Puck Wever

When I started my studies at Hotel Management School Leeuwarden, I’d never lived away from home. “Leeuwarden was nice and close. I could keep living at home, which was ideal as I was still quite young.” But after a few years, things felt different: “I wanted to push myself, get out of my comfort zone. So I thought: if I’m going to do an internship, why not go all the way to the other side of the world?”

From takeaway to white sands

I’d already worked in a takeaway and a restaurant. “Even then, I loved talking to guests. When I visited NHL Stenden’s open days and stopped by the hotel school, I just knew, this is what I want to do.” During the internship orientation, I connected with Caribbean coordinator Femke Beeren. “She really takes the time to understand who you are and what you need. She matches you with a company that suits you.” For me, that was the Renaissance Hotel, part of the Marriott group. “It feels like a second home here. Everyone works together, it’s warm and welcoming.”

Learning in a four-star hotel

I began my internship with a series of training sessions. “It’s a big hotel and part of an international chain, so first I had to learn all about the systems, Marriott’s standards, and Renaissance’s own expectations. After that, I joined the leadership team and now I’m working through front office training, so I can eventually run the reception desk on my own.” Why Renaissance? Because hotel work was new for me. “I’d never worked in a hotel before. Luckily, I’m getting excellent support from the managers and front desk agents. I learn something new every single day.”

Project: why does guest satisfaction sometimes drop?

For my graduation project, I’m exploring the ‘Intent to Recommend’ score, guest satisfaction based on post-stay surveys. “Sometimes the hotel scores really high, and sometimes it suddenly drops. I’m researching why that is, focusing particularly on elite members. What’s behind those changes? What can be improved?” I analyse reviews, numbers, and guest feedback data. “DBE (Design Based Education) really prepared me well. In school, we learned how to approach research: SWOT analyses, describing target groups, and collecting data. I knew right away how to start.”

From Blue Village to the beach

I work six days a week. “After work, I go to the beach with friends or to a beach bar, or we just relax at Blue Village, where I live.” And my accommodation? I’d already sorted that during my minor in Thailand. “Femke had a list of possible places to stay. I emailed them all and it was arranged in no time.”

More than just an internship: personal growth

“Everything’s new here. I live independently, I have to take initiative. If I need something, I go to my manager. Sometimes people take a while to respond, you just have to follow up. It really teaches you to be self-reliant.” The culture is different, too. “Things are a bit more laid-back here. That took some adjusting at first. I wanted quick answers and action, but now I’m used to it.”

Why Aruba?

“You learn so much in such a short time. You live on your own, work full time in a hotel, learn to deal with a different culture, and develop your leadership skills. And on top of that, it’s absolutely stunning here.”

And after this?

“My dream job? I’m not sure yet. Maybe I’ll know after this internship. But what I do know is that I’m really glad I took this step. If you’re going to do an internship anyway… why not do it in Aruba?”