MARCH 04, 2022| By IA Staff Member
A group of 28 Utah Valley University students got the opportunity to see what it takes to run high-end hotels and events professionally as they toured the Salt Lake City Hilton hotel and Vivint Arena, home of the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association.
The group included students taking hospitality management and event planning courses, as well as students enrolled in the innovative Wasatch Resort Management Program (WARM), all offered by UVU's Woodbury School of Business. They enjoyed lunch at the Hilton and listened to a panel of senior leaders discuss their roles in hospitality. They then toured the arena, getting a first-hand view of non-public areas and exclusive hospitality suites, as well as the owner's suite. The students also heard from Vivint Arena’s senior director of operations and received a gift bag containing Utah Jazz merchandise.
“I loved seeing what I learned in class in action,” UVU student Parker Reed said. “It was fun to tour two hospitality areas, especially the Vivint Arena. I appreciated the opportunity to see different career paths as they happen in real life. I feel more confident in my chosen degree, and I can't wait to start my career now.”
Following the event, several students received offers for positions at Vivint Arena, and an additional student was connected to the events team in Phoenix, Arizona, for an internship in that market over the summer when they return home between semesters.
“It was eye-opening to be able to speak with the professionals from each place,” UVU student Natalie Cluff said. “I also enjoyed the question-and-answer sessions where we could learn about work-life balance and what is most important when looking for a job. Being able to network with other students, professors and professionals was also very beneficial.”
More events are upcoming for students seeking more information about the Woodbury School of Business’s WARM program. For details, visit the Woodbury School of Business event calendar.
About the WARM Program:
In the Woodbury School of Business WARM program, students will gain practical experience by participating in paid internships with world-class resorts, lodges, and hotels in the Wasatch Back region. In addition to the proximity of outdoor adventure, ski resorts, and Park City attractions, students enrolled in WARM may also enjoy tuition reimbursement, resume-building experience, and valuable industry connections.
You can learn more about the WARM Program here.
About the Event Planning Minor:
As part of the Woodbury School of Business, the Event Planning Minor equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully plan, execute, and manage events by providing them with a thorough understanding of event planning management techniques.
