HTM students intern at top resorts

Four students, majoring in hospitality and tourism management, attended the Resort and Commercial Recreation Association annual conference in Tampa, Florida.

Three of the students have accepted offers to intern at some of the nation’s leading resorts. “Students have the opportunity to network and learn from some of the top managers in the industry,” said A. Scott Rood, assistant chair of Grand Valley’s HTM department. “These recreation managers know that students attending the conference are the best of the best.”

Kollin Currie, Lauren Meyer, Erica Yeomans and Emily Balander attended the conference. Currie accepted an internship at The Boathouse in Martha’s Vineyard, Meyer will be serving an internship at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina, and Balander accepted an internship at Resort Collections in Panama City Beach.

“The highlight of the trip was the internship/job fair,” said Currie. “After speaking with representatives and leaving resumes with numerous properties, students were drafted by the hiring properties into interview spots the next day. I was awarded six interviews with my top six choices.”

Yeomans was awarded nine interviews at the conference and said the experience impacted her understanding of the profession. “I didn’t realize the vast amount of opportunities in this industry,” she said. “Attending the conference helped me figure out my niche in the hospitality industry and I’ve made many connections to assist me in pursuing my future goals.”

Also at the conference, Rood was sworn in as association president. He also presented a study showing an increase in wages and compensation for resort recreation directors.

Funding assistance for the students to attend the conference was provided by the College of Community and Public Service dean’s office, the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management and the Academic Enrichment Professional Fund.