Back to Contents
Start reading
Read Standard
Milestones Completed
Since the launch of the Master Leading Hotel Transformation (MA.LHT) programme in 2021, Hotelschool The Hague (HTH) has seen 32 students successfully graduate. Their academic performance has been consistently strong, as reflected in both internal and industry assessments. Throughout the supervision process and graduation, industry commissioners and mentors have actively engaged with students as commissioners, providing guidance and insights. The high quality of the final work produced by MA.LHT graduates has been recognised as professional and well-founded. This validation underscores the programme's ability to develop industry-ready professionals who meet rigorous academic and professional standards.
In a recent survey conducted with alumni from the past three years 94 % of MA.LHT graduates are currently employed.
Current Employment State | |
Employed (incl. own business) | 94% |
In further study | 0% |
Actively looking for work | 0% |
In gap year (e.g. travelling) | 6% |
HTH Recent MA Alumni Survey 2024, N 20 respondents
Field of Employment | |
Tier 1: Hotel/Hospitality Industry | 67% |
Tier 2: Suppliers to The Hospitality Industry | 27% |
Tier 3: Industry where Hospitality/Service excellence makes a difference | 6% |
HTH Recent MA Alumni Survey 2024, N 20 respondents
The majority of MA LHT alumni (67%) have remained in core hospitality roles, working in hotels, restaurants, meeting & events, and cruise or airline operations. This highlights the strong industry alignment of the programme. A notable portion (27%) has transitioned into supplier roles within the hospitality ecosystem, including reservation and distribution providers, food & beverage suppliers, technology firms, property and investment companies, and consultancies. A smaller segment (6%) has pursued careers in industries where hospitality and service excellence remain valuable, such as healthcare, retail, transport, financial services, and employment services, demonstrating cross-industry mobility.
Employment Outcomes and Career Progression
Employment outcomes have also been strong. 41% of alumni secured a job immediately after graduation, while an additional 29% were already employed during the programme. Another 29% found employment within six months of graduating. Notably, no respondents reported needing more than a year to secure a job. These statistics reinforce the programme’s effectiveness in preparing graduates for industry careers.
Job Search | |
Already during the programme | 41% |
Right after graduation | 29% |
Within 6 months after graduation | 29% |
Within 12 months after graduation | 1% |
After one year or more | 0% |
HTH Recent MA Alumni Survey 2024, N 20 respondents
Level | |
Entry Level | 27% |
Senior Staff (team lead e.g) | 7% |
Middle Management (assistant-to, division lead e.g) | 27% |
Management | 20% |
Executive Management | 7% |
Other | 12% |
HTH Recent MA Alumni Survey 2024, N 20 respondents
The employment distribution of MA LHT alumni reflects strong initial career outcomes and a clear trajectory for professional growth. Approximately 27% of graduates have entered entry-level positions, while an equal 27% have secured middle management roles. Notably, 20% have advanced to management team positions, and 7% have moved into senior staff roles with an equal percentage in executive management. Additionally, 12% fall under the "Other" category, which may indicate entrepreneurial ventures or alternative career paths. These figures suggest that graduates are not only successfully entering the workforce but are also progressing into leadership roles at a steady pace.
Industry Satisfaction and Graduate Impact
From an employability perspective, it is evident that the majority of graduates have secured assistant-to-managerial or strategic roles within the hotel and lodging sector. This aligns with the programme’s emphasis on industry innovation and transformation.
Many alumni have joined renowned international hotel brands such as Hilton, Hyatt, Melia, Kimpton, and Okura, while others have pursued careers in hospitality technology firms like MEWS and RevControl. This demonstrates that graduates are not only entering the industry at an advanced level but are also taking on decision-making responsibilities, emphasising the programme’s focus on leadership and stakeholder management.
Graduates are increasingly entrusted with leading strategic projects that drive industry transformation. Sjoerd Sybesma (General Manager, Intel Hotels) notes:
"The combination of ‘high tech, high touch’ in their approach makes us comfortable in trusting them with high-stakes projects. Having an MA graduate as a project lead means we can take bold steps forward, knowing they balance business objectives with guest experience.”
