Study in Switzerland
Wellness paves the way
Simone Gibertoni, CEO, Clinique La Prairie, Switzerland, on what it takes to make a career in the spa industry.
Spa and wellness is a fast growing industry offering a wide range of career options. As our lives become longer, our mindsets and priorities are shifting too. The focus is no longer primarily on a curative approach to health, but on a holistic and preventive way. By becoming the architects of our vitality, we have the tools to protect ourselves as we age. Food, fitness and meditation are the cornerstones of health. They work together to build our bodies from our cells up. And this is what professionals in the field of spa and wellness work towards.
Wellness is a mega industry sizeej, at $3.5-3.8 trillion. The global wellness economy has grown steadily since 2010 with a CAGR of about 10%. The SPA and wellness economy has a positive outlook for the future. Despite being so large, it is still considered an emerging industry because new methods and technology are introduced to the market every year.
There is a focus on medica well-being now. People are taking an interest in holistic wellness. And hence, detox spa programmes continue to have a large audience.
There are various degrees in hospitality and business, as well as more specific spa management degrees offered at hospitality schools. Hospitality schools are now more open to focusing on spa management courses and classes. Students who wish to make a career in the field can pursue one of the many courses in hospitality and then move on to pursuing a degree or certificate in spa and wellness management from a recognised institute. Some luxury hotel chains offer management development programmes, where students can learn all aspects of a working spa. These programmes usually include travel, so it’s important to be able to relocate on an international level several times. The courses generally last a year or two.
Those who wish to make a career in the field must be willing to help other people. Emotional intelligence is the key skill required, with clients and the team. Then, of course, there are the technical skills which even a spa manager needs to have. Lastly, one must use innovative techniques, treatment and machines to succeed in the field.
Spa, an established industry in the US and Europe now, is “going east” with potential in Asia, especially in China and India. In particular, the Indian spa industry is growing every year. Even if it could still be considered a ‘niche market’ in the overall wellness market, it is very promising, making the country one of the most popular spa destinations.
Graduating students will normally start working at a junior level in a spa, probably at the spa reception desk. Alternatively, they can move on to work as therapy assistants, spa managers, etc.
Like in all industries, if we strive to work hard and work for the right company, salary can be very satisfactory.
Swiss sojourn
Roshni Tolani, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management at Glion Institute of Higher Education, Switzerland, on her Swiss experience.
I discovered my calling for hospitality which led me to Switzerland, the Mecca of hospitality and what better destination to study than the birthplace of hotel management education. I chose to study at Glion Institute of Higher Education, Switzerland. As part of my studies, I had the privilege of interning at two signature Ritz-Carlton properties, namely in Tokyo and Hong Kong.
These internships majorly contributed in preparing me for the challenges that lie ahead after graduation. They are the building blocks for future career success and form a strong foundation for implementation and execution of the theoretical knowledge being taught on campus. Obtaining relevant industry exposure and a taste of the real world was a learning experience.
I was able to spend a semester each in three major cities of the world as part of my studies: in Tokyo and Hong Kong where I interned at The Ritz-Carlton, as well as in London where I completed an exchange semester on Glion’s London campus. During their final semesters, the course I offers students various pathways to specialise in either Event and Sport Management, Real Estate Finance and I Revenue Management, Sales and Marketing or Luxury Brand Management.
The luxury market is booming and has seen exponential growth globally ever since the dot-com bubble. I chose the luxury pathway as it opens doors to several opportunities upon graduation.
My internship experience in the guest relations department paved the ground for me to enter the luxury retail sector where customer relationship management is key for every brand.
Various extra-curricular activities and cross-campus events with other hospitality schools, excursions and day trips allow students to make the most of their international exposure by mingling with other hospitality students and visiting neighbouring countries such as Italy, France and Germany.
My family and I firmly believe in the ideology of philanthropy and in my opinion, hospitality provides the basis for walking the philanthropist path. Being able to give back to society is pivotal to me and an inherent part of my nature.
THE RIGHT CHOICE
Various extra-curricular activities and cross-campus events with other hospitality schools, excursions and day trips allow students to make the most of their international exposure by mingling with other hospitality students and visiting neighbouring countries.
Hospitality all the way
Ajay Harjani, who completed a Bachelor in Business Administration from Les Roches, Switzerland, on his experience as a student in the land of the Alps and how he shaped his career path in the industry.
Born in Indonesia, Indian by . culture and being raised in Morocco gave me the perfect push to enter the hospitality industry. After having successfully completing a Bachelor’s degree at Les Roches in Bluche, I set about exploring the different worlds of hospitality. My ambition to explore took me to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, working with some of the best hotels in the world.
Starting as a receptionist at the President Wilson Hotel in Geneva, I quickly worked my way up to supervisory level. I then moved to Jakarta to discover the Asian hospitality market where I attained my management training with the Mandarin Oriental Group. I always had a dream to work with the “best hotel in the world” and my strong ambition took me to Dubai to work for the famous Burj Al Arab Hotel as a Guest Service Manager. My responsibilities as a Manager at the Burj not only included managing a team of 200 executive butlers, but also satisfying the most exclusive guests around the world.
Moving back to Morocco was a strategic move to help my father celebrate the 10th year anniversary of our Indian Restaurant in Casablanca. I then worked for a consulting firm in Casablanca as the Director of Learning and Development where l used my luxury experience to mystery shop, and to train and consult hospitality professionals to enhance their customer service.
After having helped many hotels and restaurants in Morocco, I then received an offer no hotelier would decline. I accepted the position of General Manager of Park Suites, a luxurious boutique hotel, located in the heart of Casablanca. Till date, I keep in touch with my classmates through the network. I also regularly check the posts in the university’s social media£hannels so that I can see how the university is growing.