What Advice do Hospitality Professionals have for SHA students?
On Friday, September 30, industry leaders in hospitality from Boston and beyond joined us for the SHA Fall 2022 Career Fair. Students networked with employers and learned about internships and job opportunities in all sectors of hospitality including hotels, restaurants, events, tourism, marketing, real estate, consulting, and more. We asked these employers the important question, “What advice do you have for SHA students?”
“Your professors and advisors are some of the best resources you have. Get to know them and their backgrounds. Learning about their experiences will help you make informed decisions about your career path.”
Raymond (Ray) Parejo (SHA Class of 2020, MMH 2021)
Project Manager, HVS
“Take initiative: try the challenging assignment, take on the committee or side project, pick up the phone, and ask questions.”
Chelsey Leffett
Senior Vice President – HVS Northeast Leader, HVS
“Never stop learning. No matter your role or title, the only way to ensure professional growth is to maintain intellectual curiosity at every step.”
Marlo Fogelman
Founder & CEO, Marlo Marketing
Some say, “where there is a will…” – AJ says “You are the way. You are the One! Own your greatness and step into action!”
AJ Leto
Recruitment Manager, Newbury Hotel
“Never stop learning. Never limit yourself and pursue your possibilities.”
Shuwen Fang
Human Resources Manager, Newbury Hotel
“Some of the best career advice I have received is to value your network. That network can be past colleagues, fellow people and culture professionals you meet along the way or people within partner organizations. You never know when that relationship building can have an impact down the road.”
Heather Southard
Director of People and Culture, Hotel Commonwealth
“Your career path is your responsibility. Don’t wait for opportunities to present themselves. You need to be your number one advocate.”
Ana Mouradjian
Human Resources Supervisor, Big Night Entertainment Group
“Don’t limit yourself based on your major of study; take risks, make mistakes, and venture outside of your comfort zone.”
Emily Sylvanowicz
Recruiting Associate, Big Night Entertainment Group
“Don’t be afraid to seek mentorship or advice from those in the industry. We were all in your shoes once!”
Alan Suzuki
Managing Director, JLL
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We aren’t expected to know everything and there is a lot of value in seeking input from the people we work with.”
Erica Silvi
Regional Human Resources Director, Aramark Sports and Entertainment
“Use emotional intelligence in life: it can help navigate through difficult situations and personalities.”
Melinda Muharemovic
Director of Human Resources, Mandarin Oriental
“Get used to being outside of your comfort zone, and doors will open.”
Elisabeth Wilson
Talent Acquisition Partner, Aramark Sports and Entertainment
“Don’t be afraid to say YES! A project or a task that may seem challenging will open doors to bigger and better things.”
Bryan Berzins
Director, Talent Acquisition, Aramark Sports and Entertainment
“The learning never stops and the journey has just begun. You’ll likely find a job you’re interested in in your field but what’s even more important is a company that aligns with your values, pushes you to grow, and invests in your development. Don’t lost sight of the full package.”
Monica Reum
Recruiter, Education First
“Never be afraid to take risks; you never know where an opportunity can lead you! And, always stay true to who you are!”
Darline Marmolejos
People and Culture Manager, Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston