Studying tourism part-time in Lucerne A chat with second semester master’s student Tahasnim Aziz

Why would someone want to work in the tourism industry?

In search of my passion, I worked in different sectors like retail and e-commerce, but I found my true calling in the tourism industry. In the tourism industry, no two days are the same, no two services are the same and no two clients are the same. I have the incredible and humbling opportunity to join people from around the world in situations where they experience something that they have never experienced before to the point where I can change their lives, and I love to meet new people and provide them with the best service they can get. 

A career in travel and tourism offers endless opportunities, generally in non-traditional hours. Whether you want to work in a hotel, resort, cruise ship or on a plane—the world is literally your oyster. Professionals in the tourism industry have so many exciting work settings and opportunities to choose from. 

How will you benefit from a master’s degree in tourism?

Tourism, today, has become a highly dynamic and rapidly expanding industry. It is one of the largest contributors to the global economy. In fact, it makes up about one-third of the service-based global economy. With the ease of mobility increasing each day, more people are traveling for pleasure. A master’s degree in tourism will help me to understand the job market and develop the analytical and practical skills required.  

What do you like best about the master's programme? 

I think the best thing about the programme is how it blends learning with a practical viewpoint. I really enjoyed the early team-building event, which helped me to break the ice with my classmates and, later, made it easy to do our group work.  

As we all know, there is a flipside to every coin: what do you not like about the programme?

As a working student it’s sometimes hard for me to catch up with lessons and it can become hard to balance my work and student life.  

Why did you come to Lucerne to study?

Lucerne is not only a great place for a Swiss holiday experience, but also perfect for any international student who wants the experience of studying in Switzerland and to be well-prepared for an ever-changing global economy. 

What do you have to see and do in Lucerne? 

Due to my busy work schedule and studies, I don’t have much time to explore Lucerne. Just the occasional boat trip on Lake Lucerne with my classmates. But one thing that I have in my to-do list is to ride the cog railway up Mount Rigi. 

You are studying part-time and have a Job in Zurich. If you could choose: Zurich or Lucerne?

Currently, I’m living in Zurich for work purposes, but if I had to choose, Lucerne would be my answer.  

Just out of curiosity: What was your dream job as a child?

In my childhood, I always wanted to be a medical doctor; I thought they were the ones who saved lives. In my current role I maybe don’t save lives, but I help people to enjoy their lives, to live them to the fullest and to make them more relaxed.  

What is your current role?

I work as a Human Resources Assistant at the FIVE Zurich Hotel. My main responsibilities are HR administrative work like recruitment, payroll, the drafting of contracts, etc. Besides, I enjoy helping my colleagues with their work in areas including communication, conflict resolution, etc.  

In which hotel would you like to work one day? 

While searching for jobs, one hotel and culture caught my attention. One day, I would like to work for Aman Hotels & Resorts.