Interview with Ina Büttel: A Career in Tourism with a Tailored Master’s at BBS

15 November 2024

In this interview, Ina Büttel, an alumna of the Master in Business Management – Tourism, Heritage, and Events at Bologna Business School, shares her journey, the impactful experiences she had during the program, and how these have contributed to her professional growth. With a solid background in the hospitality sector and a degree in Tourism Management in the Netherlands, Ina chose this master’s program to enrich her management skills, aiming for a curriculum that combined theory and practice, always with a focus on the real needs of the industry. Here is her story.

 

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to choose the Master in Business Management – Tourism, Heritage, and Events at Bologna Business School?

Before starting the master, I worked in the hospitality and tourism sectors and earned my degree in Tourism Management in the Netherlands. I wanted to deepen my knowledge in business management and was looking for a program that offered a good combination of classes, including “real-life” practical experiences, with a focus on the field I had already specialized in.

 

What were the most significant or memorable moments during your studies?

We did some very interesting field trips during the courses, visiting the DMO of Pisa and the Imola racetrack, where we gained valuable insights into their fields and presented projects based on real issues. For instance, I never expected to return to Imola later in my job and face the issue of accommodation shortages, which we had discussed in our report with BBS, but now from a new perspective as a tour operator seeking hotel allotments.

 

How has the program enriched your understanding of the tourism, heritage, and events sectors?

Beyond the company projects, we received expert guidance from many knowledgeable, engaging professionals. During regular courses and guest lectures, we received valuable insights from industry professionals. While the first half of the course was fairly general, with all specialization groups in one classroom, in the second half we delved deep into each of the areas of tourism, heritage, and events.

 

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience at BBS, your professional goals, or any advice you’d like to give to future students?

I really appreciated the modules focusing on data science and analysis, and I would like to expand my knowledge in this area in the future. My advice for future students is to keep an open mind and seize the opportunities that come your way.