BIO

Hailing from a background in Hospitality Management, Lily Herbert is currently completing her Master of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Hospitality and Tourism Management and a Graduate Certificate in Global Sustainability at Virginia Tech’s Northern Virginia campus.

Recently, Lily sat down with Dr. Lamoureux, MSBA-HTM Program Director for a chat about her experience at VT, her career aspirations and her advice to others.

Lily, Why did you choose the MSBA-HTM?

I chose this program because it is the perfect terminal degree for my professional career & aspirations. In undergrad, I did Hospitality Management, with a focus on theory, operations, and 'service excellence.' This Master's program not only expands on my existing knowledge, but also integrates advanced MBA courses, encompassing important areas such as finance, marketing, and analytics. These skills not only give me a competitive advantage within the Hospitality and Tourism industry but also equip me with the adaptability to excel across various non-HTM sectors.

Consider if one day I decided to transition out of the Hospitality & Tourism world. With this degree, I have the versatility to have a full career pivot. Though that transition is not in my plans now, the assurance of that flexibility with the MSBA-HTM degree was absolutely one of the deciding factors in choosing this program.

Another driving factor of this decision was my aspirations to move to Washington DC following my undergraduate studies. Known as a vibrant hospitality hub, especially for international visitors, the region has incredible opportunities for professional growth and networking. I wanted to be in the heart of it while furthering my academics.

What do you plan on doing after you graduate?

As I finish up my programs, I am working in a sector which is relatively new to me - Tourism. Previously, I had only worked in true guest-facing roles in F&B operations, a real passion of mine. But this program and the connections I made here enabled me to experiment in the tourism sector. I was actually introduced to my first boss in tourism by faculty members - one of the most impactful opportunities I've had here. I've fallen in love with the work and plan to do this for a while. Later in life, I could see myself working for a DMO, blending the aspects of both hospitality & tourism that I love so much. I also have an entrepreneurial spirit, so I have goals of one day starting my own business. I might return to Virginia Tech to pursue a PhD, one day becoming a professor myself. Clearly, there's a lot I want to do... I am excited for whatever lies ahead!

Why did you pick this career path?

I picked this career path because of my passion for the work. As many of us know, the hospitality & tourism sector is not for the faint of heart. You really must love this work to build your life's career around it. I worked in restaurants for all of my teenage & collegiate years. When deciding on my college major, I was torn between so many areas. I frustratedly told my father one day, 'I just want to work in restaurants forever.' He said, 'You could do that. You could also get your degree in hospitality and continue exploring what's out there.' The lightbulb was almost tangible for me. It was an easy decision and I've never regretted this path thus far.

In addition to the MSBA-HTM, you're doing a graduate certificate? Can you tell us about that and why you decided to do that?

The Graduate Certificate in Global Sustainability is offered by the College of Natural Resources & Environment here at Tech. I knew I wanted to supplement my degree with sustainability work, so this option was a no-brainer. In undergrad, I received a minor in Sustainability Studies, so once again, this certificate expanded on my existing knowledge while integrating advanced courses, research, and a study-abroad opportunity in New Zealand. Though, you don't need to have a sustainability background to pursue this certificate. As long as you're interested and motivated by the idea of a more sustainable world, you'll do just fine in the courses. I fully believe that our future will be molded by innovative, passionate sustainability professionals. In Hospitality & Tourism, sustainability is not just an important consideration. It should be used as the guiding foundation for every decision we make. Our industry touches the lives of nearly every person on the planet and spans across every teeny-tiny corner of the world. The transition to a more sustainable hospitality & tourism industry will not only secure a successful future for our industry, but also for the world - everyone & everything we touch.

Any parting advice to Future students?

My parting advice for students can be summed up like this - take every opportunity seriously. Being in this part of the world, the DC Metro Area, there are opportunities around every corner. Our faculty are genuinely excited for our futures and want us all to succeed. If you just ask them, they'll find a way to help. Find a mentor, network intentionally, get a job if you can, and utilize the resources and opportunities we have at our disposal thoughtfully. You will only get out of this program what you put into it. Just showing up, passing your classes, & getting the degree is one thing. If I had that mindset, I wouldn't have found the Sustainability Certificate & had the opportunity to travel to New Zealand. I would not have been connected with who is now my boss, thus, I would not have a full-time job right now. I would not have been connected with other industry leaders for private meetings, networking events, and mentorship. I would not have explored new niches of the industry which I now love. If you don't come into this program with an opportunistic mindset, try your hardest to develop one before it's too late. Or else the degree is just a piece of paper.

Her Impact:

As we celebrate Lily Herbert's achievements, we are reminded of the transformative power of education and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to chase their dreams. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Lily and eagerly anticipate the remarkable contributions she will undoubtedly make in the days to come.