AIHM champions the value of internships! They’re an opportunity to explore career tracks, to see how classroom learning intersects with real-world hotel operations and to form valuable industry connections while building experience. In fact, AIHM students in the BBA degree programme all benefit from two separate semester-long internships during their studies.
When you graduate from AIHM, your internship experiences (not to mention other key aspects of your education) help elevate you to the top of the candidate pile as you embark on your career and begin job hunting.
Our students secure sought-after hospitality internships all around the world. Samantha Lauver-Marion, AIHM’s Head of Student Engagement, reached out to a few of our students taking part in Dubai-based internships to ask them about their time learning and exploring in the United Arab Emirates. Read the first-hand accounts of their internships below.
Internship at a Hotel Inspired by a Legendary Adventurer
What is your name? And in which hotel and department did you do your internship?
My name is Kattalee Waewsanga—or you can call me Chaaim. I recently completed a 6-month internship at Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai in the field of Marketing for 5 months followed by 1 month in the Learning and Development Department.
What has your internship experience been like overall?
During my 5-month internship in the Marketing Department at Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai, I was responsible for assisting the Marketing team with various activities such as market research, advertising, promotions and social media management. I worked closely with the Marketing team and was able to gain valuable hands-on experience in marketing for the hospitality industry. The internship also gave me exposure to the unique culture and business practices of Dubai.
Similarly, during my 1-month internship in the Learning and Development Department, I was responsible for assisting with training and development activities such as designing and delivering training programmes, conducting needs assessments, and evaluating the effectiveness of training programmes. Working closely with the Learning and Development team as well as other departments allowed me to gain valuable hands-on experience.
Overall, my internships at Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai provided me with a great opportunity to develop my skills and gain practical experience in both Marketing and Learning and Development. The experience helped me to grow as a professional and provided me with a deeper understanding of the hospitality industry and the uniqueness of Dubai.
What have you learned? And what kind of support or guidance have you received from the property?
During my internships at Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai, I received a great deal of support and guidance from both the Marketing and Learning and Development teams.
In the Marketing Department, I worked closely with my supervisor and colleagues, who provided me with guidance and feedback on my work. They were always available to answer any questions I had and to provide me with direction when needed. They also encouraged me to take ownership of my projects and to develop my skills and knowledge in marketing.
Similarly, in the Learning and Development Department, I received a great deal of support and guidance from my supervisor and colleagues. They were always available to answer any questions I had and to provide me with feedback on my work. They also encouraged me to take ownership of my projects there as well.
Overall, the teams at Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai were very supportive and provided me with the guidance and resources I needed to succeed in my internships. Their support helped me to grow as a professional and to gain valuable hands-on experience in the hospitality industry.
What do usually do when you are free or have a day off? Have you had a chance to experience the destination?
As an intern in Dubai, when I had a day off, there were so many things I could do. I visited the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
I headed to the Dubai Mall, which is one of the largest malls in the world. I wandered through the countless shops and boutiques and stopped for a bite to eat at one of the mall's many restaurants.
I went to the Dubai Miracle Garden, which is the world's largest flower garden. I walked through the stunning displays of flowers and took in the beautiful colours and scents.
I went to the Dubai Miracle Garden, which is the world's largest flower garden. I walked through the stunning displays of flowers and took in the beautiful colours and scents.
Feeling adventurous, I went on a desert safari and experienced the traditional Bedouin lifestyle. I rode a camel, watched a falconry display, and tried some traditional Arabic food. Finally, I ended my day by relaxing on one of the many beautiful beaches in the city. I soaked up the sun, and watched sunset over the Arabian Gulf. It was a perfect day off in Dubai that I will always remember.
An Internship on The Palm
What is your name? And in which hotel and department did you do your internship?
My name is Chinnakrit (Neil) Kerdsang. I’m currently doing an internship in the Marketing and Communications Department at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort.
What are the things that you have learned so far?
- Marketing strategy and campaign implementation: I’ve had the opportunity to actively participate in the development and execution of marketing strategies and campaigns. I’ve learned how to conduct market research, identify target audiences, create marketing materials, and analyse campaign performance.
