BMIHMS and Marriott elevating the next generation of hospitality leaders

Real-world readiness is more than a catchphrase at Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS). It’s woven into every stage of the student journey, from the first role play to the final internship. Through strong partnerships with global brands like Marriott, students are given not just a glimpse into the hospitality industry but an immersion.

Students meeting Marriott leadership at the breakfast roundtable

For a group of BMIHMS students, a recent breakfast roundtable with senior Marriott leaders was more than a networking event – it was a defining career moment. It brought together emerging talent and industry experts in an intimate, conversational setting, creating space for genuine dialogue, mentorship and inspiration.

Students sat face-to-face with four of Marriott’s senior leaders from the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands region. Over coffee, they explored what it takes to build a career in luxury hospitality, asked questions about leadership and brand evolution, and received personal encouragement and insight from professionals who have shaped the global hotel landscape.

For Crystal Jambaldorj, a Master of International Hotel Management student and Marriott team member, the roundtable was a powerful reminder of why she chose this career path.

Crystal Jambaldorj (Second from the right)

“It provided a rare and valuable opportunity to connect directly with senior leaders from one of the world’s most respected hospitality brands,” she said. “Being in that room reinforced my passion for the industry and reminded me why I chose this career path and Marriott.”

Bachelor of Business (International Hotel and Resort Management) student Matilda Connolly echoed the sentiment. “It was definitely a little scary going into the roundtable, but when you realise you’re representing your own personal brand and your school community, it boosts your confidence,” she said.

These kinds of industry-led experiences aren’t one-off highlights. They’re embedded into BMIHMS’s approach to education. The school is intentional about connecting students with decision-makers, mentors and real-world opportunities throughout their course, not just at graduation.

Marriott on the future of the hotel industry and talent

Hospitality is evolving and according to Marriott’s Fiona Pereira, the next generation of leaders needs to be flexible, well-rounded and authentic. As Director of Talent Acquisition & Talent Management for Marriott across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, she emphasised that networking plays a vital role in shaping a hospitality career.

“The roundtable breakfast was a lovely event,” she said. “By keeping it small, it gave students an opportunity to chat in small groups or one-on-one with the four Marriott leaders. It was a bit like reverse mentoring for our four senior leaders to hear what’s important to current students.”

When it comes to hiring interns and graduates, Fiona knows exactly what Marriott is looking for. “Passion, enthusiasm, excitement,” she said. “BMIHMS students measure up really well. They were well-presented and incredibly engaging. You could feel their passion for the industry.”

Marriott is committed to helping students grow beyond the internship. Many continue working part-time while studying, with conversations around the Voyage graduate program beginning as they near completion. It’s a clear pathway from classroom to career.

How BMIHMS prepares students for the hotel industry

Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School is known for its rigorous, practical approach to learning and its graduates are recognised for being job-ready. The course structure combines hands-on training, live assessments, and real-world placements with a strong emphasis on soft skills – the things that set leaders apart in luxury hospitality.

For Crystal, subjects like Leadership & Management and Rooms Division Operations gave her the structure and service standards to succeed.

“The practical learning, especially role-plays, applied training, team assessment, teamwork and placement, has been incredibly valuable. The soft skills I’ve developed, like emotional intelligence and cultural awareness, have helped me adapt quickly and perform confidently during my placement,” she said.

Matilda added that human connection is at the heart of what makes BMIHMS graduates stand out.

Matilda Connolly (Second from the right)

“A good skill I’ve gained is finding an ease and confidence to connect with people. That’s really the core of hospitality. Leadership, empathy and confidence paired with practical and department-specific skills have made me feel ready to leave the classroom and enter the industry.”

Premium hospitality, Matilda said, is not one-size-fits-all – and the roundtable helped her understand the breadth of what’s possible.

“Hearing the different experiences around the table showed me how diverse luxury hospitality is and the equally diverse ways you can create that experience for your guest. I now understand that premium guest experience doesn’t look one way or fit one particular mould,” she said.

Shaping future hotel leaders

The relationship between BMIHMS and Marriott goes beyond employer and educator – it’s a collaboration in shaping the future of hospitality. Through intimate events, applied placements and ongoing mentorship, students don’t just study the industry – they live it.

BMIHMS students are not waiting until graduation to enter the workforce. They’re already making impressions, asking the right questions and building their professional brands with global hotel leaders. With every roundtable, placement and practical class, they are stepping confidently into the next chapter, ready to lead.