Similarly, a General Manager at Hyatt Hotels highlights their impact:
"Our MA.LHT graduate has brought a fresh perspective to our guest experience strategy, ensuring a balance between high-tech efficiency and high-touch service.”
Beyond traditional hospitality roles, graduates are shaping the industry’s digital transformation and commercial strategies. Many have taken on roles such as Customer Onboarding Executive, Commercial Coordinator, and Hotel Account Manager, bridging technology and hospitality to enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Julius Kleibl (DACH Sales, MEWS) affirms this stating:
"Our industry is undergoing rapid digitalization, and MA graduates seem to be at the forefront of this shift. They bring fresh perspectives on implementing digital innovations, balancing cost efficiency with an enhanced guest experience.”
Graduates are also driving brand transformation. Maureen Wakelkamp (Pulitzer Hotel Amsterdam) reflects on their strategic contributions:
"We hired an MA graduate for a key role in our brand transformation, and they’ve proven to be a great asset. They respect the heritage of our brand while confidently driving change, ensuring we remain competitive in a fast-evolving market.”
Sustainability and Ethical Leadership
In addition to their immediate roles, many alumni are actively engaged in company-wide initiatives related to sustainability and corporate responsibility. Their work supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by their employers, highlighting the programme’s broader impact on ethical business practices and industry transformation.
Industry leaders recognise this commitment.
Carlos Lasala Loren, Industry Mentor, states: "MA graduates are highly aware of the importance of circularity and sustainability. They don’t just see these as industry trends but as necessities. They challenge us to think beyond compliance and make sustainability a core business driver.”
These testimonials reinforce the programme’s versatility and broad industry appeal, equipping graduates with the skills to lead strategic initiatives, drive both technological advancements and brand strategy.
Local Impact
The MA.LHT programme makes a meaningful contribution to Amsterdam’s hospitality landscape, with many graduates choosing to build their careers in the city. Their involvement supports Amsterdam’s position as a global hospitality hub, helping to drive innovation and leadership within the hotel and service industries. By maintaining close collaboration with local industry leaders, the programme ensures that graduates are not only job-ready but also well-positioned to shape the future of hospitality in the region.
Employment data highlights the programme’s success in preparing professionals for the evolving demands of the industry. Graduates are securing roles that align closely with the curriculum, particularly in areas such as digital innovation, sustainability, hotel leadership, and consultancy. The strong, ongoing partnership between Hotelschool The Hague and the hospitality sector keeps the programme relevant and responsive to industry needs. Moreover, a large proportion (19) of MA.LHT alumni have remained in Amsterdam and across the Netherlands, further reinforcing the programme’s impact on both the local and international hospitality workforce.
Future Aspirations
Building on the success of its alumni, the MA.LHT programme aims to further strengthen graduate competencies, industry alignment, and alumni engagement within Hotelschool The Hague.
A key priority is enhancing the practical application of research and skills during the graduation phase, particularly through expanded use of Design-Oriented Research (DOR). By deepening real-world problem-solving in graduation projects, graduates will be even better equipped to lead transformation in hospitality.
Further aligning with industry needs requires moving beyond one-off collaborations with hotel groups and hospitality tech firms. Expanding long-term partnerships ensures coursework remains relevant to emerging trends like digitalisation, sustainability, and circularity. This will foster mutual growth between the industry and the programme, including structured guest lecture cycles, company visits, and recurring collaborations. Strengthening partnerships through structured mentorships, internships, and case studies will further enhance graduate employability and impact.
With a clearer understanding of alumni career trajectories, the school can now take a more proactive role in supporting career progression, ensuring that graduates continue to thrive in leadership roles.
Finally, developing a robust alumni network in Amsterdam and beyond will create stronger industry connections, mentorship opportunities, and knowledge-sharing platforms. This community will serve as a bridge between graduates and industry leaders, fostering continuous engagement and programme development.
