What drew you to pursue a career in hospitality and tourism management?

I decided to pursue an HTM major when I was researching a strong second major that could further develop my skill set and add to my degree. I also had friends who were in it and highly recommended it.  As I learned about the major, I realized that I really enjoyed learning about Hospitality and how much it actually impacts our world. My two summer internships, one with Hershey Entertainment and one with Cvent, really solidified my choice.  I am particularly happy with my upcoming full-time job with Cvent, which I think will be a good mix of two things I enjoy -- HTM and technology.

Why did you choose Virginia Tech for your studies in HTM, and what has been your favorite part of the experience so far?

I chose Virginia Tech for college because of the incredible Business program that it offers.  As an 18-year-old, I selected Business Management as a major, simply because it was broad and would give me lots of choices.  As I matured and learned more about the various majors at Virginia Tech, I realized HTM would be a great fit to broaden my management perspectives and learn about a key industry. After my first couple of classes I knew I had made the right choice. I feel that my favorite part of the experience so far has definitely been the amazing people I have met.  The professors and administrators are caring and always looking to provide terrific experiences to the students. My classmates come from all over the world and bring unique experiences; they are some of the friendliest people I have ever met, and I can truly say I have made lifelong connections. So many classes are great, but two that stand out for me are my time in the Chef Lab learning how to really cook, and the STR Market Study Competition Class, where we placed 2nd in both the Americas and the International competitions. The hands-on experience and guidance from professors were invaluable, and these classes were also just fun.

As you look to the future, what role do you see yourself taking in the hospitality and tourism industry?

Honestly, at this point, I do not have a set plan, but I hope to learn the ropes in Sales and see where that takes me and what other opportunities arise. Over my time at VT I have been learning about the hospitality development/real estate sector of the HTM industry, which I find fascinating, so I may pivot in that direction if I can find the right opportunity once I have more real-world experience and a better understanding of what I want to do in the long term.

What unique skills or experiences do you bring to the industry that you think will set you apart?

I feel that one soft skill that sets me apart from others is my ability to talk to nearly anyone. Over my time at Virginia Tech I have been able to develop my communication skills and really come out of my shell to the point where I am confident enough to talk to anyone, and to talk about topics where I am not the expert (which is always a bit harder but also where the most learning occurs).  In regard to experiences, I feel that the two things that help set me apart the most are my two summer internship experiences and the knowledge and experience I gained from the STR Market Study Competition Class. From my internships, I was put in new and challenging work  situations that gave me actual skills and also some perspective on the real world (meetings and deadlines), and from the STR class I was actually able to apply so many of the things  I have learned in the Business program here at Virginia Tech in a cohesive, project-oriented, actual deliverables manner,  giving me more confidence in what I know and more overall experience operating in the business world.

If you had the power to innovate one aspect of the hospitality industry, what would it be?

I would innovate the power of human connection through a mix of technology and human interaction. I worry that with the hospitality industry’s big push towards technology, and in particular the push to use AI, the most important aspect of hospitality, human connection, is somewhat getting lost in translation. To offset this concern, I would make human connection a focus such that when implementing these innovative technologies, the first thing in mind should always be how it will impact human connection/experiences, to make sure that this aspect gets the emphasis and value that it deserves.  We cannot automate human feelings, so finding the equilibrium between technology and emotional connection will be key to innovation in HTM in my view.

What advice would you give to incoming HTM students?

DO IT ALL. You only have so much time in college, and this is the time to learn, grow, and explore, and not to keep doing all the same old things you did in high school. If something interests you but you are unsure whether you should do it or not, just try it and learn from your experience, whether good or bad. Really take advantage of what this HTM program offers with all of its classes, but more importantly the incredible “extra-curriculars;” go on a trip, do a competition, join a club.  Find something that you think you might enjoy and then get the most out of it while you are here.

Fun Fact: What's one surprising thing about you that most people wouldn’t guess?

I am a huge golfer.  I used to compete in high school golf, but now I just love to play with my friends for fun and watch the Pros play.