Núria Reixach, CETT Alumni and hospitality professional: “Never be afraid to start from zero”

1. We'd like you to introduce yourself (your name, where you're from, what you studied, etc.).

My name is Núria Reixach Baos. I was born in Barcelona and currently live in the Maresme region. I studied social sciences in high school and later earned a Bachelor's Degree in Tourism at CETT.

2. What motivated you to choose CETT for your studies?

My choice of school was clear because I knew people who had studied there, and the references were very good, especially after graduation. Over the years, I've met former CETT students with very successful careers, which reinforces my decision.

3. What was your CETT experience like?

I remember my experience at CETT very positively, with complete dedication, especially during the extended coursework for my Bachelor's Degree.

4. Could you tell us about your career path since graduating from CETT, including your internship, up to the present day?

Regarding my internship, I completed it in the Administration department at CETT and at the Parliament of Catalonia, specifically in the catering area. The internship at the Parliament took place during a summer, and I have very fond memories of it, both for what I learned and for the support and guidance of the supervisors.

This experience allowed me to acquire skills that I would have been difficult to develop without a practical environment: day-to-day operational management, attention to detail, responsibility in service processes, and the ability to adapt to very diverse dynamics.

From the internship, I would especially highlight the excellent synergy with the teams and the opportunity to work in such a unique environment. My first foray into the world of tourism was at Palauet Living Barcelona, ​​where I started as a personal assistant. I found the position through the CETT job board.

Initially, I had an interview, but I wasn't selected. A few months later, the director—who had just returned from maternity leave—contacted me because she had received excellent feedback about my interview and wanted to meet me in person. That second opportunity turned into a nine-year professional chapter, which allowed me to grow, take on responsibilities, and solidify the foundations of my career.

I started as a personal assistant and gradually assumed more responsibilities until I was coordinating the housekeeping team. Interacting with people, attention to detail, and caring for others have always been very much a part of me, and hospitality offered me a space where I could develop these skills.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, I made a change in the catering sector, where I worked for almost a year. The owner himself—a former client of the first hotel—offered me the opportunity, and it was a way for me to re-enter the workforce after such a difficult period. I can only feel grateful for those months.

In May 2022, I started at the Hotel Marina in Badalona as Groups and Events Manager. The hotel opened that same year, so we were part of the opening team. I remember a challenging start; this period was demanding, but it paved the way for me to work at the Intercontinental Hotel in Barcelona as Events Coordinator. There, I discovered the scale of a five-star hotel and the excellence of customer service. I take with me a deep admiration for my colleagues—some with over fifteen years of experience at the hotel—who maintained the same enthusiasm as on day one.

In September 2023, I began working as Head of Patient Care at the Quirónsalud Badalona Hospital, and today I want to continue developing the patient experience area.

This position makes me feel fulfilled in many ways, and every day is a learning opportunity, both in clinical and non-clinical settings.

Looking back, I am proud to have crossed paths with such wonderful people. Starting out in new positions isn't easy: you need to know how to listen, how to get to know yourself and be valued, and that takes time. Knowledge alone isn't enough to succeed in a position, whether it involves management responsibilities or not.

5. Your career began in the hotel and events sector. What initially attracted you to this field?

I knew for sure that the hotel sector was what inspired me: the constant flow of guests, all the different professional roles... I wanted to be one of them!

At the Palauet, I started producing events alongside the director, eventually managing space rentals. That's when I discovered that this world also completely captivated me... and I didn't even have to leave a hotel!
 

6. What key lessons did you learn from your years in hospitality and event planning?

For me, it's essential to understand the importance of all teams and their coordinated work. Respect, effective management of high-pressure situations, and above all, maintaining a positive work environment are key in any organization.

7. What skills acquired in hospitality do you think have helped you in your current role?

My time in the hospitality sector provided me with skills that are now essential in my role. I developed a strong customer focus: understanding each person's needs, anticipating their concerns, and offering an excellent experience. I also learned to handle high-pressure situations calmly and professionally, especially during peak times. Furthermore, teamwork and coordination with different departments taught me the importance of effective communication to ensure seamless service. Finally, the ability to solve problems quickly and empathetically is one of the skills I use most in my daily work, along with clear and assertive communication.

8. What motivated you to make the leap from the hotel sector to the healthcare sector?

A good friend of mine, a thoracic surgeon, told me that a hospital was opening in Badalona and that they were looking for staff. When I looked at the job postings, I was pleasantly surprised to see they were looking for someone with a degree in Tourism. Eventually, they contacted me for an interview, and I've been working there ever since.

9. What similarities do you find between customer service in hotels and patient care?

Many! I always say there are many similarities between a hotel and a hospital. From the patient care perspective, my goal is to be able to help all those patients who need it. It's true that, simply by being part of the healthcare field, the exposure is very high, and the demands even higher.

This transition has shown me that, although they may seem like parallel worlds, they share many similarities and transferable aspects, such as personalized attention and the pursuit of excellence in service. The pursuit of excellence isn't about doing something well one day or helping someone a lot on a one-off occasion. Excellence in care demands giving your best every day, and requires high levels of dedication, passion, and resilience.

10. What would you say to someone who is afraid to change industries because they fear starting from zero?

I remember that during my studies we had to choose between the travel agency or hotel branch, and back then I had no idea of ​​all the possibilities that would open up. As for my choice, I think it was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and at the right time. I'm motivated to learn new things every day from everyone around me, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to do so.

Therefore, I would tell them never to be afraid of starting from scratch. When there's a motivation for change, it's the change itself that should encourage them. It's necessary to take advantage of it to absorb all the new knowledge that will come and that will help keep motivation alive, an essential element in any career path.

11. How important are attitude and continuous training in a career transition?

Both are essential for continued growth, but I believe that attitude is key to moving forward. I was talking with a close friend, a seasoned operations director, and we were discussing how the real reward lies in the impact we leave wherever we've led teams, spearheaded projects, or simply held a position.

This impact is what we contribute: an essence, an attitude, a way of doing things… everything that makes others speak of you with admiration. And ultimately, this is an immensely valuable reward.

12. What has been the most important lesson you've learned in your professional career so far?

That whatever happens, the bad times that may arise will pass. You can start from scratch, and it's not so much what you do, but the dedication you put into it. This will allow you to grow, advance, and position yourself where you deserve to be.

13. What would you recommend to current CETT students who are just starting out? And how would you advise them to be more flexible and adapt to new opportunities?

Looking back, I firmly believe that all professional experiences, regardless of your position, contribute to building your future. Although we may not always be fully aware of it at the time, each stage offers valuable learning.

I am where I am today thanks to all the experiences I've had throughout my career. From each stage and every place I've worked, I've gained great friendships, the respect of my teammates, and the satisfaction of the dedication and commitment I've always shown.

Always respect the people in front of you: it's the foundation of any solid professional relationship and the path we build together over the years.