The shadowing day experience of IHAB Award winner Faries Dib

Faries Dib

My name is Faries Dib and I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Management at Nyenrode Business University, specializing in Digital Business & Innovation. Looking back at my journey, I am most proud of the growth I have made, not only academically, but especially in how I see myself. I live in Amsterdam and I am currently gaining practical experience within the media and marketing industry, where I am further developing my interest in business, technology, and innovation.

Faries’ journey and experience

What I am most proud of is how far I have come in my educational journey. Before attending HMSM, I always had the feeling that I was a “difficult student.” This was especially the case during my time in MBO, where I struggled with structure and confidence. However, during my time at HMSM, this completely changed. The environment, the people, and the way of learning gave me a level of self-confidence that I had never experienced before. That label disappeared, and I started to see myself differently.

During my time at HMSM, I actively participated in activities outside of my regular studies. I helped with open days for prospective students, where I shared my experiences and gave others a realistic view of the school. In addition, I was a member of the student association Amphitryon, where I took on responsibilities within committees. These experiences helped me develop leadership skills, communication skills, and a sense of responsibility, and taught me how to take initiative in a professional environment.

My Story assessment

One of the most valuable parts of my journey was my “My Story assessment.” This was not just about achievements, but about reflecting on who I am and how I have developed over time. For me, it was a moment where everything came together. I realized that my growth was not only visible in what I achieved, but especially in how I changed as a person. It made me aware of the importance of mindset, resilience, and self-belief.

With the prize money of €1,000, I plan to invest in my personal and professional development. I want to use it to further develop myself, whether that is through gaining new knowledge, attending relevant events, or investing in opportunities that bring me closer to my ambitions.

Shadowing day with Jens Herklotz

For my shadowing day, I had the opportunity to accompany Jens Herklotz, General Manager of Marriott Hotel Amsterdam. The day started with an introduction, where he explained his role and responsibilities. What immediately stood out to me was how open and approachable he was. Shortly after, I joined an inspiration session he gave to his colleagues, where he shared his background and journey. This gave me a clear insight into how important leadership and communication are within such a role.

During the day, I also attended a meeting about the renovation of a new gym within the hotel. This showed me how strategic decisions are made and how different departments are involved in improving the guest experience. I had the chance to meet various staff members across the hotel, which gave me a broader understanding of how many people are involved in running a hotel at this level. After that, we had a coffee together, where I could ask more personal questions about his career and experiences. We also did a tour of the hotel rooms, where he explained which rooms he would like to renovate and why.

What impacted me the most was his leadership style. He was genuinely in contact with everyone in the hotel, from staff to management. He greeted people, smiled, and maintained a very open and friendly attitude. This showed me that being a General Manager is not about hierarchy or status, but about connection, responsibility, and leading by example. This experience made me realize what kind of professional I want to become.

Faries’ ambition

Looking at my future, my ambition is to start my career as an AI-consultant. I want to work with companies to improve their processes, decision-making, and customer experience by using data and AI-driven solutions. During my time at HMSM, I discovered that I am very interested in the combination of business, innovation, and technology, and this has guided my choice for my current master and future career.

Faries’ tips

My advice to other students is to take every opportunity that HMSM offers, even if it does not immediately seem interesting or exciting. Sometimes the most valuable experiences come from situations you would not have chosen yourself at first. HMSM gives you so many opportunities, and it is really up to you how much you take out of it.

I see HMSM as a foundation that you can fully use to build your future. If you are proactive and open to new experiences, it can bring you much further than you might expect. The school has also helped me build a strong network, which I am still using today. Through teachers, fellow students, events, and internships, I connected with people who continue to play a role in my development.

I am also very grateful to HMSM for giving me the opportunity to shadow someone like Jens Herklotz. Experiences like that are not something you can easily arrange yourself, and it shows how much the school supports students in their development.

So my advice is simple: say yes more often, stay open, and use everything HMSM has to offer. It can truly shape your future if you take it seriously.