A look behind the scenes

Mrs Krüger, you work at the Alsterkrug Hotel as an IU sandwich course student. How can I imagine the dual study programme in hotel management?

Well, in general, the core element of the dual study programme is the combination of theory and practice. As a dual study programme student, I not only learn the theoretical content of the course, but am also taught practical application at the same time. I generally rotate between the university campus in Hamburg City South and the Alsterkrug Hotel on a fortnightly basis. Compared to other models of dual study programmes, this weekly rotation has the advantage that you can focus better on the tasks at hand, e.g. lectures or the shift at the company. March and September of each year are an exception in this respect. Between the summer and winter semesters, you spend another whole month at the company. Personally, I always like to plan my holidays here.

Okay, so the weeks during the semester are always divided into theoretical and practical weeks. What does the typical schedule of these weeks look like for you?

You usually attend four different lectures on campus per semester, each of which is spread over the entire semester with a maximum of 37.5 hours. However, the lecture plan is not identical in every theory week, but varies. This keeps things varied and there is often a lecture-free weekday. Of course, some time must also be planned for preparation or follow-up work on the lecture content. But this is definitely feasible, and in my experience, free time and hobbies are not neglected. A typical practical week, on the other hand, is a little different. I work the traditional 40 hours in a week and therefore have plenty of time to combine what I've learnt at university with what I do in the hotel. I feel that the overlaps increase with each semester, so I have more and more opportunities to better understand and scrutinise tasks and processes during my shift.

That sounds interesting! How long does the dual study programme at the IU actually last?

It lasts 7 semesters, so three and a half years. Due to the practical component, the dual study programme is half a year longer than the traditional Bachelor's degree. However, an important point for me was that the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) at the IU is still recognised by the state. After graduating, you receive 180 ECTS points (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) for your degree programme, just like at other universities.

While we are on the subject of "private universities". What about the costs, does the Alsterkrug Hotel cover the entire cost of the dual study programme at the IU?

Yes exactly, the Alsterkrug Hotel pays the IU tuition fees in full. I also receive an agreed amount of pocket money every month. It's also interesting to mention at this point that the IU is state-recognised. This means that students receive the benefits of a private university, but can still apply for BAföG (Federal Training Assistance Act) if necessary.

All clear. Now I have a few more questions about the practical part. What exactly are your tasks at the Alsterkrug Hotel?

The range of tasks is really very varied. In general, you will get to know and work in all departments of the hotel (reception, reservations, service, housekeeping, convention sales, marketing, etc.). The hotel's HR manager, Mrs Templin, always draws up a transfer plan for me as a dual student and also for our trainees at the hotel. On the one hand, this is really great for keeping an overview and, on the other, it shows once again that the Alsterkrug Hotel is very keen to guarantee comprehensive insights and opportunities. I know second-hand from friends who are fellow students that this kind of approach to dual students and trainees is unfortunately not a matter of course in every company.

I understand. Were there any other reasons why you chose the Alsterkrug Hotel as a practice partner for the dual study programme at the IU?

Yes, definitely. The Alsterkrug Hotel is a family-run private hotel, but it is connected to the international Best Western Hotel & Resorts brand through a hotel co-operation. As an employee, this means that I not only get to know the individual hotel industry, but also areas of the chain and brand hotel industry. I also find the organisational structure at the Alsterkrug Hotel very positive. There is no unnecessarily complicated hierarchy that makes you feel insecure as a learner. There is always someone to contact if you have any questions or problems. This diversity was very important to me when I made my choice and I have not regretted it.

That makes me happy! Ms Krüger, what qualities do you think potential dual students should have?

In addition to the requirements of the IU and a successful acceptance there, I would say that there should definitely be a few personal requirements. On the one hand, enjoying dealing with guests is an elementary factor, as advising and looking after guests is always the top priority in the hospitality industry. I also think flexibility and the ability to work under pressure are important qualities if you want to work in the service sector. But generally speaking and in conclusion: Anyone who enjoys working in a team and appreciates team spirit at work is ideally suited to the Alsterkrug Hotel.