Graduate insight with Clara Mathieu

Clara Mathieu recently completed her studies at Institut Lyfe. After graduating from the Bachelor’s degree in International Hospitality and Restaurant Management, she joined Eden Rock St Barths, where she had completed her 3^rd year placement, as an events and F&B and coordinator.

Clara Mathieu, Events and F&B coordinator at Eden Rock St Barths

Can you tell us about your career since leaving Institut Lyfe?

During my last year of the Bachelor’s degree, I had the opportunity to do a placement at the Eden Rock hotel in Saint Barthélemy. That experience was decisive, because I became deeply attached to the island, its inhabitants, the team and this establishment which combines history and modernity. 

At the end of my 6 months, I returned to Lyon to do my 4^th year specialisation in Lifestyle Hospitality Management. A few months later, I was pleasantly surprised to be contacted by the hotel, offering me a position as an assistant manager of events and projects, which I accepted. I joined the Eden Rock teams in September 2022.

I held the role of assistant event manager for two years, during which I had the opportunity to organise numerous events. Those two years were extremely rewarding, allowing me to develop my skills and solid experience in the field. Today, I am delighted to have evolved within the hotel, where I now occupy the position of events coordinator.

I’ve started my third year at this magnificent hotel, which has played a decisive role in my career. Thanks to this experience and its opportunities, I’ve discovered a deep passion for the industry. I’m grateful to be able to continue to evolve in such an inspiring context.

Tell us about Eden Rock St Barths and your current responsibilities as an events & F&B coordinator.

Today, the Eden Rock Hotel in Saint Barthélemy is a constantly evolving establishment, always taking a modern and innovative approach. As an events and F&B coordinator, my role is to supervise and coordinate all the events at the hotel: this ranges from customer events to those organised directly by the hotel. I provide the commercial point of contact for our clients, and I also take care of the administrative and operational coordination of events. My goal is to make the offering for all events, whether large (weddings, birthdays, etc.) or smaller private events (private dinners, marriage proposals, etc.), as dynamic and personalised as possible. 

My work helps to ensure that every event at Eden Rock lives up to the excellence and innovation that the hotel consistently strives to embody.

What challenges have you had to face?

Over the last two years, the challenges I have faced are mainly related to the intense pace of a season in Saint-Barthélemy. The year is punctuated by particularly busy periods, especially during the end-of-year holidays and the wedding season, when the influx of requests reaches its peak. Every day we have a responsibility to satisfy the high expectations of our customers, because our mission is to make their events, often the most important day of their lives, an absolute success.

This responsibility generates constant pressure, because it’s crucial that we never disappoint and maintain a level of excellence. Every day brings its share of challenges, but thanks to a dedicated team and meticulous organisation, we always manage to overcome them and offer unforgettable experiences to our customers.

What skills do you think are essential for working in event management roles?

The essential skills for event management roles are above all excellent organisation and great precision. It is essential to structure your work effectively to manage the various aspects of an event. Creativity is also a vital quality, as it allows us to come up with original ideas and create memorable experiences for clients. In addition, adaptability and flexibility are crucial, as each client and each event are unique, often requiring rapid adjustments and tailor-made solutions.

How has Institut Lyfe enabled you to get where you are today?

It’s thanks to the institute and my final year placement that I had the opportunity to discover the Eden Rock Saint Barths. During my course, I was able to learn the essential foundations of the hospitality and restaurant industry, as well as developing key skills such as precision, organisation and the quest for perfection. These skills have enabled me to prove myself in the field and progress in my career. 

Do you have a particular recollection from your studies?

I have thousands of stories, because my student years were the best of my life. I’ve had some exceptional encounters and forged connections with people who have become much more than just friends. Within the school, I not only learned a lot professionally, but I also discovered who I really am. Without this experience, I would not be the person I am today, a school like the institute shapes you.

What are your ambitions for the future?

My ambitions for the future are to continue to learn and evolve in event management roles, in Saint-Barthélémy, or even elsewhere. Careers in event management are exciting and open many doors, in France and abroad, so you have to take advantage of that!

What would you like to say to students who want to get started in event management?

I’d tell them to believe in themselves and to seize every opportunity that comes up. Event management is an exciting and very rewarding field, both professionally and personally. Designing and creating events allows us to flourish, we can totally be ourselves and express our vision and our creativity, creating important life events. Do it! 

Are you interested in a career in event management? Join our Bachelor’s Degree in International Hospitality and Restaurant Management to take advantage of all the opportunities Institut Lyfe offers, and choose the 4^th-year specialisation in Strategic Event Management & Communication.

Find out more about our Bachelor’s degree in International Hospitality and Restaurant Management