SWOT Analysis
This assignment helped me realize what my strengths and weaknesses were, along with the opportunities and threats. Students often don't like to analyze themselves because they are fearful. However, writing it down and determining each of these segments can really help you to self-develop. I was able to see things on a larger scale, and it made me realize that my actions now will be crucial in the future.
Association Participation
This semester, I attended the SPARC Your Future event held on campus in the Student Union, which is a future panel and networking reception. My three main goals for the event was to:
1) Be Professional
2) Be Optimistic
3) & Network.
I was able to achieve these three goals by setting them into my mind before attending the event. I dressed in my most professional attire and spoke professionally with not only the organizers and panelists, but with other students.
I was able to remain optimistic before, during, and after the event. Similarly to Peggy Jewell, one of the panelists, I have a lot of social anxiety and fear going to networking events. I met up with my classmate Krezette, who has a very optimistic personality which encouraged me to be the same. During the event, Peggy spoke about how she still fears going to some of these events but goes because of the great benefits you can get from attending them. I felt that I related to Peggy's struggles, which made me feel at ease during the whole event. After the event, I felt that I gained a lot of useful information which encouraged me to become more involved in the industry.
- The networking part of the event was the part I dreaded due to my social anxiety, but I found that it was very enjoyable. I felt that the speakers were very easy to speak to, especially Patrick because he was my simulation proctor and gave me great feedback after our simulation. I also spoke to some HTM students who I have never spoken with before but had familiar faces. I even exchanged contact information with one student for social purposes. What I thought would have been a bit awkward actually turned out to be very entertaining, especially with food and beverage involved.
Overall, hearing from the industry professionals made me realize how important it is to become involved in this industry, especially in San Diego, where the people in the hospitality and tourism industry are very connected. Each of the speakers gave a personal example of how they have met people and how it became an opportunity for them later in life. I was mostly intrigued by the stories they told about their career and how they ended up where they are now. They all started in entry level positions such as Jessica who started out as a server at Applebee's, but now very successful. They made me realize that although we might all start out with entry level positions, as long as you show your hard work and dedication with whatever you do, you will be recognized by others. Opportunities can arise from anyone and anywhere, so it is crucial to always work hard. From this event, I am encouraged to attend more association events and also look into student organizations to become more familiar with the SDSU HTM department.