It’s your first or second year of college. You’ve played with the idea of hospitality leadership, but you’re not sure. You need elective credit anyway, so you take HSP 210, introduction to hospitality leadership.

Dr. Yoshimasa “Nancy” Kageyama, assistant professor of hospitality leadership, said HSP 210 is the perfect time for students to meet with industry professionals to hear firsthand if this is a career path for the student.

“Meeting industry professionals shows the students the reality of the industry and helps students build connections if they need advice later,” Kageyama said.

Where Justin Barnard comes in

Justin Barnard visited HSP 210 to talk about his journey from the desks in the Professional Building to the corporate offices of Marriott.

After he graduated from Missouri State University in 2006, he became a concierge at the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. He eventually became the front desk manager.

After that, he started as a front desk manager at Sheraton St. Louis City Center.

He moved to Aspen, Colorado, to be a front office manager for a luxury resort.

For a short time, he moved to Miami, Florida, to be assistant director of housekeeping.

Finally, he ended up at Marriott. He started in operations, and he is now the senior manager of guest experience and sustainment.

Because Barnard’s experience is incredibly versatile, he talked about what each position entailed and the differences in each position, location and company.

Barnard also represented Marriott at the hospitality career fair.

Thanks for coming, Justin!