HRTM Students Gain Real-World Experience Through Camelback Resort Partnership

A group of East Stroudsburg University students turned their classroom lessons into real-world experience this fall through a new partnership with Camelback Resort.

As part of the hospitality, recreation and tourism management (HRTM) program’s Community Tourism Development course, about 30 students participated in a series of professional development activities that connected their in-class theory with hands-on learning in the hospitality industry. The course is being taught during the fall semester by Li-Ming (Stanley) Chiang, Ed.D., chair, professor, and internship coordinator for the HRTM department.

Part of ESU’s Work-Based Learning: Sustainable Talent Development Project, the collaboration bridges classroom learning with real-world applications through partnerships with local industry leaders.

At Camelback, students explored different aspects of hospitality operations, participated in mock interviews, received professional feedback on their résumés, and observed a live job fair to see how large-scale recruitment events are organized and managed.

“The partnership is designed to foster the College of Business and Management’s learning objectives in combining theory, practice, and application frameworks with progressive, hands-on learning experiences that integrate classroom knowledge with professional practice,” said Dr. Sylvester Williams, dean of the College of Business and Management.

Each student selected a theme related to the hospitality industry that interested them most and was paired with Camelback employees who shared their expertise in that area.

For Kerrin Sullivan, a junior HRTM major with a minor in event management from Montvale, N.J., that theme was sustainability in food and beverage operations. Sullivan connected with members of Camelback’s food and beverage department to learn how the resort reduces waste.

“I know it can be very easy to be wasteful in the food industry, so I wanted to know more about what these people do in order to avoid that and what I can do myself when I get into the industry,” Sullivan said. “They told me the importance of working with local businesses because it reduces gas and helps build a connection within the community.”

Sullivan said the experience gave her insights she couldn’t gain from textbooks alone.

“It let me in on more information I haven’t been able to learn just in the classroom,” she added. “I got to hear it from people firsthand, which I found very valuable.”

In addition to connecting with professionals, Sullivan had her résumé reviewed by Camelback’s team and observed live interviews during the resort’s job fair to see how hiring managers evaluate candidates.

Kyra Lenhart, a junior HRTM major from Boyertown, Pa., said the partnership helped her polish her résumé and build confidence for future job searches.

“It was nice hearing that feedback, especially from professionals who are in the industry right now,” Lenhart said. “Their feedback helped me improve my résumé to feel more professional.”

She also appreciated the mentorship and guidance provided by Chiang, who has worked to expand experiential learning opportunities for students in the program, she said.

“He’s really helping us and boosting us in our careers,” she said.

Chiang said the collaboration embodies the department’s mission to prepare students who are career-ready and equipped to lead in a dynamic global marketplace.

“The project aims to strengthen community partnerships, expand student exposure to diverse career pathways, and foster sustainable workforce development within the hospitality and tourism industry,” he said.

Learn more about ESU’s hospitality, recreation and tourism management program.

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