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Join on Telegram Benguerir – Morocco’s hospitality industry took center stage at the Internship Network Forum (INF), held today at the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic’s (UM6P) Benguerir campus. The event was organized by students from the School of Hospitality Business and Management (SHBM), and offered young talents a chance to rub shoulders with industry insiders.
In 2024, SHBM earned the prestigious certification from Switzerland’s EHL Hospitality Business School – the only African institution with this status.
EHL Chief Academic Officer Juan Perellon was a keynote speaker at the event. “Our certification ensures SHBM meets global standards while staying true to Morocco’s identity. Hospitality is in this country’s DNA, and this school prepares talent to lead the industry into the future,” he said in an exclusive interview with Morocco World News.
Students participated in networking and speed-recruiting sessions with top hotel chains from around the world. “This event is their gateway to the world,” said Perellon. “They should be bold, humble, and generous—everything the hospitality industry needs.”
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Syrab El Malti, director of SHBM, understands the importance of this partnership. “EHL’s certification isn’t just a stamp—it’s a relationship that strengthens SHBM’s unique DNA,” she said. “We’ve worked closely with EHL to design a program that matches Morocco’s needs while aligning with global standards.”
El Malti described the students as being in the process of “creating something amazing.” She added: “The forum isn’t just about finding internships—it’s a learning experience. They work in teams, face challenges, and come up with fresh ideas each year. Every year, they surprise us with how much they grow.”
A transformative rite of passage
Syrab sees the event as a rite of passage for students. “They’re preparing for the real world,” she argued. “They don’t just learn how to organize an event—they learn how to handle pressure, deal with people, and take ownership of their work. That’s how they build confidence for the hospitality industry.”
The event was organized entirely by second-year students and was a perfect blend of networking, learning, and career-building.
Assia Hadi, a student ambassador, shared her excitement: “We’ve been working on this for over a month. Everything is student-led, from planning to execution. And It’s not just an event—it’s part of our curriculum, and we take it seriously.”
During the conference, the organizers played a video about the “Tabsil Taous,” the peacock dish. Taha El Jaridi, one of the organizers, explained: “The peacock is not just a creature; it is a symbol of beauty, resilience, and renaissance.”
Ghita Benmezian, the host of the conference, added: “These elements connect us to our heritage. The Tabsil resonates with many households in Morocco and is central to festive occasions.”
SHBM students are set to shape Morocco’s booming hospitality sector. With a solid education backed by EHL’s expertise and events like the INF, they are ready to take on global challenges while keeping Moroccan warmth at the heart of their work.
As Syrab El Malti said, “We’re giving students the tools to be leaders. They’ll carry Morocco’s hospitality to the next level—global excellence with a strong sense of tradition.”
Fourth-year student Adam El Mazouni reflected on how the INF has shaped his career. “In my first year, I secured an internship at Mamounia. Later, I worked in marketing at Le Royal Mansour and even went to Hong Kong for a commercial internship. This event opens doors.”
Adam also had advice for younger students: “Always dress well, prepare your CV carefully, and research the companies you’re meeting.”
