Three experiences that extended professional learning beyond the classroom.
Each resource helped me practice a different part of professional development: entering a network, supporting a live event, and evaluating a visitor experience.
NetworkingEvent operationsVisitor experience
Fall 2025Networking Event
HRSM Beach Bash
Exploring student organizations and the professional communities available across HRSM programs.
Read reflection
At the HRSM Beach Bash, I explored student organizations serving hospitality, retail, sport, and entertainment management students. Displays introduced industry visits, guest speakers, campus programs, and peer-led networking. Seeing these options together showed how students can build practical knowledge outside the classroom.
The event encouraged me to approach campus engagement intentionally. I learned to compare organizations by the experiences they offer, the industries they connect with, and the skills members can practice. It also gave me a clearer view of communities aligned with my interests in sport, retail, events, and consumer experience.
I will continue following relevant HRSM organizations and attending their professional events. The main lesson was that a useful network grows through repeated participation and focused conversations.
Spring 2025Course-Based Industry Event
Tasting Notes
Applying SPTE 560 concepts through guest services and live event support at the South Carolina State Museum.
Read reflection
Through SPTE 560: Performing Arts Management and Leadership, I volunteered at Tasting Notes at the South Carolina State Museum. I supported guest check-in, visitor reception, front-of-house activity, and on-site coordination. The assignment placed course concepts in a live public event where timing and service quality affected the audience immediately.
The event strengthened my communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. I learned that guest experience depends on a clear welcome, accurate information, visible ownership, and quick coordination when conditions change. I also observed how a museum, a course, and community partners align staff and volunteers around an audience.
For future events, I will confirm the run of show, role boundaries, escalation contact, and service standard before opening. A short review afterward can capture what affected flow and service.
During MSEMExperiential Learning
Greek Festival
Observing cultural storytelling, vendor presentation, crowd flow, and visitor experience at a community festival.
Read reflection
I attended the Greek Festival as a visitor and observed how a community event combined cultural storytelling, food, music, merchandise, and volunteer service. Vendor displays made traditions accessible, while the physical layout helped people move between exhibits, performances, and service areas.
From an event-management perspective, the festival showed how authenticity and operations work together. Cultural content created the reason to attend, while presentation, crowd flow, vendor readiness, and visitor service shaped the experience. The event also showed how a festival can preserve heritage while supporting tourism and local activity.
I will evaluate future events from both organizer and visitor perspectives by identifying the story being communicated, the operational choices that support it, and any points where navigation or presentation weaken the experience.
