Tourism students, industry pros 'speed network' their way to new career connections
Ten minutes at a time, ASU tourism students learned how to start and build a relationship — with their professional careers — through fast-paced networking with educators and industry professionals.
More than 30 members of ASU’s Tourism Student Association (TSA) met with 20 education and hospitality industry pros Feb. 11 in the TSA’s first-ever “Speed Networking” Fireside event, held at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Phoenix.
Prior firesides involved mingling and an informal interview of a key industry guest with questions and answers after. This time, club officers wanted to try a more interactive format.
The result was an enhanced opportunity for students to hone their connection-building skills and understand the potential that every interaction can yield in terms of building a solid network.
Some of the organizations represented were Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International, Meeting Planners International, Southwest Food Service Excellence, and Great Wolf Resorts. The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Phoenix Chapter generously sponsored the appetizers for the event.
Participating students expressed gratefulness for how much they learned from the exercise.
“This was my first time to speed network and I felt fortunate to have the chance to meet many people from the industry so quickly in one place,” said TSA member Tien Do. “I have new ideas for my career path and felt this event was valuable for a student like me.”
Club member Carina Mendez-Carrillo said she liked how the pros’ life experiences were part of their conversations with her. “The advice each gave me was varied and meaningful,” she said.
“I loved how (Millennial Skills Coach) Jared Buckley reminded me that really what matters most in meeting new people is the energy that you bring,” said TSA member Victor Wright.
Dana Horwitz said she realized that while networking is an important part one’s career, it isn’t always easy to do it. “This event offered an opportunity to casually meet professionals from my career field and build confidence.”