Brieux Caruso: from hospitality dreams to a stratospheric experience
Brieux Caruso
MSc in International Hospitality Management (2024 cohort)
The MSc in International Hospitality Management, developed by emlyon business school and the Institut Lyfe, prepares students for international careers in hospitality. Gaining professional experience is a core part of the program, as illustrated by Brieux Caruso, currently interning at Zephalto, a French startup pushing the boundaries of luxury and innovation.
A journey built on hands-on experience
After completing his bachelor’s degree in business, Brieux chose to immerse himself directly in the field:
“I started as a receptionist at the Mercure Opéra Garnier in Paris. It was a revelation: I took immense pleasure in it, learned the art of hospitality, and met true enthusiasts who came to work every day with their hearts.”
He then deepened his experience in luxury hospitality at Relais & Châteaux Le Phébus & Spa, a family-owned property where hospitality is lived every day:
“I learned about rigor, precision in service, and the art of gastronomy. Every gesture, every interaction matters, and this attention to detail has stayed with me for the rest of my career.”
His desire to combine practical experience with academic knowledge led him to join the Institut Lyfe and then the MSc International Hospitality Management in partnership with emlyon business school, a unique program combining professional immersion, study trips, and projects with industry experts.
Zephalto: an extraordinary professional experience
Brieux is now interning at Zephalto, a French startup offering a “6-hour journey into the stratosphere, up to 25 km in altitude, including a gourmet meal” – what he describes as “the highest restaurant in the world.” Thanks to its environmental commitment, the company provides a low-carbon journey to space, using a hot-air balloon to carry its pressurized capsule into the stratosphere.
In this unique setting, Brieux is at the heart of commercial and operational activities: developing partnerships, structuring the gastronomic offering, and designing innovative solutions for a technically demanding environment. As he explains:
“Working at Zephalto means juggling creativity, technical rigor, and operational excellence. Every detail matters to make the experience unforgettable, and I realize how directly applicable the MSc teachings are: from designing memorable experiences to structuring complex projects, everything resonates in my day-to-day work.”
His role allows him to combine strategic vision, understanding client expectations, and anticipating trends. He applies the methods learned in class to rethink F&B operations and optimize unique experiences, while respecting environmental and social constraints.
A gateway to international opportunities
This internship is also a springboard to international careers. Brieux gains exposure to global luxury standards and learns to adapt projects for an international clientele while collaborating with partners abroad:
“The space sector is growing rapidly, and I’m convinced it will offer incredible opportunities in the coming years. My internship at Zephalto has given me the confidence to take on these kinds of challenges.”
Brieux’s journey perfectly illustrates what the MSc International Hospitality Management offers: immersive experiences in demanding environments, immediately applicable strategic skills, and international exposure. For students looking to turn their passion for hospitality into a global career, this program is a true gateway to excellence.