We spoke with Johannes, who successfully completed his dual studies at MEININGER Hotels and now works as an HR Talent Partner. In the interview, he shares insights into the structure of the dual study program, the challenges he faced, and his plans for the future.
Why did you choose a dual study program at MEININGER Hotels? Have you always been interested in hospitality?
I picked MEININGER’s dual study program because it mixes classroom learning with real experience, so I get to see how it all works in practice. I’ve always liked hospitality; it’s lively, hands-on, and focused on people, which keeps things interesting every day.
Can you briefly describe the application process and the structure of your dual study program?
I got connected to MEININGER Hotels through personal contacts, which led me to start my dual studies here.
The program alternates between three months of university courses and three months of hands-on work at MEININGER, either at a hotel or the Berlin headquarters. About 90% of my courses cover general business administration in both English and German, while the other 10% focuses on tourism and hotel-specific topics in German for deeper industry insight.
Which departments have you worked in at MEININGER Hotels, and which projects have been especially helpful for your studies?
I started at one of our Berlin hotels and later moved to the headquarters, where I gained experience in Finance, Marketing, Revenue, Facility Management, and finally, HR.
A particularly useful project was creating a digital platform with other dual students. This platform serves as an archive for data and documents, giving us easy access to valuable company information—a big help for both the company and us students.
How does what you learn at university help you in your daily work at MEININGER Hotels?
The strategic thinking, planning, and forecasting skills I’ve developed in my university modules have proven extremely valuable in my daily tasks here. They help me approach my tasks more efficiently and work in a more structured way.
What’s the biggest challenge of a dual study program?
The biggest challenge is definitely managing time between studies and work. With a busy university schedule, I have to balance academics with personal time and focus on what’s most important to avoid issues.
What’s the funniest excuse you’ve ever used to delay a deadline?
Probably, “My laptop suddenly died, and I need to get it repaired.” Total cliché but… it worked!
How do you experience the company culture at MEININGER Hotels?
MEININGER Hotels’ culture is inclusive, open, and people-focused. I enjoy working here because it’s welcoming and supports both personal and professional growth.
What are your long-term plans?
After finishing my dual studies, I’m excited to start as an HR Talent Partner at MEININGER Hotels! I’ll be handling talent acquisition, working with stakeholders, supporting hiring managers, and overseeing new employee onboarding across the company.
Thanks for sharing your insights, Johannes!
Check out our career website and explore exciting opportunities at MEININGER Hotels ✨
