Internship at HMSM: tips + practical info

1.    Visit the internship & career event

Your first internship at HMSM is always abroad. It might seem hard at first to find the right company abroad, but Hotel Management School Maastricht cooperates closely with renowned businesses. Because of this, we are able to guarantee an internship abroad for all of our students. 

At the internship and career event companies and partners of HMSM present themselves at our school. They will give more information about the job, the destination and the possibilities they offer. 

2.    Go to the internship office

After the internship and career event you will go to the internship office. Everyone will have a conversation with one of the internship officers working there, together you will look for a match with a company. After this the application process with the hotel starts for you!?

3.    Applying for an internship

After you have found a match at the internship office it is time to start applying. Make sure that you have read up on the company where you are applying and your resume is up to date. Are you invited for a job interview? Great! Make sure to show you are motivated to take the job and show off your best side. 

Tips for your internship application:

• Do your research! Don't just read the company website. Look for recent news articles or interesting projects they've done. This shows you're really interested and go the extra mile.
• Update your resume for each job. Don't send the same one everywhere. Pick out the skills and experience that fit the internship best. This makes a stronger impression.
• Get ready for the interview!  It's not just about showing you want the job. Think of some questions to ask the interviewer too. This shows you're curious and take the opportunity seriously.

 

4.    How to get the most out of your internship

Did you secure your dream internship? Then it is time to pack up your bags and travel to the country of your internship. Make sure that you are well prepared so you won’t come across any unwanted surprises.

Some tips from our students:

• Discuss your needs with your supervisors in time so you do not end up disappointed afterwards. An internship is a unique opportunity and it is a shame if you do not get the most out of it. 
• Be open to the experience: Things will not always be the same in another country/company/internship/job. Make sure to stay open minded and try to learn from the things you encounter. 
• Dare to make mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes. Don’t get hung up on it for too long. See it as a learning experience and do better next time. 
• Broaden your network: Internships are the opportunity to get to know more people that work in the industry. Use it to your advantage and talk to as many people as possible. You may make connections that could benefit you in your further career!
• Learn more about the culture: Try new things! You are in another country. Try the local cuisine, visit new places and meet new people. Learn more about their traditions, norms and values. This way you will get a better understanding of the culture. This will definitely help you to develop an open and global mind.
• You learn a lot from your internship. Not only from a work perspective but also from a personal perspective. You learn to become more independent and confident in your abilities. 
• Enjoy: Make sure to enjoy your time there. Make friends with fellow interns, enjoy your free time by doing fun activities, and take it all in. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity so seize it!
   

5.    Read stories of alumni

Curious how our students and alumni found their internship and some of the lessons they learned along the way? Read about their experiences and the tips they share. It could give you some inspiration when it comes to your own internship.

Check out more Internships stories