Anke Maas, Human Resources Director for Europe, gave a lecture at Aspira College with the goal of introducing and presenting the opportunities that open up for students in the hotel industry.
The renowned worldwide hotel chain Leonardo Hotels, a longtime partner of Aspira College, has recognized the importance of connecting with colleges for mutual benefit. Aspira provides its students with professional practice at top Leonardo hotels across Europe. As a result, Leonardo hotels gets professional and educated people in tourism, hotel industry and hospitality, who will certainly contribute to their business.
Seven years ago, Leonardo hotels had 23 hotels in Germany and 35 in Israel. Today they have 220 hotels in Europe and Israel with 12,000 employees. One of their goals is to find young and competent people who want to work in the hotel industry. Next year, they plan to open 4 more, and in 2021 6 hotels and are currently negotiating to open another 30 hotels in Germany. With the rapid expansion and growth, many job opportunities are opening up. All hotels in size are between one hundred and two hundred rooms and are located in major cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Venice, Milan, Budapest, Vienna, etc.
Interestingly, this hotel chain gives its employees the opportunity to start their business careers in one city, but if they wish they can also change locations to improve their skills. There are tremendous opportunities offered by this chain of hotels to young people who want to start their careers and develop skills, because in all branches of the hotel industry there is a need for new and professional people. They also emphasize connection and cordiality to the guest, so those who preffer distance and a conservative relationship with guests will not do well in the hotel’s laid-back and friendly environment. They are also proud of their openness to diversity and allow their employees to express themselves through their trends so that they do not mind different hairstyles, tattoos, piercings, etc. Much more important is the quality of their work, but also employees who like to work with people. It could be said that they are “out of the box” and have crazy and interesting events for employees of a hotel organization.
Mrs. Anke Maas emphasized that Leonardo hotels have a clear picture of what sets them apart from other hotel chains. They analyzed and concluded that, despite being a huge chain, their hotels still have a harmonious and familiar relationship with their employees, as is the case in small private or family-run hotels, and on the other hand, can offer all the benefits and conditions of a large hotel chain.
She also referred to the cooperation with Aspira College, which has been ongoing for three years and expressed her great satisfaction. She was particularly impressed with the quality of student education, which Aspira students justified with their knowledge and skills through the internship programs they attended at Leonardo Hotels. She also added that Aspira is an important partner because it can follow their high standards and recommend professional and educated staff to them. She told Aspira students that if they are willing to work for Leonardo hotels, they must primarily be who they are and share their business ideas because Leonardo hotel has many options where they can find the right place for each new employee together with an emphasis on business, dedication, and especially if they like to work with people and if they are a little bit silly.