Just graduated: Maurits van Vijfeijken

[F 2025]

Efteling Grand Hotel

For many students at Hotel Management School Maastricht, the transition to the professional world feels like a huge step. What will you do? Is it the right fit for you? And what does that first job actually look like? In conversation with alumnus Maurits van Vijfeijken, it becomes clear that this first step doesn’t have to be as defining as it may seem.

An unexpected start after graduation

Maurits graduated from Hotel Management School Maastricht in 2025, with a clear interest in revenue management. During his studies, he delved deeper into this field through minors and an internship at RevControl. Yet the reality turned out to be different than expected.

During his internship, he quickly realized that the job wasn’t a good fit for him. While he thrives on interaction and dynamism, his internship consisted mainly of individual research and little contact with others. “It just wasn’t my thing,” he admits honestly. “I wanted to be active, work with people, and take on responsibility.”

Choosing feeling over ‘logic’

Instead of sticking to his preconceived career path, Maurits decided to do something different. He applied for a job at the newly opened Efteling Grand Hotel, part of the Efteling theme park.

Although he had his doubts at first, since a front-desk position after a college degree feels like a step “back” to many, he ultimately chose what appealed to him. That choice turned out well!

Working in an experience, not just a hotel

The Efteling Grand Hotel is no ordinary hotel. With a strong focus on guest experience and service, everything revolves around creating a complete experience. From the moment guests arrive, everything is taken care of: from luggage to valet parking.

Maurits works at the front desk, where he plays a central role in the guest journey, with a focus on personal interaction. “You really have the space to have a conversation with guests,” he explains. “Or not, if they don’t feel the need for it. That freedom is what makes the work enjoyable.”

“Just start working. As a 20-year-old with little experience, you don’t have to land your dream job right away. You still have a whole career of nearly 50 years ahead of you.”

What did you take away from Hotel Management School Maastricht?

According to Maurits, it’s not just the technical knowledge, but rather the soft skills you’ve learned by being around the school. An important lesson he applies in his work:

Solution-oriented thinking: We never say ‘no,’ but always look at what is possible.
Social skills: easily connecting with people, holding conversations, and coming across as confident
Proactivity: having the courage to approach people

The most important advice for students

For current students and soon-to-be graduates, Maurits has a clear message:
“Don’t put too much pressure on your first job. You don’t have to land your dream job right away.”

He emphasizes that a career develops over time. With decades of work ahead of you, it’s more important to start somewhere than to make the perfect choice. That’s why you should start with something that appeals to you; you’ll gradually discover what suits you. You should view that first job after graduating as a learning experience, because once you’re inside and show what you can do, you’ll have far more opportunities than if you were applying from the outside.

Conclusion

Maurits’ story shows that a career after Hotel Management School Maastricht is rarely a straight path. Doubts, wrong choices, and unexpected twists are all part of the journey and often lead to the best insights. By prioritizing job satisfaction, personal development, and opportunities within an organization, he has found a path that suits him.