The International Hotel Management Institute (IMI), located in Horw near Lucerne in Switzerland, is a leading private higher education institution specializing in hospitality and business education. Established in 1984, IMI has built a reputation for blending academic rigor with practical industry training, preparing students for careers in the global hospitality sector. Nestled in the scenic region of Central Switzerland, IMI benefits from its proximity to Lake Lucerne and the Alps, offering a picturesque setting that enhances both learning and living experiences.
Jobs at IMI are highly sought after due to the institute's strong industry connections, including partnerships with luxury hotels like Kempinski and Hilton. The institution employs professionals who not only teach but also contribute to cutting-edge research in hospitality trends, making it an ideal place for academics passionate about tourism and service management.
Founded by industry veterans, IMI started as a response to the need for skilled hospitality managers in Switzerland's booming tourism industry. Over the decades, it has expanded to offer bachelor's and master's degrees accredited by international bodies such as EduQua and the Institute of Hospitality. Today, IMI's mission is to develop future leaders through hands-on learning, internships, and a multicultural environment with students from over 70 countries.
This history shapes job opportunities at IMI, where roles often involve innovating curricula based on real-world Swiss hospitality standards, like precision service and sustainability practices common in Alpine resorts.
IMI offers programs like the BA (Hons) in International Hotel and Tourism Management and the MSc in International Hospitality Management. Faculty jobs at IMI typically include lecturing in areas such as revenue management, culinary arts, and event planning. Administrative positions cover admissions, career services, and international recruitment, while research roles focus on projects funded by Swiss tourism boards.
For those interested in various position types, explore university job types to see how IMI roles align with broader academic careers. Current openings often emphasize practical skills, reflecting IMI's 95% employability rate for graduates within six months.
Jobs at the International Hotel Management Institute require specific qualifications tailored to the hospitality field. For lecturer positions, a minimum of a master's degree in hospitality management, tourism, or business administration is essential, with a PhD highly preferred for professor roles. Research focus areas include sustainable hospitality practices, digital innovation in hotels (like AI for guest personalization), and consumer behavior in luxury tourism.
Preferred experience encompasses 3-5 years in the hospitality industry, such as management at international chains, plus teaching or training experience. Publications in peer-reviewed journals or presentations at conferences like the International CHRIE are advantageous. Key skills include proficiency in hospitality software (e.g., Opera PMS), multilingual communication (English mandatory, German/French beneficial in Switzerland), and data analysis for market research.
Competencies valued at IMI involve leadership in student projects, cultural sensitivity for diverse cohorts, and commitment to practical learning through simulations and internships. For more on lecturer careers, see how to become a university lecturer.
Hospitality Management: The business discipline that encompasses hotel operations, food and beverage service, event planning, and customer experience strategies to ensure guest satisfaction and profitability.
EduQua Certification: Switzerland's national quality label for higher education institutions, ensuring standards in teaching, research, and student support.
Employability Rate: The percentage of graduates securing jobs within a specified period, at IMI standing at 95% within six months post-graduation.
Revenue Management: A technique used in hospitality to predict demand and optimize pricing for maximum revenue, often taught through case studies at IMI.
The application process for jobs at IMI begins with checking their official careers page or platforms like AcademicJobs.com under university jobs. Submit a tailored CV, cover letter highlighting Swiss work permit status (EU/EFTA citizens have advantages), teaching philosophy, and references. Interviews often include a demo lesson and panel with industry experts.
Pro tip: Highlight internship supervision experience, as IMI mandates paid placements. Use resources like free resume template and free cover letter template for polished submissions.
IMI champions diversity with over 80 nationalities on campus. Initiatives include the Diversity Scholarship for underrepresented groups, gender-balanced hiring goals (aiming for 50% female faculty), and training on inclusive teaching. Partnerships with Women in Hospitality empower female leaders, and LGBTQ+ support groups foster belonging. In Switzerland's multicultural Luzern region, IMI ensures equitable opportunities, aligning with national anti-discrimination laws.
Work-life balance at IMI is supported by Swiss standards: 5 weeks annual leave, flexible hours for faculty, and parental leave up to 14 weeks. Campus life in Horw features state-of-the-art training hotels, a spa for staff wellness, and events like wine tastings reflecting hospitality culture. Proximity to Lucerne offers skiing, hiking, and cultural festivals, ideal for recharging. Faculty enjoy collaborative environments with low student-teacher ratios (15:1), promoting mentorship without burnout.
Student interactions extend to industry trips, enhancing job satisfaction. Switzerland's high quality of life, with excellent public transport and healthcare, complements IMI's supportive policies.
Switzerland's stable economy and high salaries make IMI attractive. Faculty contribute to global rankings, with IMI topping hospitality education in Europe per QS rankings. Growth opportunities include promotions to program directors and research leads.
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Ready to advance your career? Check higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and consider posting a job if recruiting. For Switzerland-specific roles, visit Switzerland jobs or Horw jobs.
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