Elisa Graf, a 26-year-old student, is currently pursuing the bachelor degree programme in Tourism and Leisure Management at IMC Krems. Hailing from a small village in Carinthia, Elisa enjoys spending time outdoors and has a passion for sports activities. Her dream is to become a sport-event-manager. Known for her adventurous spirit and love for travel, Elisa is also appreciated by those close to her for her open nature and warm smile, alongside her distinct Carinthian dialect.
Story
From Carinthia to the world – a journey of passion, growth, and global opportunities
A path full of experiences and aspirations
Before beginning her studies in Tourism and Leisure Management, Elisa attended the Carinthian School of Tourism in Villach, where she built a solid foundation in the tourism industry.
After completing her school-leaving examination, Elisa embarked on a formative gap year in Canada and Costa Rica. During this time, she worked on understanding her strengths and weaknesses, gaining confidence for future challenges.
Before starting her bachelor degree programme, Elisa also gained valuable practical experience. She spent over two years working at the reception of the Marriott Hotel in Vienna. However, the aspiration to complete a bachelor degree remained strong, even though she was uncertain for a long time about which programme and environment would be the right fit for her.
Ultimately, Elisa chose IMC Krems for three key reasons:
- Its proximity to Vienna, a city she greatly values for its connections to friends and family.
- The international nature of the study programme, offering exciting opportunities to meet peers from all over the world.
- The fully English-taught curriculum, providing an excellent foundation for an international career.
Looking back, she sees her combination of tourism school education, international experiences and professional practice as the perfect preparation for studying Tourism and Leisure Management.
Highlights of University life
The excursions have been among the standout moments of Elisa’s studies. For instance, a visit to an event equipment company during the Event Management course provided her with insights into technical setups and installations. Another memorable experience was the trip to the ITB in Berlin, where she connected with representatives of renowned tourism companies and strengthened bonds with her fellow students.
Her semester abroad in Norway was also an unforgettable highlight, enriching her university experience. Elisa is deeply grateful to IMC Krems for facilitating such an invaluable opportunity.
Practical study content for real-world applications
The Tourism and Leisure Management programme is characterised by its versatility and practical orientation, making it an ideal stepping stone into a successful career. Students gain insights into areas such as finance, accounting, digital tourism, economics and event management.
Currently in her fifth semester, Elisa has chosen to specialise in hotel management. One topic that particularly fascinated her was the "pre-opening" phase of a hotel. She learned how many small decisions are necessary in various areas of hotel operations, from calculating tableware quantities to managing organisational details.
A defining highlight of her studies was the “Principles of Management” module during her first semester, taught by Dr Albert Stöckl. The blend of new knowledge, practical examples and engaging anecdotes made the course unforgettable and profoundly inspiring.
Semester abroad in Norway
Elisa spent her semester abroad and internship in Lillehammer, Norway – one of the best decisions of her life. Over the course of a year, she developed significantly on a personal level and embraced the Norwegian concept of “friluftsliv”, which emphasises living in harmony with nature. The philosophy highlights the importance of spending time in remote locations for mental and physical well-being.
She was particularly impressed by Norway’s excellent work-life balance, which she has since integrated into her daily life.
One of the highlights of her time abroad was the “Snowbusiness” course, where she explored the development of winter tourism in Norway and its global context. As an Austrian, Elisa felt particularly connected to the subject and is now writing her bachelor thesis on winter tourism.
Internship experiences
Elisa completed most of her internship with a sport event management company in Lillehammer, which organised the 1994 Winter Olympics and continues to manage numerous venues and events. She had the privilege of working for the organisation behind the Olympic Games. Her first major event was the World Cup in bobsleigh and skeleton, followed by significant events such as a Davis Cup tournament and the Norwegian Championships.
In August, she was invited back as a VIP coordinator for the Zuccarello All-Star Ice Hockey Match, and in February 2025 she will return to Lillehammer for the bobsleigh and skeleton World Cup.
Additionally, Elisa gained valuable experience during the summer at the UEFA European Football Championship in Leipzig. As part of the European Solidarity Corps, in collaboration with UEFA, she was selected as one of 20 Europeans to contribute to this major sports event. She worked across various departments, including the tourism office, fan zone and social media. This was the largest event she has been involved in so far – and certainly not the last.
IMC – “It’s All in Me” – What it means to Elisa
For Elisa, the IMC Krems slogan “It’s All in Me” reflects the university’s ability to provide her with the skills and knowledge necessary for her career. She particularly values the personal and welcoming atmosphere created by the IMC spirit.
Elisa’s personal tip
“Studying is not a sprint but a marathon – it requires perseverance, patience and genuine effort. But that’s what makes it exciting, as both your knowledge and your personality grow. So, my advice is: don’t give up when things get tough, keep going because it’s worth it.”
A chance encounter with an IMC Alumna in South America
Finally, Elisa shares a remarkable story from her gap year in Costa Rica. In a coffee shop, she happened to meet an IMC alumna from South America who spoke highly of her time at IMC Krems. This inspiring encounter encouraged Elisa to choose IMC Krems for her studies. It’s a testament to the global presence of IMC alumni.
