A group of East Stroudsburg University students turned their classroom lessons into real-world experience this fall through a new partnership with Camelback Resort.<\/p>\n
As part of the hospitality, recreation and tourism management (HRTM) program\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Part of ESU\u2019s Work-Based Learning: Sustainable Talent Development Project, the collaboration bridges classroom learning with real-world applications through partnerships with local industry leaders.<\/p>\n
At Camelback, students explored different aspects of hospitality operations, participated in mock interviews, received professional feedback on their r\u00e9sum\u00e9s, and observed a live job fair to see how large-scale recruitment events are organized and managed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe partnership is designed to foster the College of Business and Management\u2019s learning objectives in combining theory, practice, and application frameworks with progressive, hands-on learning experiences that integrate classroom knowledge with professional practice,\u201d said Dr. Sylvester Williams, dean of the College of Business and Management.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s food and beverage department to learn how the resort reduces waste.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d Sullivan said. \u201cThey told me the importance of working with local businesses because it reduces gas and helps build a connection within the community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sullivan said the experience gave her insights she couldn\u2019t gain from textbooks alone.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt let me in on more information I haven\u2019t been able to learn just in the classroom,\u201d she added. \u201cI got to hear it from people firsthand, which I found very valuable.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to connecting with professionals, Sullivan had her r\u00e9sum\u00e9 reviewed by Camelback\u2019s team and observed live interviews during the resort\u2019s job fair to see how hiring managers evaluate candidates.<\/p>\n
Kyra Lenhart, a junior HRTM major from Boyertown, Pa., said the partnership helped her polish her r\u00e9sum\u00e9 and build confidence for future job searches.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was nice hearing that feedback, especially from professionals who are in the industry right now,\u201d Lenhart said. \u201cTheir feedback helped me improve my r\u00e9sum\u00e9 to feel more professional.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s really helping us and boosting us in our careers,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Chiang said the collaboration embodies the department\u2019s mission to prepare students who are career-ready and equipped to lead in a dynamic global marketplace.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe project aims to strengthen community partnerships, expand student exposure to diverse career pathways, and foster sustainable workforce development within the hospitality and tourism industry,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n