Senior Speaker 2021: Emily Wong, Hospitality & Tourism Management

Emily Wong, who is from Hillsborough, New Jersey, recently started working as the cabana manager at Travers Island, the New York Athletic Club’s property in Pelham, New York. She is currently working on building her team and getting the club prepped for a busy and fun summer.

 

What clubs or organizations have you been most involved with?

 

I have been on the Executive Board for the American Hotel & Lodging Association since the second semester of my freshman year. AH&LA has given me the opportunity to tour some of the east coast's most iconic properties, learn from industry leaders, and connect with like-minded peers. During my senior year, I served as president of AH&LA, doing my best to create an energetic virtual space for students. This past year I also became involved in the execution of several virtual events, including serving as the co-corporate relations chair for HTM Career Day, event day chair for Marketing Career Networking Night, and the conference assistant for the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference.

What was your favorite class at Isenberg?

While I took so many interesting and engaging classes at Isenberg, my favorite would have to be HT-MGT 355: Restaurant Operations Management. This is a required class for HTM students where (when on campus) students manage and operate a fully functioning restaurant called Marriott Meals, on the 11th floor of the Campus Center. The ability to home in on tangible skills in a less-stressful workplace environment, with the added benefits of gaining management experience and taking home delicious food, will always be one of my favorite parts at the HTM education at UMass.

What would you say was your best experience in college?

My favorite experience in college was being able to participate in the Disney College Program in Orlando during the fall 2020 semester. The DCP had been a dream of mine since I was 12 and thanks to support and advice from various HTM faculty members, especially Professor Will Foley, I was able to live out this dream while still graduating a full year early.

What piece of advice would you offer to an incoming first-year Isenberg student in your department?

The entire faculty and staff in Isenberg are incredible, especially in the HTM department. Take time to get to know your faculty members, personally and professionally. I have never met a group of people more committed to helping students realize their dreams, and all you have to do is say "hello!"