On Nov. 12, 2008, more than 400 Temple students gathered inside the Great Court at Mitten Hall to take part in the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management’s (STHM) 17th Annual Career Day. Hosted and planned by the Fall 2008 STHM Senior Professional Development Seminar, Career Day presented a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with the best companies in the region and look for internships and job openings.

To help promote professionalism as well as environmental responsibility and economic awareness, the senior seminar project committee adopted this year’s theme, “Creating a Sustainable Future.”

Elan Dweck, president of the main campus senior seminar, explained, “With today’s economy, it’s important to have goals in mind for creating a sustainable future.” In an effort to go green, the project committee sent out all of their information electronically instead of using paper packets. In addition, they presented the vendors with environmentally friendly gifts wrapped in recyclable material.

The 38 vendors in attendance, featuring such leading companies as the Philadelphia Eagles, Harrah’s, the Wachovia Complex, the Ritz-Carlton and Starr Restaurants, were a representation of the wide spectrum of industry-related job opportunities available to STHM students.

Featured in the welcome address was guest speaker Mike Mersky, head of talent acquisition for ESF Camps, an organization that specializes in recreational summer camps for children. “Cast the wide net,” he said, encouraging students to prepare for their professional careers by being realistic in their goals and considering every opportunity.

Astrid Schrier, the project chair for Career Day said, “Considering our major relies so heavily on interactions with industry professionals, due to internship and industry-related hour requirements, it is to the students’ benefit to attend an event like this.”

Likewise, Waleska Vega Romeu, an employment specialist from the Ritz-Carlton explained, “We like to listen. We want experienced students who are outgoing, interested and not afraid to ask questions.” Echoing this sentiment, Tina Sloan Green, president and executive director of the Black Women in Sport Foundation said they are looking for students who exhibit professionalism, dependability and energy. “It’s a two-way relationship. We learn from them and they learn from us.”

As in past years, many of the returning vendors were STHM alumni. Mr. Jeffrey Montague, assistant dean of STHM and head of senior seminar, explained, “We have such an influence in the greater Philadelphia region that it’s nearly impossible to get vendors to come here that don’t have an STHM alumni as one of their employees.”

Janeen Reilly, an employee of Harrah’s Chester and 2004 STHM graduate, spoke about her own experiences at Temple and her involvement in the senior seminar. She explained how being part of a committee taught a lot about teamwork and development, which are important aspects of the professional industry.

In addition, a number of participating companies shared information about their own sustainability initiatives. Erik Rausch, internship coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, explained the team’s efforts to participate in the green movement by recycling on the sidelines, installing solar panels at the NovaCare Complex and encouraging fans to “buy a tree” in the Eagles Forest fundraiser.

Brian Hartnett, admissions manager for Philadelphia Zoo, agreed. “We’ve made an investment in sustainability because our main mission is making the world a greener place.”

The 17th Annual Career Day proved to be a huge success thanks to the dedication and hard work of Associate Dean of STHM, Dr. Barber, Mr. Jeffrey Montague and the Fall 2008 senior seminar class. Greg DeShields, senior director of corporate relations for STHM, concluded, “I think it’s wonderful to see how positive our school’s reputation is in the business community. We are among the best.”