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 Intl, 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

This early time in 2010 by Bryen, Li Chi Sun

I just want to thank for IMI provided me a wonderful time during my studies in Switzerland and basic of m hospitality life.

After leaving Switzerland at 2004, I worked in various hospitality company in Hong Kong at the first working year and I found out what I really wanted to do. In 2006, I got a chance, I started my first butler job in one of the prestige Property "The Arch". I was a part of the opening team and assist the team to develop the butler service from Zero. My work was appreciated by the management and was promoted as one of the team leader in 2007.  

There was a complicated time in 2007. I got a golden chance to work in Macau as a VIP Host in the International Marketing Department in Venetian Macau Limited, a company owned 2 big casinos, Sands Casino Macao and Venetian macao resort hotel. I felt sad to leave the arch and Hong Kong, but I am proud of being one of the opening team member of the second largest resort in the world. Work was not that easy in Casino in Macau, very challenging, but it was fun as well. I learned a lot of VIP service, attention to detail and my marketing skill as well.

Thanks for IMI again, giving me a opportunity to be one of the volunteer of House of Switzerland Beijing Olympic 2008. It was a amazing experience. It was nice to work with different nations as one team and spoke German everyday again. After 2008 Olympic, I was on move again. I started my new work as butler in Front office Department in Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay in Musandam Peninsula, Sultanate of Oman. It is my first experience in the Middle East. It surprises me that Omani people are extremely nice and the working environment in Six Senses is amazing. People is friendly, very very special and unique concept of SLOW LIFE of Six Senses. This is the best company I work for. I attended a lot training by the resort, such as Butler & Social Skill Training and Train the Trainer, and certifed as well. Now, I am one of the departmental trainer of the front office department.

Since few years working fo butler/VIP service. I learn, experience and see a lot happiness, sadness and unforgetable moment. Observing how much guest win or loss in the casino, having repeater guest in different part of the world, coordinating with different department to make the guest happy, working with many different people from all around the world, respecting each other and... everything can do..

When I look back what I have done, I really feel proud of being a student in IMI. I was trained from a boy without knowledge of hospitality to be a explorer. I feel now is the time for me to give knowledge to people, who like to be a part of hospitality. I am currently learning from the training Manager of Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay and conducting some presentation and training for my colleagues. It`s like a new start, and I hope I can keep it well:)

Again, a wonderful new year for IMI!

warm regards from Musandam,

Bryen, Li Chi Sun

Here below some stories from earlier months for your reading pleasure:


Another successful IMI alumni as the assistant manager of Nsolo Bushcamp at Norman Carr Safaris in Zambia


"I figured it was probably about time I told you what I ended up doing after I graduated! SO at this very moment i`m sitting in an office in Mfuwe, Zambia. I got a job as assistant manager of Nsolo Bushcamp at Norman Carr Safaris, which I love. Basically I get to run the bushcamp and make it into my home, host guests, deal with camp logistics, all f&b things as well as help out with their HIV/AIDS awareness work and the Kapani School Project. I thoroughly enjoy it, and without doubt the skills i learnt at IMI have come in handy...even though the problems faced might not the average ones...elephants fighting with buffalos in camp, wild dogs chasing lions, solar power issues, charcoal coolers...the list goes on...it`s all fun and games!"

- Priya


Student Kartik Kundalia Kirit, today proud dad of a son and successful owner two hotels in India, describes his pathway trough IMI in 2004, specifically his proudest moment in life in winning the PDP assignment:
    

"Well life took an about turn when I landed in Weggis, where the first year at IMI used to be held. And i was received by none other than Mr. Caldwell and it was his 1st year too. I was not in the good books of IMI in the first year. I had problems with everything right from my earring to my not shaving on working days. I simply was not used to being commanded since back in India I am the boss, it was tough to begin with. Then came a drastic change in my Intraining in Wengernalp near Jungraujoch, which changed everything .

My outlook towards life, towards people and towards.. yes you are right, even bosses. There were colleagues from all around the world and guests, there were even no TV at that place, so I had nothing to do, but talk with people understand them etc. and this place completely changed me. In Particular it was new for me to work those long working hours, where additionally I was just a trainee. But this is what this industry is all about; living and adjusting with people. After this experience I was soon back with a "bang" in my second year at IMI. I certainly showed I showed some improvements in my personal attitude towards people and got a good grade and certainly started to understand why IMI always emphasized on the integration of students with each other. In retrospective I just admire IMI`s rule of group assignments in random groups where one cannot select its members... that was clearly the best part of group assignments. Next Paid Pracical I worked as a housekeeping supervisor with the Marriot Zurich. During the third semester my defining moment was in EDP. We had an assignment and the call for the BEST was so close, that even Mr. Pfeiffer died of anticipation on who would be the first and who second. Well my group won this EDP and I am not exaggerating, this still counts to the happiest moments of my life, in having achieved something, which I had not done before. we beat them my 2marks only. The 4th and final semester I was ready to give my best shot, having one single, I decided just to go for it.

