

Katharina Schmid receives the Arnoud van Delft Scholarship
Following an intensive four-week preparation course aimed at effectively preparing students for the bachelor’s programme, the accomplished students were awarded their certificates during the Fast Track ceremony. This accomplishment signifies their direct advancement into the second year of the bachelor’s programme, and we are pleased to announce that Katharina Schmid was awarded the Arnoud van Delft Scholarship during the ceremony.
The Arnoud van Delft Scholarship, named in honour of the founder of the Fast Track programme, is given to the best Fast Track talent each year and covers the costs of the Summer Course, valued at € 3171. We had the opportunity to interview Katharina and learn more about her journey, aspirations, and the significance of this award.
"It makes me proud and thankful for the work that I have already put into myself and motivates me to continuously improve and create the best opportunities for my future career in hospitality"
Katharina Schmid
Background & inspiration
At just 20 years old, Katharina is from Vienna, Austria, where she grew up and graduated with honours from MODUL, a secondary vocational tourism college, in 2023.
Her passion for hospitality was ignited by a profound experience at the age of 13, when she watched the film My Blind Date with Life. The story of a young man who, despite developing retinal detachment, remains determined to pursue his dream in hospitality deeply resonated with her.
"I loved the insight into the work that goes on in a hotel, behind closed curtains, away from the guest. It fascinated me how much care and effort are put into the work to create a seamless and unforgettable guest experience, and I realised I want to be part of that."
Katharina Schmid
Career goals
Katharina has two clear paths in mind for her future in hospitality. She is very fond of revenue management and enjoys working with numbers. She envisions herself as a revenue manager for multiple properties or at a regional level one day. Additionally, she dreams of opening her own business within the hospitality sector, where she can create unique guest experiences while promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Highlights from the Summer Course
Katharina's experience during the summer course has been transformative, reinforcing the importance of hard work and self-belief. She enjoyed meeting and forming close friendships with many people who share her passion for hospitality.
Some of her key highlights included engaging in research and statistics, adapting to new learning methods, and focusing on personal development. The first couple of days were particularly impactful as she reflected on her working style and how she reacts in stressful situations, gaining insights into what contributes to her success.
As Katharina continues her journey in the hospitality industry, we are looking forward to seeing her thrive and contribute to the field with her unique insights and passion. Her dedication and determination exemplify the spirit of the Arnoud van Delft Scholarship and inspire all of us at Hotelschool The Hague.
Congratulations, Katharina!