Washington State University
Washington State University's School of Hospitality Business Management, founded in 1932, is the third oldest hospitality programme in the United States and part of the AACSB accredited Carson College of Business, consistently ranked among the top five percent of similar programmes nationwide.
A genuinely global classroom
Since 1984, nearly a thousand WSU students have studied through César Ritz Colleges in Switzerland, a traditional Swiss hospitality school whose Brig campus now hosts the Carson College's own Switzerland International Center. This long standing exchange gives students the rare chance to combine an American business education with genuine Swiss hospitality training within a single degree.
Learning built around real hours worked
Every student completes 1,000 paid hours in the hospitality industry as part of the degree, working with organisations connected through the school's dedicated Marriott Foundation Industry Relations Manager. This hands on requirement, paired with study abroad options in Switzerland and Dubai, gives graduates a portfolio of real experience long before they enter the job market.
The programme brings together several distinct strengths:
- One of the three oldest hospitality programmes in the United States, founded in 1932
- A long standing exchange partnership with César Ritz Colleges in Switzerland
- 1,000 required paid hours of hospitality industry experience
- Dedicated industry relations support for internship and graduate placement
- Ranked among the top ten hospitality programmes in the United States
A launchpad into global hospitality careers
Graduates move into hotel, food and beverage, resort and event leadership roles around the world, carrying with them a distinctive blend of American business rigour and genuine Swiss hospitality tradition. For candidates seeking a hospitality education with real international texture, Washington State offers a rare and well established path.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is headhunting?
Headhunting is the direct, proactive approach of specific professionals for a specific role, rather than waiting for applications. It is common for senior, scarce or confidential positions. CourtesyMasters has practised headhunting and direct sourcing for hospitality since 1999, always discreetly and with respect for everyone involved.
What is a boutique executive search firm?
A boutique executive search firm is a small, specialised practice that takes on a limited number of assignments with senior attention, in contrast to large, volume-driven firms. CourtesyMasters has worked this way since 1999: a dedicated team, deep hospitality roots and personal involvement from first briefing to final placement. Read more about us.
What is the difference between executive search and recruitment?
Recruitment typically fills open vacancies through advertising and applications. Executive search works the other way around: a consultant proactively identifies and approaches accomplished professionals, including those not actively looking, and guides both sides through a confidential, structured process. CourtesyMasters combines both disciplines, always with a hospitality focus.
What is executive search?
Executive search is a specialised form of recruitment for senior and hard-to-fill positions. Instead of waiting for applications, a search partner proactively identifies, approaches and assesses proven professionals, often confidentially. CourtesyMasters has applied this craft exclusively to hospitality since 1999, through a structured six-step methodology. Discover more about executive search services.
How can I report recruitment fraud or impersonation involving CourtesyMasters?
If you receive a suspicious message or offer that claims to come from CourtesyMasters, please contact us directly before responding. We will confirm whether the communication is genuine and take action to protect you.
Where is CourtesyMasters headquartered?
CourtesyMasters is headquartered in The Hague, The Netherlands, and works internationally from hubs in Madrid, Florence, Rome, London, Monaco and Cannes. See our locations for the full overview.
When was CourtesyMasters founded?
CourtesyMasters was founded in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, in 1999. From Rotterdam to the world: over more than twenty-five years we have grown into an international hospitality search partner built on trust and discretion, working today from our headquarters in The Hague. Read more in our story.