Samir Baidas
Senior Vice President for Development, Marriott, Dubai, UAE, Graduated 1990, César Ritz
César Ritz Colleges offers a more boutique style that is focused around a more family way of life and study experience. Personally, I benefited a lot from the training I received from very good academics and strong teachers, building in me the right attitude for success. I did great internships in Geneva at the Hotel Intercontinental, the Renaissance Hotel and the Noga Hilton. Furthermore, I gained so much by living with other nationalities and having smooth relationships culturally and religiously.What I remember as being absolutely vital for me was the fact that the school made me aware of the ‘real industry’ and prepared me well for my career: the school gave me a lot and got me to where I am today.
My current position is high on the corporate level with responsibilities that include the development, control and growth of the company. I have the first contacts with future owners, developing management and franchising contracts for Marriott as the international operator to manage hotels, and this includes working closely with feasibility studies, acquisitions, architectural and construction issues, and the legal team.
My advice to aspiring students: César Ritz Colleges is among the best schools in the world, so benefit from that and work hard, study hard and be focused; training in Switzerland has the uniqueness of being able to get you inside into the real world; use the school to get you to the best hotels for your development.
