Meryem Mekouar

Meryem Mekouar is a Worlds Ahead hospitality researcher.

While completing her master’s degree, Meryem conducted research on various aspects of the hospitality industry. Along with her husband Khalil Tazi, she researched factors that students consider when applying for a job in the hospitality business. She hopes this research will help career and talent development departments at universities guide students toward their ideal jobs.

Inspired by her current job as a spa concierge at the Mandarin Oriental hotel, Meryem is also researching the influence of higher education on the student-manager relationship in the hospitality and tourism industry. She noticed that her managers put more stock in her work experience than her university education. This drove Meryem to learn about the perceived value of education in the industry and the perspectives of other hospitality and tourism students.

Meryem and Khalil will present both research projects at the upcoming Graduate Conference in Las Vegas. Meryem is also working to publish her research in the International Hospitality Review Journal. 

After graduation, Meryem, who has a passion for education, is considering pursuing a Ph.D. in business administration and becoming a university professor. 

By Lourdes Perez
Media Relations Specialist
Office of Media Relations