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HSMAI Europe Commercial Career Start Program supports hospitality students and recent graduates in transitioning from studying to their first roles in sales, revenue, or marketing in the industry.
The program complements formal education by offering a closer look at how commercial roles in the hospitality industry operate today. Through sessions led by hospitality professionals, participants gain first-hand industry knowledge and a realistic understanding of how the industry works in practice.
This Program is for you if:
- You are preparing to start your career and have little or no experience in commercial roles.
- You are eager to learn from industry professionals who work in commercial roles.
- You would like to prepare for an entry-level position through practical, up-to-date, and industry-led sessions.
- You are looking to build connections with peers and industry professionals across Europe.
The program is structured as a series of online sessions designed and delivered by hospitality industry professionals from program partners - Marriott International, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Accor - who share how sales, revenue, and marketing roles work in practice.
The program begins with an introduction to careers in sales, revenue, and marketing, offering participants a realistic understanding of what these roles entail within the hospitality industry.
The main part of the program consists of sessions guided by hospitality professionals who work with junior employees, offering participants a realistic, hands-on view of entry-level roles in sales, revenue, and marketing. These sessions help participants prepare for the first few months of an entry-level role through first-hand knowledge and practical examples that reflect how daily work is carried out in those roles.
By the end of the program, participants will have a clear understanding of what working in commercial roles within hospitality involves, along with practical insights and advice on how to begin and grow their careers in sales, revenue, or marketing.
Examples of questions participants will get answers to:
- How do I know if sales, revenue, or marketing is the right fit for me?
- What does a typical day look like for someone in a sales, revenue, or marketing role?
- What technology is used on a daily basis, and how is it applied?
- What do companies look for in applicants for entry-level positions?
Practical information
The program will last 12 weeks (mid-March - early June 2026), and will include classroom-size weekly group sessions of 1.5 hours each session. There will be no homework or additional preparation for the sessions.
All sessions will be conducted online. However, participants can attend HSMAI Europe events taking place in their country. See events calendar here.
The program offers three tracks: Sales, Revenue, and Marketing. While each track follows the same overall structure, the content is tailored to each discipline.
To receive a certificate of completion, participants must attend 80% of the sessions for one track. Attendance is counted only if participants have their camera on during the entire session and stay for its full duration.
Participants have the opportunity to participate in one, two, or all three tracks, as sessions are scheduled on different days of the week* (See schedule below)
SALES TRACK
Tuesdays
From 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM CET
REVENUE TRACK
Wednesdays
From 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM CET
MARKETING TRACK
Thursdays
From 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM CET
At the end of the program, participants will have the opportunity to book a one-on-one conversation with a member of the HSMAI Europe Rising Leaders Council.
The council is made up of dedicated and ambitious leaders under the age of 35 who have excelled themselves in their roles across a range of disciplines, from corporate functions to on-property leadership positions.
This program offers you the unique possibility to speak with a rising star who has already made meaningful progress in the hospitality industry and can share practical perspective, someone close enough to your own stage to understand the challenges and the journey you’re navigating.
Testimonials from participants
Read testimonials from participants of the 2025 edition below and a wrap-up article with participant feedback here.
João Sequeira, final year student at Nova School of Business and Economics (Portugal); Sales & Revenue Management tracks
"Participating in the HSMAI Europe Commercial Career Start Program was an amazing experience.
The sessions were highly interactive and offered a real understanding of what it’s like to work in this dynamic field. It was also a great opportunity to connect with experienced professionals from all around the world and network with other young talents who share the same passion for hospitality.
Additionally, taking part in HSMAI Europe events enriched the overall experience and exposure to the industry.
I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to develop their career in hospitality and commercial strategy."
"The HSMAI Commercial Career Start Program offers a great blend of learning, networking, and inspiration, providing a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry's commercial landscape. As a participant of the program's marketing track, I gained valuable insights into the variety of career paths within hospitality marketing.
The program also contributed to my expertise on current trends within the field and it was the perfect setting to discuss ongoing topics with experienced professionals from various hotel chains, brands and positions. Each session was thoughtfully structured, combining strategic insights with a clear overview of the responsibilities and opportunities in this dynamic sector."
Lea Sophie Maleen Albertini, recent graduate from Hotel Management School Maastricht (Netherlands); Marketing track
Alex Mannsdorfer, final-year student at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spain); Sales, Revenue Management and Marketing tracks
"The sessions are generally very dynamic. The people in charge, who have plenty of experience, are always asking us questions and answer openly and sincerely, without any kind of taboo. Some sessions are more theoretical, while others are more practical. The practical ones, where we work with real examples from actual systems that are used in the industry, are especially engaging.
They guide us step by step through how everything works and how it connects to the hospitality world. It’s super interesting and also really essential for newcomers who are just entering this field."