Back to top
Back to Contents
Start reading
Read Standard
In addition to their immediate roles, many alumni are actively engaged in company-wide initiatives related to sustainability and corporate responsibility. Their work supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by their employers, highlighting the programme’s broader impact on ethical business practices and industry transformation.
Industry leaders recognise this commitment.
Sustainability and Ethical Leadership
Carlos Lasala Loren, Industry Mentor, states: "MA graduates are highly aware of the importance of circularity and sustainability. They don’t just see these as industry trends but as necessities. They challenge us to think beyond compliance and make sustainability a core business driver.”
Building on the success of its alumni, the MA.LHT programme aims to further strengthen graduate competencies, industry alignment, and alumni engagement within Hotelschool The Hague.
A key priority is enhancing the practical application of research and skills during the graduation phase, particularly through expanded use of Design-Oriented Research (DOR). By deepening real-world problem-solving in graduation projects, graduates will be even better equipped to lead transformation in hospitality.
Further aligning with industry needs requires moving beyond one-off collaborations with hotel groups and hospitality tech firms. Expanding long-term partnerships ensures coursework remains relevant to emerging trends like digitalisation, sustainability, and circularity. This will foster mutual growth between the industry and the programme, including structured guest lecture cycles, company visits, and recurring collaborations. Strengthening partnerships through structured mentorships, internships, and case studies will further enhance graduate employability and impact.
With a clearer understanding of alumni career trajectories, the school can now take a more proactive role in supporting career progression, ensuring that graduates continue to thrive in leadership roles.
Finally, developing a robust alumni network in Amsterdam and beyond will create stronger industry connections, mentorship opportunities, and knowledge-sharing platforms. This community will serve as a bridge between graduates and industry leaders, fostering continuous engagement and programme development.
Future Aspirations
The MA.LHT programme makes a meaningful contribution to Amsterdam’s hospitality landscape, with many graduates choosing to build their careers in the city. Their involvement supports Amsterdam’s position as a global hospitality hub, helping to drive innovation and leadership within the hotel and service industries. By maintaining close collaboration with local industry leaders, the programme ensures that graduates are not only job-ready but also well-positioned to shape the future of hospitality in the region.
Employment data highlights the programme’s success in preparing professionals for the evolving demands of the industry. Graduates are securing roles that align closely with the curriculum, particularly in areas such as digital innovation, sustainability, hotel leadership, and consultancy. The strong, ongoing partnership between Hotelschool The Hague and the hospitality sector keeps the programme relevant and responsive to industry needs. Moreover, a large proportion (19) of MA.LHT alumni have remained in Amsterdam and across the Netherlands, further reinforcing the programme’s impact on both the local and international hospitality workforce.
Local Impact
These testimonials reinforce the programme’s versatility and broad industry appeal, equipping graduates with the skills to lead strategic initiatives, drive both technological advancements and brand strategy.
"We hired an MA graduate for a key role in our brand transformation, and they’ve proven to be a great asset. They respect the heritage of our brand while confidently driving change, ensuring we remain competitive in a fast-evolving market.”
Graduates are also driving brand transformation. Maureen Wakelkamp (Pulitzer Hotel Amsterdam) reflects on their strategic contributions:
"Our industry is undergoing rapid digitalization, and MA graduates seem to be at the forefront of this shift. They bring fresh perspectives on implementing digital innovations, balancing cost efficiency with an enhanced guest experience.”
Beyond traditional hospitality roles, graduates are shaping the industry’s digital transformation and commercial strategies. Many have taken on roles such as Customer Onboarding Executive, Commercial Coordinator, and Hotel Account Manager, bridging technology and hospitality to enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Julius Kleibl (DACH Sales, MEWS) affirms this stating:
"Our MA.LHT graduate has brought a fresh perspective to our guest experience strategy, ensuring a balance between high-tech efficiency and high-touch service.”
