Our Executive Master’s programs give students the opportunity to add further academic credibility to their on-the-job experience, something Cleo Henry is seeking from our joint program with ESSEC.

With more than 25 years’ experience in the hospitality and tourism industry – alongside a solid educational foundation with qualifications in hotel restaurant management, culinary arts, business administration and training – it’s intriguing why Antigua and Barbuda resident Cleo Henry has opted to go back to school at this stage of her career. We wanted to find out more.

A qualified tour director and accredited trainer with the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) and a Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) with the American Hotel and Lodging Education Institute (AHLEI), Cleo decided she wanted to broaden her academic horizons on the Global Executive Master’s in Hospitality Leadership program we run in conjunction with ESSEC Business School.

Aiming high

“My dedication to excellence and the value of remaining relevant in the dynamic, fast-paced, growing tourism and hospitality arenas are what motivated me to look for a suitable program,” she says. “I was seeking to advance my knowledge and skills as a leader in these industries and, for me, it’s important I understand the global stage and remain on the cutting edge of innovation and technology.

“This program represents a major move towards transforming my life and igniting the sparks of my professional journey with fresh perspectives and further opportunities.”

When researching which program to study, Cleo considered a range of options, but was convinced by Glion’s Regional Admissions Director Patricia Corcoran that the joint Global Executive Master’s was the right one for her.

“This program leaped out at me,” she says. “Achieving a Master’s aligns with my personal motto of ‘doing the best for the most people’ and I believe this program will be truly transformative. It will give me more confidence in my personal and professional life and improve my knowledge and expertise in business, finance, communication, innovation and a host of other transferable skills.

“I have to thank Patricia Corcoran for her assistance. She recommended this program and undoubtedly helped make the whole process move seamlessly from idea to reality.”

Dual challenges

One of the features that attracted Cleo to the program is the interaction between the two renowned hospitality educational institutions running it.

“The interplay between specialized hospitality industry education and more general business learning was appealing,” she says. “Being able to immerse myself in both these areas with leading organizations under a single program was too good an opportunity to miss for me. I’m also relishing the opportunity of networking with my fellow students and both schools’ extensive alumni.”

Cleo will also have to manage the interplay between working and studying as well, a common requirement for most of those on our Executive Master’s programs. Fortunately, she has already devised a suitable strategy.

“I learn by doing and, as such, my plan is to actively work through the program assignments and requirements in harmony with my day-to-day activities,” she says. “That will involve creating reminders and self-imposed deadlines that fit in with the program timetables. Prioritizing, organization and maintaining an open line of communication in both academic and workplace situations will be critical to my success.”

Future outlook

The virtual learning aspect of our Master’s programs can be challenging for some, which is why we include residential weeks on campus for students that help them form lasting relationships with their fellow students and allow them to meet faculty. As a student of both schools, Cleo is particularly looking forward to the opportunities she will enjoy.

“I love travel and the included residential week trips to Switzerland, Singapore, England and France were the cherry on the cake when making my decision,” she says. “Of the four locations, Singapore is at the top of my list for its rich cultural diversity, iconic attractions, mix of technology, innovation and natural beauty – and the warm climate.”

Looking even further ahead to graduation and beyond, Cleo is also relishing the prospect of putting what she has learned into practice in a real-world setting.

“Upon the successful completion of the Executive Master’s, I’m looking to advance my work in developing the human resource capital of Antigua and Barbuda – and the wider Caribbean – through a unique business enterprise development model,” she says. “The aim is to support people at a grass roots level through a public and private partnership.

“I have spent years helping build lives and livelihoods in my professional life and I am passionate about hospitality and helping others. My hope is this program will give me the added skills and experience to further pursue this important and worthwhile quest.”