Gabrielle Bussières: Major of 2014 VATEL Europe Master’s degree students

This year, Vatel Bordeaux is very proud to announce a 100% success rate for diplomas obtained in the Master’s Degree in International Hotel Management programme.
In a tightly-fought competition, Gabrielle Bussières came out on top of all the Vatel schools in Europe, with an average grade of 15.30.

Gabrielle is a serious, active, young women with plenty of ambitions, and we wish her the very best in her career.

Interview with Gabrielle Bussières:

–     You came out first of all the European schools. I imagine you are rather pleased about that…

Well, yes, of course! It makes me very proud, and I hadn’t hoped for such recognition. When I came to study at Vatel Bordeaux, I soon realized that I had “found my path”!

–  How do you account for this success?

I graduated with a law degree before going to Vatel Bordeaux, and I think that – despite what one may hear – my university training taught me a very good way to study. However, I was also able to rely on a helpful administrative team and excellent professors at Vatel, and lucky enough to be part of a great class, where we always helped one another.

-What marked you most during your 3-year programme? 

My time at Vatel undoubtedly left a lasting impression… My studies there enabled me to discover a great deal about a field I’m deeply interested in. Vatel also provided me with an opportunity for memorable professional experiences and to meet unforgettable people who have since become precious friends.

– Did you have various job placements during this time? Which made the strongest impression?

My first internship was in Chenai, India at the ITC Grand Chola-Starwood and the second in the United Arab Emirates. The specific experience that springs to mind was the grand opening of the Grand Chola-Starwood, the largest hotel in Asia. I was involved with all the preparations, and challenges that entailed… That was an incredible professional and personal adventure.

– What are you plans now? 

I would like to work for a large hotel group, which I think would teach me a great deal. I want to have as much experience as possible. There’s so much to learn!  I will be starting in September at the Marriott in Brussels.

–  How would you describe the “Vatel spirit”?

A shared passion for the hotel and restaurant industry, and the people from very different backgrounds who work in it, and who share the same values.