César Ritz Colleges alumnus has Vision 2030 in sight

Afnan Ahmed Sayemaldahr is an accomplished and ambitious Saudi woman who boasts a richly diverse background, having resided in various countries, notably the United States and Switzerland. Her interests extend far beyond the realm of hospitality and tourism, encompassing a broad spectrum of subjects, including language acquisition, public relations, international relations, diplomacy, and geopolitics. She believes that the influence available through the tourism and hospitality is decidedly a soft power. Presently, she holds the position of an HR specialist at Assila, an exclusive luxury collection hotel affiliated with Marriott International. Her primary responsibilities encompass employee relations, entailing event organization, recruitment, and administrative duties within the HR department.

How did studying in Switzerland affect your life and career?

When it comes to the field of hotels and hospitality management, Switzerland stands as a prominent destination renowned for its esteemed hospitality institutions. My academic journey in Switzerland played a pivotal role in honing my skills and providing me with a crystal-clear vision of my future career aspirations. In essence, my time in Switzerland served as a gateway, affording me access to the world of luxury hospitality.

I undertook a four-month internship at the Jeddah Hilton Hotel, where I worked within the HR and Marketing departments, affording me the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge gained during my Swiss education to real-world scenarios. The master's program at César Ritz Colleges equipped me with the comprehensive knowledge and skills necessary to embark on a career in one of the world's most renowned hotels.

Furthermore, my educational experience in Switzerland extended beyond the academic realm, offering me the chance to immerse myself in the French language. As a passionate language learner, I was delighted to receive an introduction to the French language during my time in Switzerland. My dedication to mastering French continued even upon my return to Saudi Arabia, and I aspire to proudly proclaim, "Je parle trois langues" (I speak three languages) in the not-too-distant future.

The event management courses I completed as part of the master's program in Switzerland continue to prove invaluable in my career today. A defining moment during my Swiss studies was the organization of the 40th-anniversary celebration of César Ritz Colleges in Le Bouveret, where we extended invitations to more than 400 alumni guests hailing from various corners of the globe. The fusion of event management theory with practical application was profoundly enlightening, providing me with a solid foundation for understanding the intricate orchestration of events.

Can you share an example of a successful HR initiative or program that had a positive impact on the organization and its employees?

Tahseen is a specialized training and educational initiative designed to support Saudi nationals in their career development. Marriott International Group has joined hands with Cornell University and Injaz Al-Arab Foundation to establish the Tahseen program. This program's primary objective is to elevate the professional prospects of the upcoming generation of Saudi leaders within the hospitality industry. It achieves this by equipping them with the essential knowledge, skills, and opportunities required for success, along with a streamlined path to management positions, including the role of a general manager.

The Tahseen program extends to its participants a comprehensive exposure lasting between 12 to 18 months, encompassing all aspects of hotel operations across various departments.

With the increasing focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility under Vision 2030, how is your HR team incorporating these values into the organization's culture and employee practices?

Serve360 MGS is an initiative spearheaded by Marriott International and operationalized by the human resources departments across Marriott Hotels worldwide. The Serve360 program is based on four core pillars: "Nurture Our World," "Empower through Opportunity," "Sustain Responsible Operations," and "Welcome All and Advance Human Rights." This initiative is deeply committed to fostering positive and enduring impacts in every sphere where it conducts business. These endeavors are carefully aligned with Marriott's 2025 Sustainability and Social Impact Goals, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, serving as a guiding beacon for these transformative efforts.

Vision 2030 underscores the significance of retaining top-tier talent within the country. How does your organization cultivate an appealing work environment and provide avenues for career advancement, ensuring the retention of skilled employees?

The 2030 Saudi Vision, led by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, places a strong emphasis on pivotal areas, such as women's empowerment, women's leadership, and the attraction of Saudi nationals to careers in the tourism and hospitality sector. Women's leadership is an integral component of Assila Hotel's objectives, with numerous women occupying managerial roles within the organization. Furthermore, Assila Hotel offers a well-defined career progression framework that fosters employee job satisfaction and commitment. Additionally, the promotion of employee engagement stands as a cornerstone in Assila's strategic objectives.

How does the HR department stay current with the latest HR trends and best practices?

We implement scientific theories of the most recent HR studies focusing on employee engagement to create a healthy environment for all. The company truly supports creating a healthy work environment in order to increase productivity in ways that support a happy and loyal attitude toward the company.

What is the most rewarding part of working in HR?

I enjoy all aspects of the job, from selecting and communicating with potential candidates and applicants, arranging their interviews with the respective manager, and later preparing their contracts. I feel so proud of every applicant who succeeds because I know they deserve the job.