BMIHMS industry connections at The Lands by Capella
We believe that the best way to learn hospitality is to live it. Our industry partnerships give students a launchpad to step out of the classroom and into the most prestigious hotels in the world.
Recently, Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School students received an exclusive look at the future of luxury at The Lands by Capella. This pre-launch exposure gave them a glimpse into the inner workings of a landmark property before it opened to the public. The timing was perfect, as Capella Sydney currently holds the title of Best Hotel in Oceania and is ranked No. 12 in The World’s 50 Best Hotels.
Industry connections in hospitality education
Strong industry connections are the backbone of a successful career in hotel management. At Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS), we directly enhance our students’ employability by providing access to organisations with high international standards and global networks that build lasting and impactful hospitality careers.
While classroom theory provides the essential knowledge, real-world exposure is what sets our students apart. They see how high-end operations function under pressure. This experience is a direct example of how we bridge the gap between the theory of service excellence and actually seeing it in action.
Experiencing The Lands by Capella
The Lands by Capella offers a unique, immersive experience that excited students and guests alike. BMIHMS held a special lunch event here to give students a practical and immersive experience of hotel operations. During this function operations simulation, students stepped into the role of the guest, witnessing how different departments collaborate in the real world. They witnessed the standards and culture that define a world-class luxury brand.
The Lands by Capella represents a significant milestone in the luxury hospitality scene and is a masterpiece of heritage and modern design.
Learning beyond the classroom
Hands-on learning is a core pillar of the BMIHMS experience. Our students learn about luxury service, complex operations, and the guest journey by being part of it themselves. Phoebe Yap, a final-year Bachelor of Business in International Hotel Management student, shared her thoughts on the event.
Phoebe has worked in two different roles at Capella Sydney, having already built a substantial profile within one of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands before finishing her studies. She first joined Capella Sydney in April 2024 for her industry placement in the Food and Beverage department, starting in In-Room Dining before rotating through Breakfast and Brasserie 1930 over six months. This experience allowed her to build strong industry connections, leading to her return to Capella in subsequent roles.
“Experiencing the test event as a guest was incredibly special because it allowed me to step outside of my operational role and see the hotel from the perspective of our guests,”
“Working behind the scenes, we are often focused on delivering the service, so being able to receive that same level of care and attention personally gave me a deeper appreciation for the guest journey.
During the simulation, Phoebe observed how thoughtful details create the powerful feeling of luxury; not only in what guests can explicitly see, but rather in what they feel. By witnessing the finished form of the heritage building, she understood how the physical environment and service standards must align to tell a cohesive brand story. This experience taught her that true hospitality requires a perfect balance of high-level operational efficiency and genuine, heart-led storytelling. She realised that every small interaction serves as a vital thread in the larger tapestry of a world-class guest experience.
Shaping of future hospitality leaders
Phoebe Yap’s progression at Capella Sydney has been both rapid and diverse. She began her tenure at the property as a Culturist, a role focused on serving as a local expert and personal guide for guests. From there, she transitioned into the Guest Service Agent role, further refining her ability to manage complex guest requirements in a fast-paced, five-star environment.
Phoebe’s continuous and successful involvement at Capella highlights the exceptional calibre and longevity of BMIHMS’ industry connections. Her story demonstrates that our sustained relationship with world-leading brands enables BMIHMS’ students to become valued professionals who are empowered to access the career opportunities they’ve always dreamed of.
Our trainers and industry partners play a vital role in mentoring the next generation of leaders. They actively collaborate in curriculum development, ensure our programs remain aligned with current industry standards, and offer industry placement opportunities to our students.
Vivian Zhang, the Capella HR Director, believes these initiatives are essential for the industry.
“By partnering with hospitality schools, Capella can share real-world insights, industry expectations, and best practices with students before they enter the workforce. Supporting initiatives like this also allows us to inspire young talent, give back to the community, nurture future leaders, and ensure that the values of genuine service, craftsmanship, and luxury hospitality continue to be upheld.
Collaborations with valued industry partners like Capella serve as a vital platform for students to practice high-stakes decision-making within a supportive, professional environment. By immersing themselves in the Capella service pillars, students learn to anticipate guests' needs before they even voice them. This proactive mindset remains a hallmark of leadership within the global luxury sector.
BMIHMS is also proud to recently welcome Capella as a Graduate Privileged Partner Program (GPP) partner, connecting our students with world-leading hospitality brands and global career pathways.
