For Karsten Angelkotter, choosing to study BSc (Hons) Hospitality Business Development at Bournemouth University was the first step towards an extraordinary international career spanning hospitality, tourism, and business leadership. Drawn to BU’s outstanding reputation within the hospitality industry and its strong global connections, Karsten recognised that the university would provide the ideal foundation for a career in one of the world’s most dynamic sectors.

After graduating in 2003, Karsten continued his academic journey by studying MSc Tourism Management Planning. His commitment to the industry and previous experience with Fairmont Hotels earned him a full scholarship from the Savoy Hotel in London, enabling him to further develop his expertise and broaden his professional horizons.

Looking back, Karsten highlights the friendships and professional connections he made at BU as some of the most valuable aspects of his university experience. He also credits the placement year with playing a crucial role in his employability. By providing real-world industry exposure alongside academic learning, it helped him understand the realities of hospitality management and prepared him for the next stage of his career.

Karsten’s career has taken him across Europe, Asia, and North America, working with some of the world’s most recognised hospitality brands. His experience includes roles with Fairmont Hotels in the Canadian Rockies, Hilton in Toronto, and Sheraton Luxury Collection in Thailand. He later progressed into senior leadership positions in one of Canada’s leading tourism destinations, Niagara Falls, where he managed major hotel operations, restaurants, convention facilities, banquet departments, and franchise businesses. Throughout his career, the leadership, operational, and interpersonal skills developed at BU helped him thrive in increasingly senior roles.

Today, Karsten applies his extensive management experience to growing the family-owned business, Contemar Silo Systems. Operating across North America, the company supports the food production industry, providing specialist solutions that contribute to the supply chains behind many everyday packaged food products.

What Karsten finds most rewarding is working with people. Having spent more than 30 years in service-focused industries, he takes particular pride in mentoring others and seeing former team members progress into leadership positions around the world. Helping people develop successful careers has been one of the greatest achievements of his own.

Advice for Future Students

Karsten’s advice is clear: “Make the most of your placement year. Practical industry experience is invaluable for building confidence, developing professional networks, and understanding what a career in hospitality really involves. He encourages students to find the right balance between academic study, hands-on experience, and student life, believing that Bournemouth University offers all three. Most importantly, remember that hospitality is a people business. Build relationships, stay curious, and embrace every opportunity. The connections you make today could shape your career for decades to come.”