Insights on Internships from Professor Jones (IOI)

Megan Reissig, Director of Event Planning at W Seattle, shares how multiple internships across hotels and destination marketing helped shape her career path in hospitality. From front desk operations to event leadership, Megan reflects on the value of gaining diverse experience, understanding hotel operations end-to-end, and building a people-first mindset in the industry. 📌 Key Takeaways: Megan’...

Nicholas Ong, Manager of Revenue Strategy & Field Support (APEC) at Marriott International, shares how his internship journey—from hotel operations to STR data analytics—shaped a career in revenue management. Nicholas reflects on the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning , while offering practical insights into how data, pricing strategy, and technology are transformin...

Francisco Carrasco, Vice President of Sales at FXAIR and proud SF State alumnus, shares how a foundation in hospitality led to success in luxury aviation. From internships at Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton to leading client relationships in private aviation, Francisco reflects on the lessons that shaped his mindset, leadership, and lifelong commitment to service excellence . 📌  Key Takeaways:  Fra...

Christina Tang, Senior Human Resources Manager at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA, shares her journey from hospitality student at San Francisco State University to a long-standing HR leader. In this episode, Christina reflects on how her internships shaped her career path, the lessons she learned working in union hotels, and her insights on guiding the next generation of hospitality...

If this is your first time to the IOI podcast, it is recommended you start with this episode

Simeon Ong, Sales Manager for Associations at Marina Bay Sands , shares how an eight-month internship gave him full MICE-industry exposure, built his confidence, and ultimately shaped his career path in tourism , destination sales, and global events. 📌 Key Takeaways His internship gave him complete end-to-end event experience, and he discovered how working across logistics, proposals, sourcing, a...

Denise Lim, Global Partner Marketing Manager at SAP Singapore, shares with me in this Alumni Voices episode how her internships in events management became stepping-stones to a career in technology events . From managing international conferences to adapting to the rise of virtual events, Denise reflects on the lessons, challenges, and opportunities that shaped her professional journey. 📌 Key Tak...

In this episode of Alumni Voices , I talk with Jeanne Hizon, Director of Sales at the Kimpton Hotel Ens o in San Francisco. Jeanne shares how curiosity, relationship-building, and adaptability helped her turn early frontline jobs into a thriving career in hotel sales — and why networking remains her superpower . 📌 Key Takeaways: •  Curiosity opens doors – Jeanne’s journey began by simply asking h...

Christine Nelson, a dual director of sales for Intermountain Management, reflects on how a hands-on internship and an unexpected opportunity led her into a thriving career in hotel sales. In this Alumni Voices episode, she discusses the value of adaptability, initiative, and critical thinking as keys to internship success. 📌 Key Takeaways: ·       Hands-on marketing and event planning during her...

In this episode of Alumni Voices , I speak with Hatsumi Abuku, Country Manager at FutureLog in Japan. As well as, Director of Sales for FCS Solutions. From her early dreams of hotel work to leadership in hospitality tech, Hatsumi shares how internships helped her grow professionally—and personally. 📌 Key Takeaways: Hatsumi’s internships in banquet and sales departments gave her firsthand experien...

In this Alumni Voices episode Pedram Pakneshan, Vice President of Convention Sales at Wynn Las Vegas, shares how he built a 20-year career in hospitality sales starting from food service roles in college. Pedram discusses the power of networking, the value of structured mentorship, and the importance of personal branding for students entering the industry. His story is a masterclass in determinati...

In this Alumni Voices episode, Candice Lam, Events Consultant for Mothers Choice, shares how three internships during her studies in San Francisco shaped a 20-year career in hotel event sales and nonprofit event consulting across Hong Kong and Berlin. From front desk training to navigating event logistics, Candice reflects on growth, resilience, and why being proactive matters more than ever for s...

