Mohammad Yousefi
“During my master’s, I discovered how theory and practice come together. I didn’t just learn about strategy, service design and operations; I applied what I learnt directly in real-world projects. For example, I worked on a project to improve the guest experience and service processes in a hotel. By analysing challenges and putting practical solutions into place, I could immediately see how operational decisions affect both service quality and financial performance. That experience showed me how much I enjoy turning theory into something that works in practice.”
Finding my community
“Working on group projects with students from different cultural backgrounds gave me a strong sense of belonging. We supported each other, even when things got difficult, and I really felt that I was part of a professional community. That made studying not only valuable, but enjoyable too. I still recognise that sense of connection in the work I do today.”
Coming back as a lecturer
“After completing my master’s, I wanted to stay involved in education. I now work as a Practical Facilitator in the Rooms Division, where I guide students through real-life hotel operations and design-based learning projects. I also teach Revenue and Operations Management at Hotel Management School Leeuwarden. It feels special to return to NHL Stenden in a different role. What I once learnt as a student, I can now pass on to a new generation of hospitality professionals.”
Ready to turn theory into practice?
Want to find out more about the Master's in Sustainable Innovation in Hospitality? Explore the programme page or join one of our events.