Meet our M-Explorers
We caught up with Tim, who recently completed his dual study program at MEININGER Hotels and now works as a Buyer on the Procurement team. Driven by a passion for travel and a desire to balance theory with practice, Tim gained hands-on experience across various MEININGER departments while managing his university studies. In this interview, he reflects on his journey, the challenges of a dual study program, and his plans for the future at MEININGER Hotels.
Why did you choose a dual study program with MEININGER Hotels? Have you always been interested in the hospitality industry?
I chose the dual study program because I find business administration exciting, and it was important to me to combine theory and practice directly. This way, I can immediately apply what I’m learning in a real-world setting.
As for the hospitality industry, I’ve always been passionate about travel and everything that comes with it. What really drew me in were the variety of tasks, working with people from different cultures, and the international exchange. MEININGER Hotels is the perfect place for me because it’s a dynamic, growing company. Here, I can not only learn a lot but also actively contribute to the brand’s development.
Can you briefly describe the application process and the structure of your dual study program?
The application process was pretty simple for me since I was already working as a receptionist at MEININGER. I talked to my manager about possible opportunities, and that’s how the idea came up. After a few more discussions with my manager and the regional manager, I was offered the spot.
The dual study program alternates between theory and practice every three months. It lasts three years, and there’s plenty of flexibility in choosing which departments you’d like to gain experience in.
Which departments at MEININGER Hotels have you worked in, and which projects were particularly helpful for your studies?
I started my training in hotel operations (reception, housekeeping, and service). After that, I moved to headquarters, where I gained experience in several departments, including customer care, finance (accounting and controlling), revenue, sales, marketing, facility management, HR, and procurement. Rotating through so many areas was really valuable—it helped me apply what I was learning at university directly to real-world situations. This made it easier to understand and remember the concepts, while also giving me insight into how things work in the “real” business world.
One project I found especially interesting was a transfer report where I conducted a market analysis for a new MEININGER hotel opening. It turned out to be incredibly useful for the next semester!
How does what you learn at university help you in your daily work at MEININGER Hotels?
Since it’s a business administration program focused on tourism, I’ve learned a lot of general business principles that are really useful in departments like HR and procurement. The specialized tourism modules help me apply that knowledge directly to the hotel industry, making it even more relevant to my work.
What’s the biggest challenge of a dual study program?
Time management! Balancing packed schedules, tight deadlines, exams, practical phases, and fewer vacation days instead of semester breaks can be tough.
Now, just between us… what’s an excuse you’ve used to postpone a deadline?
The night before a paper was due, I stayed out a bit longer than planned and was still stuck on page 2 of 10. So, the next day, I suddenly had a “doctor’s appointment,” which gave me the extra 2–3 hours I needed to finish it just in time!
How do you experience the company culture at MEININGER Hotels?
I’d describe it as dynamic, inclusive, and young at heart.
What are your long-term plans?
Since October 1, 2024, I joined the Procurement team, where I’ve seen great potential to develop and gain valuable experience. Over the next few years, I want to grow both professionally and personally, aiming to take on a leadership role with more responsibility in about five years.
Long-term, I’d like to move beyond operational decisions and contribute strategically to the company’s development. My focus will be on sharpening my skills in negotiation, process optimization, and team leadership, so I can play a key role in driving MEININGER Hotels’ success.
Thanks for sharing your insights, Tim!
✨ Read more M-Explorers’ stories on the MEININGER Hotels blog or check out our job openings.
