Since 1994, IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems has been regarded as a leading training centre for international tourism know-how. Nationally and internationally, IMC alumni fill top positions, building on the profound knowledge they have acquired in full-time or part-time bachelor’s programmes in Tourism and Leisure Management. English as the language of instruction, another foreign language, business knowledge and tourism specifics are just as much a focus as practical elements and work placements, exchange semesters and case studies. Even a dual degree programme is offered in cooperation with Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Finland.
Internationality is one of the main characteristics of the tourism industry. Young people from many nations study at IMC Krems and benefit from the different professional backgrounds, languages and cultures. The TSM programme focuses on international tourism trends and provides students with the tools for a top career in the industry. In the master’s programme in Marketing, also taught in English, a specialisation option focuses on the field of “Tourism and Service Marketing” and thus perfectly complements the TSM bachelor’s degree.
Alumni Lady Ambassador with ÖW experience
Two IMC graduates are currently pursuing careers with the Austrian National Tourist Office Österreich Werbung (ÖW). Katrin Erben completed her bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management & Leisure Industries – as it was called at the time – in 2009. For six years, she worked in the ÖW market office in Brussels. Now she has returned to Austria and her main tasks at her employer include the development and operational implementation of the sustainability strategy.
The tourism path was pre-destined for Erben, and IMC Krems was the logical consequence: “I had already graduated from a tourism school before and was generally very fond of the sector. The international orientation of IMC Krems, the large number of partner universities worldwide and English as the language of instruction were the relevant decision criteria for me,” says Erben. The international orientation of the programme appealed to her. She is convinced that semesters abroad and internships broaden horizons, but also the exchange with students from different countries in Krems opened up additional perspectives.
“In addition to my practical experience, the studies in Krems have definitely prepared me well for professional life. The diversity of the courses, the professionalism of the teachers, but also the diversity of the projects to be carried out autonomously definitely taught me a lot,” Erben assesses the study programme. However, she also does not want to leave unmentioned the network that is upheld thanks to the initiative of IMC Krems. She herself was an Alumni Ambassador in Brussels for several years and was thus able to establish professional contacts with other graduates.
COO with IMC capital
Sandra Neukart heads the Cooperation Department at ÖW as Chief Operating Officer and reports directly to the Executive Board. She prevailed against 200 competitors in an extensive assessment process. “The positioning of the excellent offer of the domestic destinations, regions and businesses in the international environment is a core task. In this respect, the know-how of ÖW experts at the international locations is an absolute competitive advantage. I greatly appreciated this expertise in my previous functions and will continue to expand it for the benefit of the industry,” says Neukart about her future task. Neukart graduated from the IMC Tourism Management and Leisure Business degree programme in 1998. She refers to experience as managing director and shareholder of RIMC Austria Hotels & Resorts. Prior to that, the IMC Krems graduate worked in various management positions in the hotel industry, in tourism development and in consulting in an international environment for about eight years.
Katrin Erben sees the advantages on both sides: “I think Österreich Werbung appreciates the quality of IMC students as interns and, subsequently, alumni as employees. Conversely, of course, Österreich Werbung as the country’s national tourism organisation with offices in numerous countries is also an interesting employer.” Erben sees tourism as an exciting field of work that involves a lot of humanity and passion. “If that suits you, the tourism degree programme at IMC Krems is certainly an excellent choice,” the IMC graduate concludes.
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