In September 2021, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Europe is set to launch The Student Council, an industry initiative to support hospitality students and recent graduates based in the UK and Europe by connecting them directly with other peers and hospitality brands across the region.
The idea of the Student Council is also to help to overcome the industry’s challenge of attracting talent and raise the profile of the industry.

The Student Council will regularly hold virtual, hybrid, live events and workshops for members of the council so they can harness vital skills required in the industry including digital innovation, branding and the importance of having a more entrepreneurial and innovative mindset in the post-pandemic era.

The students will also have regular access to potential mentors from the HSMAI Europe membership including senior management and marketers who work for both large and independent hospitality brands. It will serve as a hub for students to gain valuable strategic insights and also help them to identify brands they would be keen to gain an internship with during or immediately after their studies. In addition, students will meet with their peers from other hospitality business schools across the UK and Europe to share different views and offer advice.

The new initiative is set to be welcomed by many UK and European hotel business schools and universities along with hospitality brands in the industry who have been battling with the challenges of finding, attracting and retaining graduates. Valérie De Corte, Global Alliance and Partnership Director at Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne has already confirmed that the school will be supporting the new initiative and joining The Student Council.

Emile Schelfhout, who recently graduated with an MBA in International Hospitality Management at Hotelschool The Hague and is completing his MSc in Corporate Finance & Banking at EDHEC Business School in Nice, has been appointed to head up and lead The Student Council. He will work in collaboration with Ingunn Hofseth, President and CEO of HSMAI Region Europe, other board members and be supported by other students – their Council appointments will be announced nearer the launch.

Ingunn Hofseth, President & CEO at HSMAI Region Europe said: “We aim to help the students build a network beyond their usual scope, stimulate their professional growth, and create a sense of belonging within our magnificent hospitality industry.”