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Tell us about yourself
My name is Adèle Raveleau, I’m 24 years old and I currently live in Rennes.
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Tell us about your studies at Excelia
I joined Excelia in 2017 on the Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management, after having completed a DUT qualification in Business and Administration Management in Nantes. After the Bachelor, I enrolled on Excelia’s Master of Science in International Hospitality Management, graduating in 2020.
More about Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management
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Why did you choose these particular study programmes and this school?
I chose Excelia because it is a school with an international outlook, and its programmes in tourism and hospitality are all-encompassing and vocationally oriented.
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What was the highlight of your studies?
The highlight was my internship in South Africa in 2019. I went for 6 months, alone, to a country that I didn’t really know anything about! It was a veritable challenge on both a personal and professional level. I learnt all about the role of Assistant Manager at Molo Lolo, an eco-friendly business group founded by a French lady. By the end of my internship, I was actually working as an Assistant Manager for the same group at their lodge in Cape Town. This experience helped me mature and further heightened my passion for the hospitality industry.
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What do you think about international experiences?
International experiences are truly enriching opportunities in a student’s education. They are character-building and encourage openness to the world... I would recommend them to all students!
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What are you up to at the moment?
After the Master of Science in International Hospitality Management at Excelia, I decided to further develop my skills and, in September 2020, I signed a contract as a receptionist in a 3-star hotel in Rennes. Less than a year later, the hotel group offered me the opportunity to work at their 4-star Saint Antoine hotel. Four months after arriving, I was promoted to Head of Reception, a position I currently hold.
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What exactly does your job entail? Can you tell us a little bit about it?
The role of Head of Reception is an important role in a hotel as you are the link between reception and management. You are the ‘right hand’ of the management team, who often consult you when making decisions. You are in charge of the reception area and the reception team, in other words, the ‘face’ of the hotel. This position requires precision, organisation and versatility.
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Are you fulfilled in your professional life?
I feel very fulfilled in my professional life at the moment. I am passionate about the hospitality industry and I’m very proud to be working for this establishment.
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In your everyday life, which of the lessons and experiences at Excelia have been useful?
Choosing the English Track (for my Bachelor and Master) meant that I can now converse with ease when dealing with international clients, enjoying fluent conversations. The lessons in Management and Human Resources provided me with essential knowledge for my profession, making me more efficient in my work.
The Master of Science enabled me to acquire expertise in strategy and management… so essential for my daily activities and career evolution.
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What are your pastimes outside of work?
I’ve been playing basketball at a high level for the last 12 years or so. From Year 9 to the last year of High School, I was in a boarding school and trained 5 times a week. I’ve always been passionate about this sport and I now play in the National 2 league (4th level in France) for the club Avenir de Rennes. I’ve always needed a balance between work and basketball to feel at my best. This sport is a real driving force in my life!
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What advice would you give to a future MSc student?
The main piece of advice I would give to a future Master of Science student would be to never lose sight of your professional and personal goals. Secondly, be dedicated and take advantage of all that Excelia has to offer. Students are very lucky to have the opportunity to join a comprehensive and enriching programme, in terms of both education and experiences. Finally, I’d tell them not to hesitate… to be brave and to live all the experiences and opportunities that come their way, whether they are in France or abroad!
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What advice would you give to someone looking to embark on a career in the tourism sector?
I don’t really have any advice to give in this respect because I myself still have many things to learn and discover! But I know that if they are passionate about what they do, they will achieve great things. It’s a fascinating sector, offering stimulating careers.
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How would you sum up your time at Excelia in 1 word (or 2 or 3.... 😉)
My time at Excelia can be summed up in three words… encounters, experiences and discoveries!
