Testimonial – Reception
My name is Jennifer. I’m a Management Assistant at Sinn und Gewinn Hotels in Zurich, and am from Germany.
What inspired you to broaden your professional horizon in the Swiss hospitality industry? Were there any particular aspects that appealed to you?
I made a good decision for myself in 2015. For professional reasons, I moved to Zurich in order to experience the Swiss hotel industry for myself. Switzerland has always fascinated me, especially because of its beautiful scenery and nature. What particularly attracted me to Zurich was the lake, because I think it’s great to live in a city with a lake and river.
How did you cope with the organizational challenges of your move? Were there any particular tricks that helped make everything run smoothly?
Good preparation was really important – after all, moving to another country is a big step. I kept a list of exactly what I had packed in which removal box, so that I would be prepared at the border. As a result, everything went without a hitch. Nowadays, you can find some great tips and preparation lists that are very helpful.
Do you have any insider tips on where you can eat or shop cheaply in Zurich without compromising on quality?
There are certainly many delicious, budget-friendly restaurants here. TSCHINGG spontaneously comes to mind, which serves inexpensive pasta dishes. Or the Äss-Bar Zürich, which sells delicious baked goods from the previous day. Or if you just want to grab a bite to eat and enjoy Lake Zurich, you can get a bratwurst at Bellevue and then eat it in the sun on the lakeshore. It’s also worth mentioning that there are around 1,200 fountains all over Zurich with drinkable water. Here you can enjoy first-class drinking water free of charge, which really is an absolute luxury.
What are your personal highlights in Zurich that make life here special and that you would like to share with visitors?
Of course the diversity that Zurich offers – whether in terms of culture or the city itself, with its great leisure activities. It’s particularly enjoyable spending time by the River Limmat and Lake Zurich in spring and summer. I must also mention the proximity to the mountains or the opportunity to travel to the Italian-speaking part of the country, which I really love. In addition, Zurich is rich in contrasts – on the one hand, there is the iconic Langstrasse, and on the other, Bahnhofstrasse, which offers great shopping opportunities.
How does the hotel industry in Zurich differ from Germany? Have you discovered any specific advantages or opportunities here?
Well, of course the salaries differ greatly. And that’s definitely a huge advantage, which I really appreciate. I also love the possibility of working part-time here, especially at Sinn und Gewinn Hotels. It gives me more flexibility – this wasn’t very common in Germany and unfortunately often not possible. We also have great employee benefits where I work, which I never had before.
What essential tips would you give to people who are thinking about following in your footsteps?
Simply being able to do something new vastly broadens your horizons and I would recommend this to anyone. Be open to other cultures, because that is incredibly enriching.
