Behind a career change: my journey from compliance to hospitality
J. Tarabori
My first professional steps
I didn’t always dream of working in the hotel industry. My journey began far from hotel lobbies.
After some twenty years abroad, following my father on consular missions (enough to develop an innate talent for repacking my suitcases in a flash), I set off to study law in Paris, Fribourg and St. Gallen. My ambition? To become a corporate lawyer, Suits-style – impeccable suit, hot cases, business trips and all that goes with it.
An internship in private banking in Geneva introduced me to the field of compliance, in particular the fight against money laundering, a phenomenon well known in the world’s financial centers.
After my plans to become a lawyer in Geneva failed, I had to bounce back quickly and joined various criminal courts, most recently as a financial analyst.
Faced with international economic crime cases, I had to cultivate an analytical mind and a sharp attention to detail, as well as juggling complex cases and pressure.
An unexpected change of course
Over the last few years, I’ve felt the need to give more space to qualities that are essential to me: human contact, innovation and creativity in project development. A bit like when hiking, where you stop in front of a map to check your direction, I took the time to settle down, realizing that the path I was following might no longer lead to the horizons I now aspired to explore.
That’s when the idea of a career in the hotel industry came to the surface. I thought about all the details I appreciate when I’m a guest in a hotel: the staff’s smile, the impeccably prepared rooms, a personalized greeting… The kind of details that only perfectionists or hotel lovers spot – but which make the experience unforgettable. I realized that the hotel business was not just a service profession, but a true vocation.
The vision of an aspiring hotelier
What attracts me to the hotel business is the human and creative aspect. I’ve always been fascinated by collaborating with talents from different backgrounds: interior designers, chefs, architects… working together to create places that tell a story and respect their environment. For me, working in this sector means imagining spaces that combine beauty, comfort and meaning, while remaining deeply rooted in their local fabric.
In the long term, my dream is to create my own bed and breakfast, a simple, welcoming place where local produce and authentic cuisine are at the heart of the experience. A place where every detail counts, with nothing superfluous, and where guests feel not only welcome, but at home – with a little extra soul.
The challenges of change
Changing careers in Switzerland, a country where stability is almost a national sport, is an adventure that requires a little daring and a good dose of preparation. Yes, this change implies some financial and personal sacrifices, but it’s also an opportunity to give new meaning to your career path. A bit like the Swiss mountains: it goes up and down, but the view is always worth it!
Skills that travel
Changing industries is always a bit of an unknown, but I’m convinced that my experience in compliance has given me solid, transferable skills: analysis, attention to detail, and an ability to assess risks. In the hospitality industry, these qualities are essential to ensure a safe and irreproachable customer experience.
Another important quality – the ability to improvise – came into its own in 2023, for example, during a trip to Marrakech in the middle of an earthquake. In a matter of seconds, we all found ourselves in the middle of the night, in our pyjamas and disorientated. With the hotel staff overwhelmed by the event, I suggested transforming an empty lot into a resting place, away from danger, turning deckchairs, beach towels, comforter and cushions into beds.
This moment reminded me that, sometimes, in the midst of chaos, a touch of improvisation and a good dose of calm can make all the difference.
It’s also this spirit that I appreciate in the hotel business: knowing how to provide solutions even in the unexpected, by creating a welcoming space, whether it’s with a few deckchairs… or a little creativity.
A path paved with learning
Choosing a career change is a bit like putting on skis for the first time: the excitement is there, but the slope seems steep. Fortunately, the École Hôtelière de Genève (EHG) helps me keep my balance. With a post-graduate program in Hotel Management that’s both stimulating and flexible (thanks to online courses!), I can progress at my own pace without having to turn my schedule completely upside down.
The human-sized EHG team provides personalized support that makes this journey smoother and more reassuring, as if you always had a friendly hand to prevent you from falling. With their support, I feel that this transition doesn’t feel so much like a black runway.
On the edge between comfort and adventure
This year of reflection and change of direction made me realize how important it is to take the time to listen to yourself, ask the right questions, and look for solutions – not on your own, but with the support of those around you. I’ve come to understand that fulfillment often comes from daring to step out of one’s comfort zone. Taking a risk is a bit like diving into Lake Geneva on a winter’s morning: it stings, but it wakes you up!
As Mark Twain said, “Twenty years from now, you’ll be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did do.” So you might as well take the plunge, try things out, maybe make mistakes, but above all, move forward boldly and enthusiastically.
