I was thrilled to be paired with Mr. Jonas Roduner for my mentoring, as the Swiss International Air Lines brand itself is synonymous with excellence. We didn’t just talk about my studies; we dug into the real-life issues and opportunities facing the airline industry today.
A particularly cool part of our talks was focusing on making travel more sustainable. My university classes provide excellent theoretical and practical foundations, but Jonas showed me how a huge company like SWISS applies these strategies at a global scale. He was also a great source of inspiration for my thesis proposal, offering different insights that I found incredibly useful. Getting his real-world view was absolutely invaluable for me. Jonas approach to mentorship was both supportive and challenging. He didn't just share industry insights; he encouraged me to apply and test my knowledge.
Beyond the professional talks, the connection felt genuine. His thoughtful advice and willingness to discuss broader topics made our conversations feel more like an exchange between colleagues rather than a formal mentorship. This bond reinforced the idea that professionalism and genuine human connection can, and should, coexist in business leadership.
As my Mentoring Year concludes, I feel immense gratitude for the experience and the guidance I received from my mentor. The expertise and experience shared by Jonas have provided me with invaluable tools and a deeper understanding of the complexities of Revenue Management and Customer Offer. I look forward to applying this enriched perspective to my ongoing studies and carrying his advice with me as I start my professional career.
Looking ahead, the mentorship program has been an unforgettable experience that has broadened my network and solidified my career focus. I am incredibly grateful to Riccarda Ryffel and the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons for offering this privilege.
You can read more blogs from the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons here.
Diana Valenzuela, Mentee, Masters in Business Administration major in Tourism and Change