Interview with Tautvydas, who graduated from César Ritz Colleges.
Five years after graduating from César Ritz Colleges, we caught up with Tautvydas, now a hotel management specialist, to share some life-changing experiences of studying in Switzerland. In this interview, Tautvydas talks about how he found his – at first unclear – passion for hospitality. He talks about the exclusive internship opportunities at César Ritz Colleges, and reveals how he is currently preparing for upcoming adventures in life and career.
Read the full interview with the Swiss Education (SEG) student below.
Hey Tautvydas! Hospitality was not your immediate choice of study. Can you tell us what made you finally study at César Ritz Colleges?
I was studying economics and politics at the ISM University in Lithuania when I realized that this was not the career path I wanted to follow. I took many personality tests that indicated that the hotel and tourism industry was a better fit for me. Looking back, those tests didn’t lie!
At that time I already knew that Switzerland is considered the “home of hospitality”. I didn’t want to wait any longer and while I was still working on my bachelor’s thesis I moved to Switzerland to start my studies in hospitality at César Ritz Colleges. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made so far!
How did you experience the adjustment from Lithuania to Switzerland?
As a teenager, I traveled a lot with my family and attended quite a few English summer schools abroad, so moving to a new place was not difficult at all. Not to mention that Switzerland is very hospitable, so from the first day it felt like home.
How did your parents react to your decision to end your studies at home to study hospitality in Switzerland?
After long and careful discussions, my parents came to the conclusion that I would benefit greatly from the good education offered by César Ritz Colleges. We share the view that an investment in education opens up new opportunities, and that by learning we broaden our mindsets, which ultimately leads to a better quality of life. Of course, my parents want the best for me, so they were happy and supported my decision to study in Switzerland.
What did you like most about being a student at César Ritz Colleges in Switzerland?
The fellow students from all over the world, the breathtaking view of the Swiss landscapes that I got to wake up to every day, and the harmonious rhythm of the entire study process – all three were indispensable ingredients in my incredible experience studying at César Ritz Colleges.
What about tuition at César Ritz Colleges? Did you particularly like any of them?
I especially liked the Built Environment, Tourism in a Global Perspective and, not to forget, the Wine and Beverage course with drink tasting. Who wouldn’t like that?
What was the most valuable thing you gained from studying at César Ritz Colleges?
It’s hard to pick just one. There I was introduced to the hospitality industry philosophy, I learned to embrace teamwork and diversity, I developed a passion for the French language. Perhaps the most important thing of all is that during my time at César Ritz Colleges I broadened my perspective, and that I am now convinced that anything is possible with the right attitude!
What do you think makes César Ritz Colleges unique?
César Ritz Colleges places great responsibility on assigning the right places for students’ internships. I never imagined that there would be such a serious and well-planned systematic process regarding internships as there is at César Ritz.
To give an example: Twice a year an international recruitment forum is held in Montreux, where students from all schools within the Swiss Education Group (SEG) gather for quick interviews with leading companies in the hotel and restaurant industry. Not only is it an excellent networking opportunity, but it also helps students get the most suitable internships.
Can you tell us about your experience with the internships?
My first internship was at a two-star Michelin restaurant in Geneva. It was a rigorous and demanding experience that allowed me to build professional confidence and a solid foundation for my future career aspirations.
As expected, I had to work long hours, put up with the stress of constantly having to solve unexpected problems and, of course, strive for perfection in delivering flawless customer service. It might sound scary to many, but personally I found it exciting!
Definitely not a job for everyone! What can you tell us about your second internship?
I had my second internship at Hyatt Regency Amsterdam in Amsterdam where I had a position as Front Office Host. It was an extraordinary experience because I came to the hotel in the pre-opening phase.
After just one year, I was offered a transfer to another Hyatt hotel, the Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht – an amazing luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the city. It just goes to show – if you do a good job, new opportunities arise!
What are your future plans?
I want to stay in a competitive and international environment. Since French is important in many contexts, I have decided to move to the south of France, where I am currently learning the language intensively.
Right now, I’m patiently waiting for the industry to recover, and in the meantime, I’m preparing for the next exciting road in the hospitality world.
To finish, what advice would you give to the Nordics and Balts preparing to study in Switzerland?
If you are considering studying the hotel and restaurant industry, you should take advantage of every opportunity to socialize and get involved. Every moment at César Ritz Colleges is an opportunity to learn something useful, so be proactive, be present and observe every detail!
Thank you Tautvydas for the interview and good luck with your French!
