Emily Or commenced her freshman year at the University of Georgia as a classics major, envisioning a future in law school. However, she soon stumbled upon the Hospitality and Food Industry Management (HFIM) program, prompting a swift change in her ambitions.

“I came to the realization that pursuing law school was not my desire; I didn’t want to become a lawyer,” states Or, a junior from Atlanta who is set to finish a mandatory internship at the UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel in May. As one of nine paid HFIM interns at the Georgia Center this term, she was among the first students to benefit from a mentor within the center’s staff, who provided guidance and support as she gained practical experience.

“This internship marked my initial foray into the sales and event sector of the hospitality field, and I came across numerous terms and abbreviations that were unfamiliar to me,” shares Or, whose mentor is Ashley Moore, an experienced event coordinator. “Ashley was extremely supportive and patient whenever I had inquiries regarding banquet event orders, setup logistics, and more.”

The Georgia Center, a comprehensive hotel and conference facility featuring two restaurants, banquet services, auditoriums, and meeting spaces, frequently serves as HFIM students’ primary introduction to various elements of the hospitality sector. While the HFIM degree is part of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, most of the students’ practical education and some classes occur at the Georgia Center.

The post Mentorship at Georgia Center opens doors in hospitality program first appeared in UGA Today.