Top (left to right): Lupe Alverez (BA ’20), Taylor Joiner (BA ’19), Andrew Williamson (BA ’19), top middle (left to right): Chenke Yang (MS ’18), Lamont Davis (BA ’19), Lower middle (left to right): Yun Yang (MS ’18), Demi Smith (BA ’18), Bottom: Yuis Cheng (MS ’18), *Not in picture: Claire Denison (BA ’19)
Nine students from MSU School of Hospitality Business represented the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) at its National Conference from February 15-18, 2018. The conference was hosted at the Hilton Hotel in Chicago. NSMH is the largest student run hospitality organization in the nation with over 100 college chapters. This event serves as a networking and career fair for members.
On Thursday the conference kicked off with a Midwest Region meeting featuring representatives from ten universities. Later that evening all regions convened together for “kick off event” which included over 400 students. On Friday the conference featured several workshops with industry panel discussions throughout the day. The featured panels were hosed by recruiters and current employees of large companies. The workshops focused on topics such as: providing career advice, dealing with stress, and how present yourself in an interview. Later that evening sponsoring companies held networking events allowing students to learn more about their specific companies. On Saturday NSMH hosted over 20 companies in a career fair. The lines for company booths were very long and several members had the opportunity to interview with various companies.
Student Observations:
- “Thank you to the NSMH National Conference for inspiring me to be TRUE of who I am. My horizon is expanded by attending professional workshops and I feel I am ready for a REAL job in the future!” – Yun Yang (MS ’18)
- “My experience at this year’s NSMH Conference exceeded my expectations. I made connections that I had never thought fathomable and had an amazing experience.” – Claire Denison (BA ’19)
- “The NSMH National Conference was a moment to elevate my career and network to new levels. I would encourage anyone in hospitality to register and experience one of their national conferences before they graduate.” – Lamont Davis (BA ’19)
- “The trip was awesome and I took full advantage of the recruiters being there. I received some really great transparent advice during networking sessions and interviews. The jobs are out there, you just have to be willing to be a go-getter and get them!” – Demi Smith (BA ’18)
- “The National Conference is a great way to meet not only recruiters from various companies but also learn more about other hospitality programs at other universities. The energy level at the conference was very lively. This was my third time attending the NSMH conference and every year I am impressed with the support of this organization.” – Andrew Williamson (BA ’19)
- “Attending the National Conference with The National Society of Minorities in Hospitality MSU Chapter, allowed me to take advantage of opportunities that consisted of networking with industry professionals and engaging in professional development workshops. As this was my second time attending a national conference with the organization, I am truly grateful and honored to be a part of a great organization that has open many doors for not only myself but for my peers. “- Taylor Joiner (BA’19)
