Highlighting her professional experience in the hospitality industry: Elodie Morini’s choice with the VAE
Institut LyfeExecutive Education
After several years of international experience in the luxury hospitality sector, spanning Canada, the United States and France, Elodie Morini decided to formalise her professional background through a Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE) process. Now a Key Account Manager at Le Méridien Paris Arc de Triomphe, she looks back on her career and the reasons that led her to undertake a VAE programme with Institut Lyfe Executive Education.
Tell us about your educational background and then your career path
After following a standard educational path, during which I obtained a baccalaureate in Economics and Social Sciences, I decided to move into the hospitality industry, a sector that already combined everything I was passionate about: travel, interacting with people and discovering new cultures. I therefore enrolled at Institut Lyfe, where I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in International Hospitality and Restaurant Management.
My career path then developed gradually through several international roles in the luxury hospitality sector. Between 2012 and 2020, I worked in the Food & Beverage department at five-star establishments such as the Sofitel Montréal Le Carré Doré, the Sofitel Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square and the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa. These years were extremely formative and enabled me to develop solid operational expertise, whilst working in demanding multicultural environments.
In 2021, wishing to take my career in a new direction, I obtained the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification, before moving into sales and business development. I then joined the National Arts Centre in Ottawa as a sales coordinator.
On my return to France in October 2022, I joined the sales team at the Novotel Paris Tour Eiffel as an external sales representative. Since January 2025, I have held the position of Key Account Manager at Le Méridien Paris Arc de Triomphe, where I am responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of international clients, primarily in North American markets.
All of these experiences have enabled me to develop both an operational and strategic understanding of the hospitality sector.
What are your responsibilities at Le Méridien Paris Arc de Triomphe?
As Key Account Manager at Le Méridien Paris Arc de Triomphe, I am responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of international clients, primarily in the US and Canadian markets. My role involves building long-term partnerships, negotiating strategic contracts, retaining existing accounts and implementing sales initiatives tailored to market developments.
My work is divided equally between business development and managing existing accounts. Around 50% of my time is spent actively prospecting for new accounts and identifying new opportunities in various markets or geographical areas. The remaining 50% is dedicated to monitoring and developing existing accounts, analysing performance, and organising sales initiatives aimed at strengthening client relationships and supporting business growth.
Alongside my role at Le Méridien Paris Arc de Triomphe, I am also heavily involved in the events industry through my involvement with MPI France Suisse, one of the leading associations in the MICE* and events sector. I currently hold the position of Vice-President of Membership and Retention there.
As part of the Executive Board, which comprises a Chair and several directors, my role involves developing the membership community, supporting new members’ integration and encouraging their involvement within the association. I also help organise a number of networking events throughout the year, including professional networking receptions that enable people to make connections, foster dialogue and strengthen synergies between industry stakeholders.
*MICE : Meetings, Incentive, Conferences, Exhibitions / Events
As Key Account Manager at Why did you decide to pursue the MSc – Master of Science in International Hospitality Management through the VAE programme?
The VAE route seemed the obvious choice for me to gain recognition for the professional experience I had gained over 10 years working in the United States and Canada. Preparing my application helped me to organise my skills, take a step back and reflect on my career path, and obtain academic recognition that matches my current level of responsibility.
Why did you choose Institut Lyfe Executive Education?
Having completed my Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management at Institut Lyfe in 2012, this choice came naturally to me. I chose Institut Lyfe for its academic excellence and strong reputation within the hospitality industry. The programme is perfectly suited to experienced professionals and offers high-quality support throughout the VAE process. The school’s international standing, its professional network and its understanding of the strategic challenges facing the hospitality sector also reinforced my decision.
How did the VAE process go for you? Are you satisfied with it?
It has to be said that the process is demanding and requires a great deal of personal commitment, but it is a very rewarding experience. Writing a dissertation of around 100 pages requires a genuine ability to analyse, synthesise and take a step back from one’s own experience. It involves selecting specific experiences and demonstrating how we have demonstrated the required competence in a context drawn from our own experience.
The support provided was invaluable and enabled me to successfully complete every stage of this project. I am fully satisfied with this process, both professionally and personally.
It has to be said that the process is demanding and requires a great deal of personal commitment, but it is a very rewarding experience. Writing a dissertation of around 100 pages requires a genuine ability to analyse, synthesise and take a step back from one’s own experience. It involves selecting specific experiences and demonstrating how we have demonstrated the required competence in a context drawn from our own experience.What benefits does a qualification like this bring to your professional life?
The VAE was therefore a logical step towards recognising this practical expertise, consolidating my academic credentials and advancing my career in the international hospitality industry. It also forms part of my commitment to furthering my professional development by combining operational experience with high-level academic recognition. Finally, this qualification is a real confidence booster, both for those I work with and for myself.
Elodie’s journey perfectly illustrates the purpose of the VAE programme at Institut Lyfe Executive Education: to enable experienced hospitality professionals to have their practical expertise recognised through a high-level academic qualification. Thanks to personalised support and a thorough understanding of the challenges facing the hospitality sector, completing your VAE at Institut Lyfe Executive Education provides a real springboard for professional advancement, recognition and international career development.