Design You Own Destiny (Starwood's graduate management program) - Vita Futura
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Coen van Niersen.jpg

Alumni Class 2006 - Coen van Niersen

Name:

Coen van Niersen

VF Location:

Sheraton Park Tower London

Current Property:

Four Points by Sheraton Brussels

 

 

 

 

What position are you holding at the moment?

 

Hotel Manager

 

What did you do after you finish your program?
(Career Path/First Position):

 

Food & Beverage Executive

 

What was your goal when you started the program?

 

Learn as much about the different departments as possible, except Food & Beverage as I knew this already.

 

Did you change your goal towards the end of the program?

 

Yes, in the beginning I thought I would go into Sales but went full circle and decided to go for Food & Beverage.

 

What were the challenges that you faced during your program?

 

Constantly starting in new departments where you go through a steep learning curve over and over again for 18 months. It is intensive but extremely rewarding.

 

Did the program go as you expected?

 

Absolutely. It depends what you make of it yourself though.

 

Currently, where do you see yourself in 5 years?

 

General Manager

 

What are the benefits for being VF Alumnus?

 

Great network and access to senior leadership. First hand access to company strategy, development opportunities and high level trainings.

 

What were highlights of your career with Starwood?

 

Round Table Events, Budget Presentation but most of all developing my team and managing our Food & Beverage Department.