ESSEC IMHI: A Program built on Soft Skills and Academic Excellence

To learn more about Mark’s management trajectory, read the full interview.

Can you sum up your program experience in 3 words?

MSJ: Transformational, eye-opening, excellence

What was your source of motivation to start the MSc in Hospitality Management (IMHI) program?

MSJ: I really wanted to become a hotel general manager and I believed that I needed to improve my strategic planning and financial management skills. Indeed, I needed a prestigious and demanding Master’s program like the ESSEC IMHI to achieve my goals. 

Why did you choose ESSEC and why this program specifically?

MSJ: I had heard wonders about the ESSEC IMHI program from every ESSEC alumni I had met. The alumni network has always been active and supportive, which was reassuring when making my decision. Furthermore, I have always considered ESSEC as a prominent institution of higher education in Europe.

Tell us about your best moment(s) in the program, whether inside or outside the classroom?

MSJ: Our after-work get-togethers were precious moments, especially as a young student, allowing me to meet industry leaders, in a less formal setting.

The Excel class was an amazing experience. First, I really improved my Excel skills, which was truly useful in my work. Also, the way the professor taught that class was very inspiring, he made it entertaining. The quality of teaching in general at ESSEC IMHI was a very positive element.

Integration weekend, with its warm atmosphere. I remember feeling the excitement of a new chapter of my life and fascinating long discussions with my fellow classmates.

What were the most valuable aspects of studying for your program at ESSEC?

MSJ: Well, the IMHI program gave me the opportunity to combine a high-level academic experience and part-time work at Accor in hotel development. With the apprenticeship pathway, I was able to immediately put to use what I learned at IMHI, mainly real estate finance, strategy and financial analysis at the time.

The soft skills course taught by Mr. Jem Fogarty was incredibly valuable. He was truly inspiring and helped me focus on introspection and how to become a better leader. His approach to emotional intelligence applied to a professional context dramatically changed the way I envision leadership. I am very grateful for his help and availability.

What skillsets did you develop at IMHI that were most helpful in your career?

MSJ: I think that P&L analysis (USALI), soft skills, revenue management & real estate finance are the most useful skills that I developed at ESSEC IMHI.

How did the program enable you to reach where you are today?

MSJ: The positive reputation of the program was very helpful during my job application process. Additionally, the large and active IMHI network of alumni helped me when I needed advice to understand the industry and choose a career path. I’m very thankful for that and now, I try to be available as well to help new graduates whenever they reach out.

What is the biggest challenge you overcame during your time as a program participant?

MSJ: The exam periods were intense, especially when combined with professional deadlines. Sometimes, balancing work and school was really challenging but I took it as a way to prepare myself for the future.

Strategy courses and business simulations were very demanding. I remember how exigent the professors were. They expected us to dig deep and detail our research and sources. It helped me avoid broad generalization without evidence.

What advice would you give to the current cohort?

MSJ: To invest time in introspection and personal development topics as early as possible. It is paramount for future healthy professional relationships. Soft skills and emotional intelligence play a significant role in long-term performance.

To be resilient in the face of challenge at IMHI, as it is a fitting preparation for the future to come.

Any tips for future applicants?

MSJ: To always save a spot in their life for what makes them passionate and enthusiastic, work related or not. That’s what provides energy to achieve goals and face challenges.

To resist the urge to show overnight quick success, which is sometimes present in business school contexts. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, so be patient when it comes to the timing of the goals they set for themselves.

To allow themselves the right to make mistakes. The hospitality industry is a human-centric sector, including the emotional journey of creating vibrant experiences. Mistakes are part of the pathway.

Not to compare themselves with predecessors or fellow ESSEC teammates, as we all write our own individual story in our own time.

Any books, authors or inspiring leaders you would recommend?

MSJ: I’d recommend: Emotional intelligence by Daniel GOLDMAN. It explains accurately the importance and the mechanism of emotional intelligence as a powerful tool in the workplace to sustain lasting performance in a healthy way.

I’d also recommend Don’t believe everything you think by Joseph NGUYEN, which helped me understand how our thoughts directly impact our perception, performances, relationships and stress level. It helped me transition from a “hard on myself” motivation approach, which created results in a stressful way and in the short term, to a positive and optimistic approach, which created alignment and serenity, even in the middle of challenges..