1. Where did you spend the fourth semester and where are you currently based?

I spent my fourth semester in Finland, at Digiole, a company that assists startups and their ecosystems in transitioning to AI powered digital platforms. I then spent 1.5 months in Denmark focusing solely on my thesis. Currently, I am based in Baku, Azerbaijan, where I work in event sales and organization at The Ritz-Carlton, Baku. 

2. What did you write your master’s thesis about?

My thesis topic was "Generative Artificial Intelligence: Assessing the Influence on Workforce Patterns in Destination Management Companies." This subject allowed me to explore the impact of AI on workforce management in the context of the tourism industry.

3. Why did you choose this topic?

Choosing this topic was quite a journey for me. Initially, I had no clear direction until we covered the transformative power of AI in our Business Management course. This sparked my interest, and I began reaching out to various individuals for insights and guidance. I owe a huge thanks to Jaume for facilitating the opportunity to change my topic and submit a new proposal during December/January, and of course to Lluis for agreeing to be my supervisor.

4. What did you enjoy the most about the research and thesis writing experience?

One of the most enjoyable aspects of my research and thesis writing experience was being in Denmark with other EMTM and MA students. We were all in the same boat, navigating the challenges of thesis writing together, which created a supportive and motivating environment. This camaraderie pushed me to focus more and stay on track. While I encountered challenges, such as difficulties in obtaining data for my interviews, which required me to adjust my data collection and analysis methods, I managed to cope with these setbacks thanks to Lluis Prat, my supervisor. I realized that having even a part-time, flexible job could be distracting, so my advice would be to have at least a month at the end to fully concentrate on the thesis.

5. Are you also doing an internship while writing your master's thesis? If so, where are you working and what are your main tasks?

Yes, I completed a three-month internship at Digiole, focusing on sales and business development. My responsibilities included identifying startup businesses and incubators and initiating initial conversations with them. This experience enriched my understanding of AI's potential influence on workforce management in the tourism sector.

Final Thoughts:

The fourth semester was a sub-journey within our EMTM journey. It was the first time I ventured into the ocean of unknown independently, leaving the comfort of our EMTM family. Although it was initially daunting, I cherish my time in Helsinki and Denmark and am grateful for the supportive community of colleagues and friends I encountered. The colleagues and managers were always available to help, and our little EMTM family continued to support each other, both remotely and on-site. I will never forget this experience…

Thank you, EMTM ❤️