Janelle Bloom, senior at UMass Amherst and Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) major, says attending HTM Career Fair her freshman year opened numerous doors for her later on.Â
The summer following her freshman year she worked as a front desk associate at the Double Tree Club by Hilton Hotels in Boston. The next summer Bloom expanded her skills through The Westin Boston Waterfront with Starwood Hotels as the rooms division intern. During that internship she got the hands on experience of alternating between working at the front office and acting as a coordinator for housekeeping.
Now Bloom works for her third consecutive year on the UMass Amherst HTM Career Day committee. She is the Food and Beverage co-chair and works closely with the UMass Sales and Catering Office to “create unique menus, floor plans and decor.”Â
This Wednesday, March 5th, marks the 40th anniversary of the Hospitality and Tourism (HTM) Career Fair. Located in the Campus Center Auditorium and held only once a year, the event attracts world renowned hospitality and management companies as well as excited students and faculty. Over 50Â companies send recruiters to the fair. Some of those companies include the Hyatt, Marriott and Starwood Hotels.
On a campus as big as UMass, it’s no wonder that our HTM Career Fair is recognized as the largest student-run hospitality day in not only Massachusetts but all of New England. In addition to the major companies that come every year, the 2014 career day also has over 10 first-time registered companies.Â
In a recent press release the list includes, The Breakers, MGM Resort, The Country Club and Enterprise Rent-a-Car. The recent press release also said, “The addition of the Springfield Mohegan Sun & MGM Grand in the western Massachusetts area is said to bring job opportunities and growth to the area. UMass HTM students are eager to be a part of this casino-revolution in western Mass.”Â
Although the event is planned and run by UMass HTM students, it is open to all UMass students within any major. “There are so many reputable hospitality companies from all across the country recruiting for internships summer jobs and post graduate positions that any UMass Student can greatly benefit from,” said Bloom.Â
Bloom also notes that the event not only creates potential job opportunities, but also personal connections. “The recruiter that I met at our career day who ultimately hired me, is someone I still reach out to for advice and questions that I may have. She is one of the many mentors that I have remained in contact with throughout my college career.”
