How we work with industry

Our annual Careers Fair is held at the beginning of the new academic year as part of our ‘Welcome Week’ agenda, with all our students invited to participate and meet with our partners. Each year, we host approximately 40 exhibitors to network with our students and promote their graduate roles from across the Hotel, Hospitality, Events and Tourism industries.

We find that it is beneficial for our students to engage with the industry from the beginning of the course and begin forming their crucial networks over the course of their time at Edge, meaning that many students leave us with an enviable network of connections.

Some of our previous exhibitors have been:

• Hilton
• The Savoy
• Leonardo Hotels
• Levy
• Milsoms
• Mandarin Oriental
• Chiltern Firehouse
• Baxter Storey

Since 2017, we have had an exclusive partnership providing hospitality at o2 arena that allows our students to work at the BRIT Awards. This unique opportunity gives our students experience working at a high profile event in a landmark venue and the importance of professionalism in the workplace.

The students attend a briefing on the morning of the event, where they are assigned their station for the evening; this can be anything from working in the VIP area, serving at the bar or waiting on guests in the main hall throughout the ceremony.

Held in January every year, our Student Conference sees our undergraduate cohorts gather with industry professionals and graduated alumni for a day of fascinating keynote presentations, topical panel conversations and culminating in an exciting networking reception.

 The day begins with group site visits to visit some of our London-based partners’ properties and venues, before converging to our conference venue for a full day of industry engagement. Transportation is provided by Edge, meaning that there is no cost for our students to attend this crucial event. The conference is the highlight of the academic year, providing a further opportunity for students to bolster their networks and exchange ideas with industry leaders.

Throughout the year, we will invite guest speakers to join us at our campus to deliver sessions to students, enrich the curriculum and showcase their company. Guest lectures are typically formal sessions typically last around 45 minutes and are structured to contextualise taught content by providing real-life examples from their experiences in the industry.

Masterclasses are practical sessions, utilising the facilities in our onsite 4* country house hotel, Wivenhoe House Hotel to provide hands-on experiential learning. Examples of previous sessions are:

• Basics of Silver Service
• Introduction to cocktail making
• Wine-tasting essentials

Edge Hotel School works closely with leading industry bodies such as the Institute of Hospitality and Master Innholders. Students can register for their free student membership, which entitles them to access a number of online resources and join the Institute for webinars and events. Graduates can then benefit from a year’s discounted membership to continue their development and use the postnominals AIH to distinguish themselves amongst industry peers.

Students also benefit from the opportunity to attend The Master Innholders’ annual Hotel Leadership Conference in London by volunteering to assist in the coordination of the event, and subsequently engage with top hoteliers from across the country.

Graduating from Edge Hotel School, students enter our exclusive alumni network, garnering invitations to our annual Alumni Networking Reception and continual support as you enter the wider industry.

Visiting a property or venue allows students to get a feel for the company and meet many existing colleagues. Tours of the building usually precede a working lunch and discussions with employees to contextualise the formal curriculum; for example as a presentation or round-table discussion.

There are also a number of external trips that students can participate in, such as industry conventions and exhibitions that provide networking opportunities and the chance to explore new ideas amongst industry professionals.

Available to students in levels 5 and up, we have a number of scholarships that awarded to exemplary students who have the opportunity to impress our sponsors through a written application and interview panel. The title is awarded alongside a cash bursary, to put towards further professional development, such as accommodation and travel costs during work experience, or gaining specialist qualifications.

The terms of each scholarship varies based on the sponsor’s vision and ethos, and so the titleholder’s values would align with that of the sponsor and their selected specialism. Support from a sponsor can also make a huge difference in future career development post-graduation.

Level 6 students participate in group projects to showcase their knowledge and make their marks on the industry. This is an opportunity for students to showcase their innovative approaches and creative thinking in a real-life scenario.

Hospitality Management and Hotel Management students are given a brief by their company of a problem within the company, or a missed opportunity. They will then conduct comprehensive research and pitch a solution to the problem or a potential utilisation of the opportunity.

Events Management students become part of the planning and operational committee for an event, taking responsibility for the event from the initial idea through to coordinating the operations on the day.