Similarly, a General Manager at Hyatt Hotels highlights their impact:
The employment distribution of MA LHT alumni reflects strong initial career outcomes and a clear trajectory for professional growth. Approximately 27% of graduates have entered entry-level positions, while an equal 27% have secured middle management roles. Notably, 20% have advanced to management team positions, and 7% have moved into senior staff roles with an equal percentage in executive management. Additionally, 12% fall under the "Other" category, which may indicate entrepreneurial ventures or alternative career paths. These figures suggest that graduates are not only successfully entering the workforce but are also progressing into leadership roles at a steady pace.
"The combination of ‘high tech, high touch’ in their approach makes us comfortable in trusting them with high-stakes projects. Having an MA graduate as a project lead means we can take bold steps forward, knowing they balance business objectives with guest experience.”
From an employability perspective, it is evident that the majority of graduates have secured assistant-to-managerial or strategic roles within the hotel and lodging sector. This aligns with the programme’s emphasis on industry innovation and transformation.
Many alumni have joined renowned international hotel brands such as Hilton, Hyatt, Melia, Kimpton, and Okura, while others have pursued careers in hospitality technology firms like MEWS and RevControl. This demonstrates that graduates are not only entering the industry at an advanced level but are also taking on decision-making responsibilities, emphasising the programme’s focus on leadership and stakeholder management.
Graduates are increasingly entrusted with leading strategic projects that drive industry transformation. Sjoerd Sybesma (General Manager, Intel Hotels) notes:
Industry Satisfaction and Graduate Impact
HTH Recent MA Alumni Survey 2024, N 20 respondents
Scroll
Level | |
Entry Level | 27% |
Senior Staff (team lead e.g) | 7% |
Middle Management (assistant-to, division lead e.g) | 27% |
Management | 20% |
Executive Management | 7% |
Other | 12% |
HTH Recent MA Alumni Survey 2024, N 20 respondents
Scroll
Job Search | |
Already during the programme | 41% |
Right after graduation | 29% |
Within 6 months after graduation | 29% |
Within 12 months after graduation | 1% |
After one year or more | 0% |
Employment outcomes have also been strong. 41% of alumni secured a job immediately after graduation, while an additional 29% were already employed during the programme. Another 29% found employment within six months of graduating. Notably, no respondents reported needing more than a year to secure a job. These statistics reinforce the programme’s effectiveness in preparing graduates for industry careers.
Employment Outcomes and Career Progression
The majority of MA LHT alumni (67%) have remained in core hospitality roles, working in hotels, restaurants, meeting & events, and cruise or airline operations. This highlights the strong industry alignment of the programme. A notable portion (27%) has transitioned into supplier roles within the hospitality ecosystem, including reservation and distribution providers, food & beverage suppliers, technology firms, property and investment companies, and consultancies. A smaller segment (6%) has pursued careers in industries where hospitality and service excellence remain valuable, such as healthcare, retail, transport, financial services, and employment services, demonstrating cross-industry mobility.
HTH Recent MA Alumni Survey 2024, N 20 respondents
Scroll
Field of Employment | |
Tier 1: Hotel/Hospitality Industry | 67% |
Tier 2: Suppliers to The Hospitality Industry | 27% |
Tier 3: Industry where Hospitality/Service excellence makes a difference | 6% |
HTH Recent MA Alumni Survey 2024, N 20 respondents
Scroll
Current Employment State | |
Employed (incl. own business) | 94% |
In further study | 0% |
Actively looking for work | 0% |
In gap year (e.g. travelling) | 6% |
In a recent survey conducted with alumni from the past three years 94 % of MA.LHT graduates are currently employed.
Since the launch of the Master Leading Hotel Transformation (MA.LHT) programme in 2021, Hotelschool The Hague (HTH) has seen 32 students successfully graduate. Their academic performance has been consistently strong, as reflected in both internal and industry assessments. Throughout the supervision process and graduation, industry commissioners and mentors have actively engaged with students as commissioners, providing guidance and insights. The high quality of the final work produced by MA.LHT graduates has been recognised as professional and well-founded. This validation underscores the programme's ability to develop industry-ready professionals who meet rigorous academic and professional standards.
Milestones Completed
Back to top