Perrine Gigandet, Managing Director, Tariche Tourisme

To help current students and recent graduates navigate the world of work, several USI Alumni shared their career paths and career story. Here the story of Perrine Gigandet, Managing Director at Tariche Tourisme in St-Ursanne (CH). USI Degree: Master in International Tourism, 2022.

How did you start your career?

Thanks to the internship I completed at the end of my programme, I found not only a job I love but they offered me the great opportunity of my first job. I applied to a lot of different internships in Switzerland, but mainly abroad. Finally I chose the position that was offered by Swissnex in San Francisco as an Event and Community Associate. I eventually became manager and stayed at Swissnex for about 2 years in total. In 2024 I took over the family company which operates in Hospitality and tourism.

Why did you choose a career at Tariche Tourisme?

I was looking for a new challenge and learning opportunity. Taking over the family company seemed to check those boxes. It is challenging every day and stimulating my creativity while dealing with the very concrete everyday operations tasks.

What is your current role/duties?

I'm the managing director of Tariche Tourisme, which is a small vacation center in the Swiss Jura.

In your opinion, what are the qualities necessary for a successful career at Tariche Tourisme?

Dedication, flexibility and creativity. Being able to deal with guest's complaints and manage your stress in high season. Taking in feedbacks and being reactive.

What positive aspects and qualities meant most to you during the study programme you attended?

Getting a specific understanding of the tourism industry, its challenges and opportunities. Meeting people form different backgrounds with different perspective and being able to working with everyone.

What competences and skills acquired in your USI Study Program have been useful/are useful to your professional career?

Being able to make it work, whatever the circumstances are. A more analytical perspective when it comes to tourism and opinions of my own when it comes to the industry.

What is your advice to USI students entering the job market?

You're too young to settle for a job you don't love and doesn't challenge you (in the good way!) - it's your time to learn as much as possible.

Pro tip: spend time on your applications, even if it's the 50th, personalize them as much as possible for the specific company.