I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for featuring me in the latest edition of the Howard Feiertag Spring Newsletter. It's an absolute pleasure to be a student at Virginia Tech, and I'm grateful for the support and recognition from our amazing community.

Bio:

Born and raised in Serbia, I earned my undergraduate degree in Finance in Serbia. After completing my studies, I embarked on an exciting career journey that has taken me to Bahrain, where I spent several years working in the aviation industry. Currently, I am pursuing my master’s degree in hospitality and tourism here at Virginia Tech Graduate School in Alexandria, VA, where I am honing my analytical skills and exploring the latest trends in hospitality and tourism. Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of living and working in three distinct cultures: Serbia, Bahrain, and now the United States. I am eager to leverage my international background, hospitality expertise, and latest knowledge from HTM program to drive innovation and success in an ever-evolving global landscape.

What motivated you to pursue an MSBA-HTM, and how does it align with your long-term career goals?

After completing my undergraduate studies, my career path took me to the hospitality industry, where I gained valuable experience and insights into different markets worldwide. As I delved deeper into various roles within this sector, I realized that there was more to the business than meets the eye, and I sought to improve my academic knowledge to better understand the industry. Pursuing an MSBA-HTM aligns perfectly with my goal of becoming a more informed and strategic decision-maker in the hospitality industry. With this degree, I aim to take on leadership roles or start my own business.

After graduation, what opportunities or challenges in the hospitality and tourism industry are you most excited to tackle?

After completing my studies, I'm eager to tackle the increasingly complex landscape of the hospitality and tourism industry. Specifically, I'm excited to apply my knowledge in business administration and hospitality management to drive innovation and sustainability in the sector. I'm particularly interested in developing strategies for small-scale, community-driven tourism initiatives, implementing cutting-edge technologies to enhance guest experience and operational efficiency, and driving sustainable practices and reducing environmental impact within the industry. I believe that the MSBA-HTM is preparing me well to address these challenges and opportunities, and I'm confident that my academic knowledge combined with real-world experience will enable me to make a meaningful contribution to the hospitality and tourism industry.

What aspects of your career path have had the most significant impact on your decision to stay in this field?

The various roles I've held within the hospitality industry, combined with my experience working in different markets worldwide, have had the most significant impact on my decision to stay in this field. Witnessing firsthand the complexities and nuances of the industry, as well as its potential for innovation and growth, has only strengthened my passion for it. Additionally, the opportunities I've had to interact with diverse stakeholders, including guests, colleagues, and local communities, have deepened my understanding of the industry's social, cultural, and economic dimensions. This multifaceted experience has convinced me that hospitality and tourism are rich and rewarding fields, full of possibilities for personal and professional growth.

How do you plan to apply the skills and insights gained from your MSBA program to address the evolving challenges in the hospitality industry?

I plan to apply the skills and insights gained from my MSBA program to address the evolving challenges in the hospitality and tourism industry by leveraging data-driven decision-making, digital innovation, and sustainable practices. Specifically, I aim to use data analytics to identify trends and opportunities for growth, and to implement technology-based solutions that enhance guest experience and operational efficiency. I also plan to apply my knowledge of business administration and hospitality management to drive sustainability and reduce environmental impact within the industry. This includes exploring eco-friendly practices, reducing waste, and promoting social responsibility throughout the supply chain. Ultimately, I'm committed to using my MSBA education to become a leader in the hospitality and tourism industry, one who can drive innovation, foster growth, and promote positive change in this dynamic and complex field.

Given your experiences and learning, what advice would you offer to students entering the MSBA-HTM program or aspiring to follow a similar path?

As someone who has navigated the hospitality industry and completing the MSBA-HTM program, I would advise students entering this program or following a similar path to be curious, resilient, and open-minded.  Also, cultivate strong relationships with peers, mentors, and industry professionals. Don't forget to develop a strong foundation in analytics and numerical skills - it's crucial for making informed decisions and driving business growth in today's data-driven hospitality industry. Stay true to your passions and interests within the hospitality industry, and don't lose sight of why you started this journey in the first place - to make a meaningful impact and contribute to its growth and development.

What are your plans for summer 2025?

 I am planning to attend summer courses and graduate close to the end of the summer. Also, I will use any free opportunity to be a tourist and enjoy hospitality wherever I am. I feel an added sense of pride knowing that I'm experiencing firsthand the hard work and dedication of professionals in the hospitality industry, always observing their attention to details and the passion for delivering exceptional experiences. I'm looking forward to putting my education into practice, applying the knowledge and skills I've gained from this program to real-world experiences, networking with industry professionals, and staying inspired by the latest trends and innovations in hospitality and tourism. It's going to be a wonderful way to mark the end of an incredible chapter!

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the hospitality and tourism industry that isn’t commonly discussed?

One thing I wish more people knew about the hospitality and tourism industry is the impact of our operations on local communities and environments. Many visitors are unaware of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into preparing for their arrival, from sourcing ingredients to managing waste and energy consumption. I believe it's essential to highlight the efforts made by hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions to minimize their ecological footprint, support local economies, and preserve cultural heritage. By sharing these stories, we can raise awareness about the importance of responsible tourism practices and encourage visitors to make more informed choices that benefit the communities they visit.