my mentorship program because I know I will benefit from personalized counseling – and that is really heartwarming to me!”
Célia Richard

“It was really nice to see the presentations today, with the students working on a topic that we are actually working on; and it was nice to see fresh and young views on those key questions.”
Mathieu Girard, Watchfinder

Photo credit

Main image:
Carol Yepes/Getty