|
Video Introduction
Major: Hospitality and Tourism Management & Finance
Job Title: Investment Associate, First Hospitality
Company: First Hospitality
Company Description: Hospitality Investment and Management Company
Did you have any initial career goals when you entered Isenberg? Were there any key moments or influences (a guest speaker, course, or extracurricular) during your time at Isenberg that changed or confirmed your career goals?
Being involved in clubs that got me plugged into the faculty and alumni in the HTM department. A faculty member connected me to an alumni which led to my first job. When I was interviewing, an alumni that worked at the company reached out to an alumni who had all good things to say about me. Because I was known in the department, it helped give me credibility.
Can you share a favorite work assignment that could help a student understand more about what you do?
I work on hotels, so each and everyone has a different twist which keeps each project interesting. We recently underwrote a hotel in NYC with a heavy renovation opportunity. It was really fun to pair the finance with the real estate to create a vision for the hotel.
Now that you’re in this position, what aspects have surprised you that you didn’t anticipate before starting?
I am a people person, and I started my career thinking that I needed to get through the excel modeling/finance side of things to give my self a base to build on. Now, underwriting has become my favorite part of the job because I love the puzzle that each hotel is and arriving at our value. You really never know what you will like until you try.
What inspires you about the work you are doing in your industry?
I am a part of the team at my company that drives growth through new investments or management contracts. I get to be a part of the meetings that help guide the company’s path and am helping to provide the opportunities to grow. Hotels are also a really fun asset class to work with.
What are some daily challenges you experience in your role?
Creating work life balance is always difficult early on in your career. I am always walking the line between wanting to give my best to work and keeping that line between work. Especially early on, you will be working on someone else’s schedule (like a manager) and its a tough line to show you are willing to put the work in and also maintain boundaries.
Is there anything you wish you had done differently while a student at Isenberg?
Leverage the UMass alumni more while on campus! I was really involved in a bunch of campus groups (which I highly recommend to get plugged in), and we had so many alumni come and speak. I wish I had started reaching out earlier. The conversation can be as simple as hearing about their career path. Every conversation helps you figure out what you want to do post grad.
Networking is extremely important but can be intimidating to undergraduates. What tips do you have for getting started engaging with alum or upperclassmen?
Don’t be afraid to reach out! Everyone that I have spoken with has been more than happy to jump on the phone giving me advice and offering to connect me to others in their network. Your network will really multiply as your connections help connect you to others. As a proud UMass alumni, I am always more than happy to talk to current students as I am sure so many others are as well!
