Raised in New Delhi, it was always a dream of Sarthak Sharma to be the first in his family to travel and explore and immerse himself overseas. Yet, like many at the crossroads of choosing a university course - he was torn between enrolling into a traditional Engineering course at a prestigious local university, offered job security; or pursuing his passion for hospitality at an international university, which while progressive was a niche course.
How did you decide on the Hospitality Business Program at EHL?
As a graduate from the non-medical track at Mother’s Global School, I was encouraged by the scholarships and university offer letters to study engineering. Yet, I was conflicted as I felt it was not something I could see myself pursuing for the rest of my life.
For one, I was eager to travel and immerse myself in different cultures and hence wanted to join an industry that would help me gain exposure to the rest of the world.
Secondly, with the rise of technology, my ideal role would be one that was enduring, remote and evergreen, withstanding any threat technology posed - such as, an entrepreneur or leader.
EHL offered an ideal with its Hospitality Business degree. The university’s reputation precedes itself and there were many strong selling points: its academic and business curriculum; strong global industry network; vast overseas internship opportunities with renowned global brands; but most importantly, the opportunity to enrol in a diverse, cosmopolitan environment that is home to over 125 nationalities.
I was sold.
Taking the first steps to success
While EHL offered me a great environment with its Swiss academic rigour, industrious practice and diverse panel of faculty experts, I believe that the key to success lies with the students who show initiative and a hunger for more.
Even though I was not part of the EHL Innovation Hub, I was undeterred in thinking up solutions through my business ventures that would solve common issues in my community and improve it.
Start-ups are notoriously known to fail, which then deters many people from even trying. But I believe that having a “half glass full” mentality is more empowering: the more start-ups you create, the greater chance of success you would have.
It is more crucial to take the first step, as I did as a second-year student with “The Indian Table”, a dark/cloud kitchen that served fellow students and locals with affordable, high-quality weekend meals.
Its quick success fueled my desire to positively impact the world and it was not long before my second venture “FINDATUTOR.CH” came to fruition. Offering premium tutoring services at affordable prices, the platform has been successful in connecting students with qualified, verified and knowledgeable tutors within their school within a shorter timeframe and at a much affordable rate.
As a leader, I believe in investing in capable talents to run the company. This works well for me as I also love the remote working culture of an entrepreneur, as well as the opportunities to be present and operate concurrently across multiple economies.
Stepping out of the confines of comfort
Coming to EHL and Switzerland happened for me at the most opportune moment and changed the trajectory of my future. While it was no mean feat juggling my personal life, student life, and life as a business owner, I learnt to embrace the dynamism of life, while being even more clear-eyed about my life goals and the necessary steps to achieve them.
It also fortified my belief that for my personal and professional growth, I had to be open-minded and immerse myself in new and a variety of environments and cultures.
Personally, that meant that while I kept close ties to my Indian community through festivals, I actively seek opportunities that would put me in new environments and challenge me beyond my comfort zone.
For instance, I went on to Hong Kong to work in the finance department as an intern for the Black Sheep Restaurants and immersed myself in the F&B industry. During the weekends, I would also work in different restaurants for the same group and as such, polished the art of storytelling, hospitality and made some great personal and professional connections.
In that respect, EHL is a great environment where students, faculty of different cultures, beliefs, expertise and interests all converge, providing an environment brimming with inspiration and endless possibilities.
I was also more appreciative of the similarities and differences that each culture offered, be it Hong Kong, Switzerland or even my home country, India.
"In a globalised world where international cooperation is unequivocally important, I would strongly encourage every student - present or future - to be a sponge to what the world has to offer."
