The meaning of hospitality

"Hospitality is my passion. No job in the world gives me the same satisfaction as being able to create a moment, a memory for a stranger whom I will probably never see again."

Lucas Obermüller is a second-year student from Germany in the international stream. To experience a school system different than in Germany, he decided to come and study at Hotel Management School Maastricht. He shares his story and experience of studying abroad at HMSM!

Choosing for Hotel School Maastricht

I am 26 years old, and when I am done, hopefully, no older than 29. German universities are mostly very linear and theoretical. I am not the guy for learning something by heart for half a year and then having to write one test about the taught subject. The study programme at HMSM, with its module system, gives me the confidence that what I learn will be applicable and relevant to use in any company after my studies. 

In 2016, after completing a practical classical French service Hotel school in Germany, I started to work as a bartender. Once I did, I realised that being a bartender is not my dream, nor something I would be able to do for the rest of my life. I also decided to start my studies in order to achieve a bachelor degree, as I was sure that it would benefit my career. 

My passion

Hospitality is my passion. No job in the world gives me the same satisfaction as being able to create a moment, a memory for a stranger whom I will probably never see again. The moment I realise that my guests feel at ease and enjoy my drinks and each other's company, that is the moment that gives me something. It is strange if one says he likes to serve others: I want to call it sharing memories. This is what hospitality is for me.  

Moving abroad 

Living abroad was not as hard as I imagined it. If you have questions, fears or something is happening in your private life, the school has multiple channels to get help, and nothing is written in stone. I also got a lot of help and support from second-year students in my first semester.

 The fantastic thing about the bachelor Hotel Management is that the soft and hard skills I am learning here will help me in any branch in which I am looking to work.

After I graduate, I want to live in multiple countries and find my home. Maybe that is in Iceland or maybe in Munich, where I was born. I want to work and do something with beverage design, but I’m not sure yet if that will be for a hotel group or my own business. We will see what offer comes along in the end!