Benjamin Dalton

Tell us about your career journey since you graduated from Glion and how it’s led you to your current position?

When I went to Glion, I was actually a late starter in the hospitality industry. I’d already done a Bachelor’s degree somewhere else, and I knew that I wanted to go into hotels. I’d been doing summer jobs and I wanted to go somewhere where I could get some momentum behind me and get a fast start in the industry.

I headed straight off to Glion and, upon graduation, got one interview, one job offer, straight to Mandarin Oriental to the flagship property in Hong Kong. I had an incredible time there, and it was a terrific learning environment. After that, I came back to London, my home, to The Ritz London, which has treated me enormously well over the past few years that I’ve been here.

I started as a Management Trainee and, with the help of all that I learned from Glion, progressed through the hierarchy four or five times: Supervisor, Assistant Reception Manager, Reception Manager, Front Office Manager, and now Front of House Manager.

As I reflect on my career progression, it is clear that my experience at Glion, and the time spent in academia, has helped to speed my development through the ranks. It is evident that Glion as a brand name puts you to the top of any pile of CVs in luxury hospitality. This allows you to get your foot through the door – which is often the hardest part.

What are some of the main things you learned at Glion?

For me, Glion was a tremendous decision. Because unlike my relationships with other academic institutions I’ve passed through, my relationship with Glion has stood the test of time. Whether it’s the global network, with a friendly face in every city; the expertise of the teachers that you can lean on even years later; or the warmth of everyone when returning to campus for Career Days. The Glion Spirit lives on!