From Classroom to Career: Hotelschool The Hague Alumni Stories | meet Carolina
In our new alumni series, Hotelschool The Hague highlights the journeys of its graduates. Former students who are making a difference across the hospitality industry. Featuring graduates who are now 5 years into their careers, this series shows where the programmes can take you. Each story highlights different career paths, employability, industry connections, and the key takeaways these graduates gained during their studies. Designed to inspire and inform, “From Classroom to Career” offers insights into the pathways that can be taken after graduating from Hotelschool The Hague.
Carolina Abedova — Class of 2020
Onboarding Coordinator | Mews
Based in Prague
Carolina began her career as a Sales Executive at FareHarbor, a sister company of Booking.com. "I started working in sales right when COVID started, and unfortunately in the travel industry, no one had an appetite to buy."
It was a challenging time to start, but she credits the experience with teaching her valuable professional skills: From active listening and confident communication to building resilience. "Looking back, I couldn’t have asked for a better time to learn. You grow most when you have to fight through pushbacks."
Later, she moved into a role that brought her closer to her passion for hospitality: managing a co-working space at the Fashion for Good museum in the heart of Amsterdam. "That space truly felt like home. I built a community where people came to work, connect, and attend events, and I’m really proud of that."
Today, Carolina is based in Prague, working at Mews, a hospitality tech company founded and led by Hotelschool alumnus Matthijs Welle. In her role as Onboarding Coordinator she helps hotels get set up on the Mews system, does onboarding and customising it to fit each hotel’s unique operations. "Mews is the best fusion of two worlds I love - hospitality and tech."
"Say yes! Yes to experiences, people, and things that scare you. That’s how you grow. And get involved: clubs, events, anything. That’s where your network starts."
What is your biggest takeaway from Hotelschool The Hague?
When reflecting on what she took from Hotelschool, Carolina highlights adaptability and networking as the two most lasting lessons. "Each block, each project, each internship, you’re always adjusting and adapting to something new. That’s helped me in everything I’ve done since. Furthermore, you never know what one conversation can lead to. Being a good communicator and listener is more valuable than I ever realised."
What advice would you give to current students?
"Say yes! Yes to experiences, people, and things that scare you. That’s how you grow. And get involved: clubs, events, anything. That’s where your network starts."
If you’re a potential student and have questions about the programmes Hotelschool The Hague offers, take the opportunity to chat with our Student Ambassadors here. You can also find more information about our programmes on our website.
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