The following overview will help you understand the step-by-step internship placement process and the resources available for internship placement.

Internship Opportunities

In Les Roches, you will be exposed to a variety of internship opportunities from your first week on campus:

• Internship Fair: presented by returning students during the first week
• The CDIP publishes internship offers: average 3 offers per student
• Company Visits: 20-30 per semester with presentations and interviews

When considering internship possibilities, you will be urged to keep in mind:

• Language Requirements: Most of the internship offers require proficient English, but you can also look for internships that require other foreign language skills.
• Visa and Work Permit Regulations: Student nationality and international bylaws can influence the receipt of a work permit or visa for a particular country. The cost of work permits vary in each country.
• Salary and Facilities: Generally, companies offer meals and other benefits and many offer accommodation.

Contacts and Applications

Once you are familiar with your internship objectives, options and preferences, you will begin preparing your applications. With the support of the CDIP, you will:

• Prepare a cover letter and refine your CV
• Practice interviewing techniques
• Apply for at least 4 offers
• Follow-up on offers
• Interview with interested companies using the new Skype services

Preparing for your Internship

Once you have found an appropriate position, the fine tuning and preparation for internship can begin. The following details are worked out before the semester ends:

• Work Permits
• Accommodations
• Storage of personal belongings
• Expectations for supervision and follow-up after internship
• School health insurance covers students on internship (private accident insurance will be required)

The CDIP will guide you through these steps and ensure that by the time you leave campus, you will be ready to embark on the next exciting phase of your practical education.

For students in the hotel management diploma program, each internship will develop specific skills and provide a different experience.

1^st internship:
This internship is of operational nature and students will either work in service and / or at the reception. They will work in a “Front-of-the-house” position, which means that they will deal with guests and ensure their well-being. Students will therefore develop specific skills such as their presentation, communication and language skills.

2^nd internship:
This internship is also of operational nature but students will generally work in the “Back-of-the-house”, meaning in the kitchen or in housekeeping. Although they will not be in contact with guests, they will develop another set of skills, namely those relating to organization, time management, pressure and team work.

3^rd internship:
Students on their third internship will move towards a more administrative position where they will have more responsibilities and will have to take the lead on certain projects. During that internship, students will further develop competencies which deal with self-management, decision-making, problem-solving and managing stress.

Postgraduate students generally undertake one Internship that lasts a minimum of four months and takes place in the hospitality industry. As students in this program are more mature in nature due to their background and previous education, they will generally be given an administrative, supervisory, or training position with, if possible, exposure to a variety of operating departments) in a Swiss or international hotel or other hospitality establishment. The supervisor will work with students in order to incorporate the knowledge and skills they will have already acquired during their 2 semesters of classroom and craft-based-learning experience on campus.