 
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."

After completing my internship with Mandarin Oriental Geneva, I had come to Mandarin Oriental Singapore and took a full-time job as a Food and Beverage Management trainee. The position itself keeps me exposed to enormously empowered environment which gives me a great deal of learning at the fastest pace

Tracey V. McAteer, MBA in International Hospitality Management, 2009

To mention a little bit of what is going on in my life. Jobs are very difficult to get at this time for anyone. I had my front office agent position waiting for me when I came back to Canada. I waited patiently for movement in the hotel. Come May/June there was a complete turnover and several positions became available. Suddenly I was wanted by two departments in the hotel and my own department started cross-training me as Front Office Supervisor. I had to decide on something and chose the offer for a Banquet Supervisor position. I should also add that the Fairmont Royal York is the largest convention hotel in the city. Local hoteliers call it "the beast", this should be interesting.

Linda Chapman wrote in facebook: "This was encouraging to read, as parents we put a lot in financially to help our children have a future that is with many `doors`that they can access, so it was good to read that IMI in Switzland is up there with the best and provide the best! Thank you...."

Ekansh, Guest Relations Executive with T.G. Leisure & Resort New Dehli

“The hospitality skills I have gained at IMI are incomparable to all my colleagues I have here and thats what gives me an edge over them.”

Mochamad Suryadharma Sasradipoera (Harry) Director of Sales JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta

“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.”

Bryen, Li Chi Sun          

“When I look back what I have done, I really feel proud of being a student in IMI. I was trained from a boy without knowledge of hospitality to be a explorer. I feel now is the time for me to give knowledge to people, who like to be a part of hospitality. I am currently learning from the training Manager of Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay and conducting some presentation and training for my colleagues. It`s like a new start, and I hope I can keep it well:)

warm regards from Musandam,”

Conrad Chia, Australia. Hospitality Coordinator at MEGT Institute

“Without the move to Switzerland to improve myself at IMI, I would think my career development will not be as exciting as it has been. I have been very blessed with good opportunities, however I do believe that when opportunity knocks, we have to be ready. Naturally, hard work and willingness to take challenges also play a big part in anyone’s way of life. I would definitely recommend all to continue to upgrade and improve themselves whenever possible as you never know when your next break may come.”

Amy Lao,

“Having worked in Grand Hyatt Macau for one month, I feel so fortunate to join the pre-opening team. My career in Grand Hyatt Macau started from the mass recruitment day 6 weeks ago, when I brought my CV and certificates and headed to the recruitment venue. At the end of the interview, I was offered a job by the GM and that was how I joined the Grand Hyatt Macau pre-opening team.”

Lina Sugiarto, Director of Sales and Marketing, Oakwood Premier Cozmo Jakarta

“I graduated in January 1998,and I had a Best Service Student award in my first year and Best Overall Student award in my third year. Too bad I did not continue to the degree program due to the economic crisis back in late 1997, forcing me to return back to Indonesia. I started as a Front Office / receptionist in Jakarta (Park Royal) and Kuala Lumpur (The Regent) before I landed my career path in Sales & Marketing in 2000 (The Ascott). I’ve been stuck in Sales since then until I managed to climb up my career to my current position in 2005 and have ever been in this position until now (I was in pre-opening DOSM in 3 properties – Somerset Berlian,  Mayflower – Marriott Executive Apartments and Oakwood).”

Bryn Foulkes-Jones, Director: Sales & Marketing City Square Trading (Pty) Ltd

“I am now the General Manager of "African Wind Developments (Pty) Ltd" which is Project Based company focusing of Large Commercial Projects on the African Continent that we identify for Chinese Investors. We currently have Offices in Shanghai, Sandton (Johannesburg) and will shortly be opening in Mauritius.”

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 Gordan Ramsays. 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.”

Haresh Pritamdas is nicknamed the "Millionaire Prata Guy" by all his close friends, and for good reason. This 30-year old entrepreneur literally whipped up a storm in the local food scene with the creation of ‘Spize - The Makan Place in Singapore and studies culinaries at IMI

 "You really need a good business foundation when making any business decisions." (quote from a newspaper)

Julia Malaya

“!!this endlessly beautiful land..Suisse..hope to step my feet on it again and again))”

Julia Petrova commented on your status:

"Good Luck for all new students!!!Miss IMI so much((("

Aryo Parikesit Soerachim commented on your photo:

"wow I miss that place, what a memory"

Nikko Aw in a facebook status line

“is checking out of IMI -room 409 at 1.30-2pm. its been a really good experience and i`ve made some wonderful friends from all over the world. Take care, god bless and hope our lives would cross paths again someday (: but pleaseeee find me whenever you guys are in Singapore!!! Stay in touch! ♥”

Kasthuri Subramaniam commented on your photo album:

"missing those days!!"

Huahua Li Jinhua commented on your status:

"i wish i could be there...i miss imi i miss switzerland :("

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 :-)