In this episode Alumni Voices episode, I speak with Eon Yang, Manager for Commercial Support and Revenue Management at Apra Hotel Advisors in Singapore. She shares how intentional choices, immersive learning, and a focus on contributing meaningfully helped her turn internships into powerful career springboards. 📌 Key Takeaways: •     A first-year revenue management module (course) ignited her pas...

In this Alumni Voices episode, Nathalie Toribio, Director of Human Resources at Evolution Hospitality, shares her journey from student intern to hospitality executive. With warmth and insight, she reflects on family roots in the industry, the value of hands-on learning, and how leading with empathy shapes great teams. 📌 Key Takeaways: Internships helped Nathalie grow from shy student to confident...

In this Alumni Voices episode, Katie Marek, former Director of Operations Development and Business Analysis at Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando, reflects on the pivotal role internships played in shaping her hospitality career. From front desk training at MGM Grand to insights on business intelligence, Katie shares lessons that continue to guide her work and mentorship. 📌 Key Takeaways: Katie co...

In this episode of the Real Time chapter, Professor Jones demystifies hotel pricing and explains the logic behind what guests often see as confusing rate differences. Drawing from a career in hotel sales and real-time front desk work, he covers key revenue management concepts—from distribution channels to dynamic pricing—and how interns can engage with them. Whether you're interning in hotels...

Drawing on his front-line experience and past career in hotel and destination sales Professor Jones explores how group business — including meetings, incentives, conventions, and events (MICE) — drives hotel performance. From understanding departmental coordination to identifying guest segments, this episode offers insights valuable for both hotel and event management students. Key Takeaways: Grou...

From his front desk view, Professor Jones challenges interns to cultivate a curious mindset on the job—especially when it comes to hotel technology. From poking around the property management system to exploring CRM tools and revenue data, this episode outlines six essential tech areas to explore during your internship. Regardless of your role, developing tech curiosity will help you think like a...

In this Real Time episode, Professor Jones draws on his guest services experience and decades in hospitality to explore what it really means to hold management aspirations while working on the front lines. He walks through four common scenarios interns might face—from working with peers who don't share your ambition to interacting with non-degreed managers and navigating union environments. T...

In this Real Time episode from the front desk, Professor Jones shares practical insights from his unique experience working in both Asia and North America, focusing on the importance of language sensitivity, cultural awareness, and inclusivity on the hospitality front lines. From currency confusion to conversational gaps between departments, this episode offers tools and mindset shifts that every...

In this Real Time episode, Professor Jones draws on his part-time role at a resort front desk to bring fresh perspective to an age-old challenge: dealing with guest complaints. From Disney’s complaint matrix to tips for handling “Raging Reds,” this episode equips interns with strategies, empathy, and tools to transform problems into service wins — and personal growth. Key Takeaways: Guest complain...

Professor Jones explores the final of three “flux superpowers” drawn from April Rinne’s book Flux : “Be All the More Human.” He challenges interns to embrace technology not as a replacement for people, but as a tool to enhance empathy, emotional intelligence, and meaningful service. A powerful reminder that high tech and high touch must go hand in hand in hospitality. Key Takeaways: Interns must u...

Professor Jones draws from April Rinne’s book Flux to explore the importance of “seeing what’s invisible” during an internship. From uncovering cultural blind spots to understanding privilege and observing emotional dynamics, students are challenged to expand their self-awareness, think with empathy, and anticipate the needs of others in the workplace. Key Takeaways: Interns must learn to see beyo...

Students working in part-time or seasonal hospitality roles can convert that experience into a true internship — even if it's not required for their program. With actionable advice for students and employers alike, this episode outlines the structural elements that turn "just a job" into a meaningful foundation for a future in management. Key Takeaways: A job offers experience, but...

The true purpose of an internship in hospitality and tourism — not as a job, but as a powerful learning experience that bridges academic theory and real-world management practice. Key Takeaways: An internship should be treated as applied learning , not just work — it’s about preparing to be a manager. Students should actively observe both how they’re managed and how their managers lead . Internshi...