Michelle Holmberg, Class of 2007

Michelle graduated in May 2007 with her degree in Hospitality and Tourism.

An update on Michelle's career path can be found at the bottom of this success story!

I choose UNH due to the family like atmosphere that I could sense within the Hospitality School during my few visits while in high school.  The location between New York City and Boston, small class sizes and the ability to know professors were a few of the reasons I choose UNH.  As a freshman I was repeatedly told about professional development and was constantly urged to start developing my “network.”  At the time, I didn’t understand what networking was. The idea of talking to random business professionals didn’t make any sense and quite frankly was very intimidating.  It wasn’t until my sophomore year when I noticed that the relationships the upperclassmen had with the people in their network allowed them to find internships and summer jobs they wanted and would benefit their future career.  That was when I finally realized what all the big fuss was about.

Since then, I have founded the UNH student organization PCMA (The Professional Convention Management Association (www.pcma.org).  This organization continuously strives to put its members in front of top professionals from top companies. Through PCMA I have been able to attend many conferences that have allowed me to effectively network myself within the hospitality industry, specifically in the field of event sales and planning.  At the first conference of my sophomore year I met my summer 2005 internship supervisor, almost by accident.  I was one of three students who attended this small meeting and I walked out with two opportunities to work as an event planner on university campuses.  I ended up choosing to work for Quinnipiac University as the Summer Groups Coordinator.  I knew that this opportunity would prove to be a great stepping-stone for my future.In spring 2006, I was part of the new School of Business Dean’s Student Intern Program, where I worked directly with the Dean in coordinating conferences and meetings.  My experience at Quinnipiac allowed me to take this position with confidence and succeed in executing the Dean’s events. Since my first conference I have attended many more within the past year, which has allowed me to meet even more business professionals.  These relationships I have developed are enabling me to get yet another step closer to my goal of working in the events field.
     
The best thing that could have happened to me professionally since coming to UNH was the day when professors would force me to develop a network.  The advice I give students is to participate as much as you can to further your own professional development.  Try to meet and foster relationships with professionals now, and later those professionals may offer you the dream job you’ve always wanted.  Professors have told me that if you continue to create and cultivate business relationships throughout college, upon graduation, you will be able to pick the offer you want from the companies that all want you to begin your career with them. I believe that if a student is motivated and dedicated to furthering their professional development rewards such as this are more than possible.
     
-- Michelle Holmberg Class of 2007 Hospitality and Tourism

NEW INFORMATION From Michelle:

I will be working for Hilton Hotels Corporation at the Doubletree Hotel in San Jose, California. I will be completing their Leader-In-Training Program specializing in Sales for seven months. After the training program I will be placed as a Junior Sales Manager at the San Jose Property or I will be shipped off again to experience another city. Whichever it is I'm very excited for what is to come in my career. Without UNH and my involvement in networking and the student clubs I never would have these opportunities. Make your experience at UNH a great one; I did and it has proven to be one of the best things I could have done for myself.