A 360° Experience: Hospitality Student Completes Internship at Hyatt Regency Amsterdam

20.10.2025

Matin Rouhipourfard Develops New Skills and Expands Horizons

For HBA student Matin Rouhipourfard, specialising in Tourism and Hospitality Management, an internship at the Hyatt Regency Amsterdam Hotel was an opportunity to develop new skills and expand his professional network and horizons. After securing the position with the help of a friend who referred him to the establishment’s HR department, Matin had the chance to work as a Front Office Trainee from February to September 2025.

In this role, he was the first and last point of contact with the guests, and his responsibilities included welcoming guests and assisting with their check-ins and check-outs, handling reservations and assisting with any queries or complaints that they might have. This enabled him to build on important competencies like listening and communication, problem-solving, time management and technical software proficiency.

“Teamwork was another important aspect of the hotel industry as there is constant communication between various departments, such as housekeeping, food & beverage, engineering and events. I also managed to build time management and multitasking abilities by balancing administrative tasks with guest-related responsibilities,” Matin says.

For him, the most enjoyable aspect of the job was being able to connect with people from all over the world and diverse cultural backgrounds and contribute to creating memorable guest experiences. “I also enjoyed the dynamic environment of hospitality, where every day was different and presented new learning opportunities. On top of that, I managed to do cross training in the housekeeping and marketing departments of the hotel. Both gave me valuable insights into hotel operations.”

However, the internship also included challenges such as adapting to a fast-paced environment, managing high guest expectations and learning to remain calm under pressure during peak times. “Another challenging aspect was the distance that I had to travel from Apeldoorn to Amsterdam daily, sometimes on the weekends as well. This was expensive and tiring,” Matin comments.

The student highlights that this internship provided him with a practical 360° view of hotel operations and allowed him to apply academic knowledge to a real-world setting. “It also gave me a clearer view of the possible career paths within hospitality, particularly in front office and marketing. By developing both technical and soft skills, I feel more prepared for leadership roles in the future.”

Matin plans to continue building his career in the hospitality, tourism and events industry, focusing on roles that combine guest services and marketing. He is open to both internships and entry-level job opportunities in Front Office, Guest Relations, Marketing or Event Management, ideally in international hotel chains or tourism organisations, and preferably at companies that support the long-term professional development of international employees.

“I strongly encourage students to do internships because they provide hands-on experience that cannot be gained in the classroom alone. Internships help students apply theoretical knowledge, develop professional competencies and discover their strengths and interests. They also provide opportunities for networking and can open doors to future employment,” Matin emphasises.