- Marketing revenue reporting and social media presentations: I learned how to generate comprehensive marketing revenue reports, providing insights into the financial impact of marketing initiatives. Additionally, I gained proficiency in creating engaging social media presentations to showcase campaign results and performance metrics using Sprout Social for analysis.
- Effective internal and external communication: I’ve enhanced my communication skills by interacting with both internal team members and external guests. I learned how to effectively collaborate and convey ideas within the marketing team, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient workflow. Furthermore, I developed the ability to communicate by email professionally and empathetically with guests, catering to their needs and enhancing their overall experience.
- Press trip and influencer booking management: As part of my internship, I’ve gained hands-on experience in arranging press trips and collaborating with influencers. This involved coordinating logistics, organising accommodations and activities, and ensuring a smooth and memorable experience for media professionals and influencers.
- Photography skills: I’ve also had the opportunity to enhance my photography skills during the internship. Whether it was capturing captivating images of the property or shooting promotional materials for marketing campaigns, I developed a keen eye for composition and visual storytelling. I learned techniques to ensure proper lighting, composition and editing, resulting in visually appealing photographs that effectively convey the hotel's unique offerings.
How is your internship experience going overall?
My internship experience has been amazing. I have worked on diverse marketing projects and collaborated with a talented team. My hands-on experience in strategy development, campaign execution and analysis has allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. The invaluable mentorship and guidance from my manager and director boosted my skills and confidence.
Anantara The Palm Dubai offers a supportive company culture that promotes open communication and cross-department collaboration, broadening my understanding of marketing’s impact. The exposure to the hospitality industry has provided unique insights into guest preferences and needs.
Overall, this combination of experience, mentorship, culture, and industry exposure has made my internship genuinely fulfilling. I'm grateful for the opportunities and excited to continue learning and contributing.
What were your goals when you began your internship and how are you progressing on them?
My internship goals were to enhance my professional communication skills and experience workplace diversity.
I’m progressing through regular interactions and refining communication in meetings, projects and client interactions. Anantara The Palm Dubai’s diverse environment exposes me to various cultures and perspectives, broadening my understanding of workplace diversity. I appreciate the value of diverse perspectives in problem-solving. This internship has offered me a platform to develop skills in a multicultural environment, benefiting my future career.
Overall, I’m pleased with my progress in both goals: improving communication and experiencing diversity.
What will be your focus from now until the end of your internship?
- To strengthen my communication and collaboration skills: I will actively participate in team meetings, brainstorming sessions and cross-departmental collaborations, honing my ability to communicate ideas effectively, actively listen and contribute to productive discussions. I will also focus on building strong relationships with colleagues and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- To continue learning about the hospitality industry: Being in a luxury hotel setting, I will seize opportunities to deepen my understanding of the hospitality industry, its unique marketing challenges and customer-centric approaches. This includes actively engaging with guests, understanding their preferences and needs, and applying those insights to marketing strategies and campaigns.
What was the biggest challenge to overcome when relocating to a new city?
The biggest challenge when relocating to a new city like Dubai is adapting to the diverse culture and being mindful of potential differences in perceptions and sensitivities.
What advice do you have for future students who would like to complete an internship in Dubai like you?
- Embrace the opportunity to learn. An internship in Dubai offers an excellent chance to gain exposure to a global business hub and learn from professionals in an international setting. Be proactive in seeking out learning opportunities, ask questions, and take on new challenges.
- Embrace cultural diversity and be open-minded to different perspectives, which can broaden your horizons and enhance your skills.
- Understand the local culture. Dubai is a multicultural city with a unique cultural blend. Familiarise yourself with the local customs, traditions and business etiquette. Show respect and sensitivity towards the diverse cultural backgrounds of your colleagues and guests. This understanding will help you navigate social interactions and contribute positively to the work environment.
Hospitality Internships with AIHM
Are you a potential AIHM student who wants to know more about our current students’ hospitality internship experiences? Discover our student internships in the Maldives.
Are you a hotel or resort interested in offering internships to AIHM students? Benefit from opening the door for some of the hospitality industry’s most promising leaders of tomorrow. Please contact Samantha-Lauver Marion at samantha.marion@aihm.education to discuss internship possibilities. We’d love to hear from you!
