Networking is one of the most important activities for students preparing for life after college. This spring, hospitality leadership students have two exciting opportunities to grow their network by learning from current hospitality professionals and establishing connections with potential employers.
Connect with employers at the Hospitality Career Fair
The Hospitality Career Fair will take place March 1 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in Pummill Hall and the Plaster Student Union ballroom.
Companies will give presentations for interested students from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Students will then have the opportunity to shake hands and get more information during the fair itself from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
As one of few departments to offer its own career fair, the Hospitality Career Fair is just one reason why the department of hospitality leadership celebrates a 92% job placement rate.
Tips and tricks from the department head
To prepare for the fair, Dr. Stephanie Hein, hospitality leadership department head, says students should do their research and come eager to demonstrate hospitality to the companies that attend.
“Whether you are a freshman or a senior, the Hospitality Career Fair is an incredible opportunity to network,” said Hein. “It should be your goal to make such a good impression that when the recruiter returns to campus, they are looking for you rather than you looking for them.”
Hein has three words of advice for students who receive an offer for an interview: Practice, practice, practice.
“Take advantage of resources on campus, such as the Career Center, to prepare yourself for the interview,” said Hein. “Be prepared to communicate your strengths and weaknesses and explain how you get back up when things do not go as planned.”
Finally, according to Hein, wise students will immediately follow up after their interview with a handwritten thank-you note.
Hear from a leading hospitality executive at the Speaker Series
The department of hospitality leadership welcomes a high-profile, high-level executive from the field of hospitality management each spring.
This year, Stephen M. O’Loughlin, president and chief operating officer of Lodging Hospitality Management, will visit campus on March 30 to speak at 2 p.m. in the Plaster Student Union Theater.
O’Loughlin started his hotel career in high school working at Stouffer’s in 1984. Throughout high school and college, he worked in a variety of disciplines of the business, including maintenance, reservations, banquets and accounting.
O’Loughlin’s early career included experience with Holiday Inn, Sheraton, Hilton and Marriot before arriving at Lodging Hospitality Management in 1997. He currently serves on the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, the Community Improvement District board for the Partnership for Downtown St. Louis, and the Hilton Owners Advisory Council.
The Speaker Series, says Hein, is a special opportunity for students and the community to interact with an executive they would not typically get the chance to meet.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Hein at 417-836-5159.