This is the first in a four-part series exploring the unique perspectives and challenges facing hospitality and meeting industry students graduating during the coronavirus pandemic.
Part Two: Congratulations to the Class of 2020!
Part Three: Coping with the Pandemic
Part Four: Changing Perceptions of the Industry
Job opportunities vaporizing overnight and missing out on the expected celebration of their hard-won achievements…that’s the harsh reality in which the class of 2020 finds itself.
As expected, the pandemic caused most in-person graduation ceremonies to be moved to later this year—most typically to December, paired with the winter class’ celebration—with virtual events acting as a temporary balm. However, not all respondents originally planned on attending the in-person graduation; fewer plan to attend the re-scheduled in-person celebrations.
None of that is to suggest the virtual graduation ceremonies weren’t appreciated. Within the disappointment, of course, the value of face-to-face gatherings in this context was made exceedingly clear.
How do you feel about missing out on an in-person graduation ceremony?
“San Diego State University hosted a virtual commencement, which included inspiring speeches from successful alumni. As a major, Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) had a total of 78 students graduating this May. With our small numbers and high involvement, just about everyone in our program knows each other. For these reasons, the HTM virtual graduation ceremony was very personal and I feel that it successfully honored the graduates.
“Did my graduation ceremony go the way I had always dreamed? No. Do I wish I could have walked across a stage in front of my friends and family? Of course! Do I feel like I missed out on this milestone in my life? A little bit. The coronavirus pandemic has taken something away from everyone, whether it be a concert, a graduation ceremony or even a loved one. Rather than focusing on the negative, I have tried to focus on the positive: my family is safe and healthy, I received my college diploma and I was able to celebrate my success (virtually) with my friends and family. I might even get the in-person graduation ceremony I have hoped for in December, so I feel very fortunate.” – Jamie Iverson, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Meetings & Events, San Diego State University, MPI San Diego Chapter
“Not being able to attend an in-person ceremony has been something that has been hard to comprehend and accept. Throughout my four years at the Rosen College, I participated in an international internship in Sydney, Australia, completed a study abroad in England, was the president of an on-campus professional organization, worked for a variety of different hospitality companies including Hyatt, Hilton and Rosen Hotels, and was a member of the Burnett Honors College at UCF. Needless to say, I stayed very busy during those four years and the one thing that kept me going was the thought of graduating and seeing the look of pride on my parents faces. Although I know they are proud of me and my accomplishments, graduation is a very important moment for thousands of graduates and serves as the closing of one chapter of our lives and the start of a new one. The virtual ceremony, although very well put together and thoughtful, did not allow me and many of my fellow classmates to receive the closure that we crave. I look forward to hopefully having an in-person ceremony before starting my future career.” – Samantha Ward, Hospitality Management and Event Management, Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida
“Overall, I was pretty disappointed. It was something my grandparents had really been looking forward to, but with their age and everything going on, we’re going to make the best of it.” – Chelsea Pashnick, Organizational Leadership, Colorado State University – Global Campus, MPI Southern California Chapter
“I am upset about missing out on an in-person graduation because that’s something you look forward to your entire time in college, and sometimes even before that. I remember growing up and watching movies where the characters got all dressed up for college graduation, and I knew that was going to be me one day. I’ve seen friends and family members graduate from college, so knowing I won’t be able to do that is sad to me. My high school wouldn’t let us decorate our graduation caps, so that was something I have been really looking forward to for my college graduation was decorating my cap (my priorities have clearly been in order). Now, it just doesn’t make sense for me to even get a cap and gown because the only place I will wear it is in my apartment living room.” – Allison Selg, Hospitality Management, Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida
“Prior to the pandemic, I was not planning on attending the in-person graduation ceremony because I chose to study abroad for my final semester. I was supposed to be studying in Hamburg, Germany, from February to July—due to the pandemic, I only ended up being able to stay in Germany for two weeks. Upon my arrival back home, not knowing how severe the pandemic would be I had then changed my mind to take part of the in-person ceremony…then it was ultimately postponed.” – Allyssa Gundelfinger, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Meetings & Events, San Diego State University
“I am definitely disappointed that I was not able to finish my time at West Chester University in person. The college has provided so many amazing experiences for me and it was very upsetting to have it come to an abrupt end. However, I am grateful for my four years there and for all the incredible people and professors I’ve met. I am lucky to have an amazing family that is helping me celebrate in other ways.” – Amanda Paolini, Business Marketing, West Chester University, MPI Philadelphia Area Chapter
“It’s disheartening that our commencement ceremony had to be virtual. It doesn’t feel the same when you’re not with all your professors, friends and family. I have family in Canada who were supposed to fly to San Diego for my graduation, but because of COVID-19, they were unable to. Even though our in-person ceremony has been postponed, it still feels like I’ve been robbed of that experience because I have been dreaming about walking across that stage for four years.” – Danielle Dela Paz, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Meetings & Events, San Diego State University
“I was devastated! I made the decision in 2016 to go back to school as a middle-aged woman with a full-time job and a new family. I dreamed and planned for my graduation from day one and as the date drew near, that was my sole motivation. I chanted that date over and over in my head during the long hours of writing papers and studying for tests. See, I volunteered to help with the graduation ceremony in 2019 so I knew exactly how it was going to play out for me this year. I knew where I would sit in the auditorium, where I wanted my family to sit and what was going to be said about me from the dean as I walked across the stage. I planned the weekend full of celebrations and already had the perfect outfit picked out. When the cancellation news was announced, I had so many emotions running through my mind such as, ‘This wasn’t part of my well-planned event,’ ‘How did I not prepare for something like this?’ ‘How could such a meaningful celebration go un-celebrated?’ and, worst of all, ‘Why should I even finish my classes now?’ As the original graduation day came and went, I cried all day in anticipation of what was supposed to be. I drove over to the campus searching for common ground, but it was empty. Watching the PowerPoint acknowledgement only confirmed the lack of celebration. Luckily now, I’ve turned my focus to what type of celebration we will have once the new date is announced. In the end, I am still a college graduate (with honors) and happy to be done with that chapter of my life.” – Sarah Teague, Communication Studies, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, MPI Carolinas Chapter
“I’m a little disappointed I don’t get the satisfaction of walking the stage. I had a lot of personal struggles that made this day take a lot longer in coming than I would have liked, so it actually really meant a lot to me but I’m not complaining. I do plan on getting my bachelor’s degree next so I’ll just walk the stage then. I’m happy with an online ceremony for now.” – Yesenia Diaz Ruiz, Hospitality Exhibitions and Event Management, Richland Community College
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, did you have a job lined up for after graduation and has that situation changed?
“Up until April 1, I was working for a small trade association doing events and marketing and I was let go due to the association downsizing in order to minimize unessential spending. Prior to the pandemic, I was on set to work for Freeman. I was in London on Spring Break when they called me to notify me that they had to cut expenses in their budget to offset the lack of revenue that was being predicted. I no longer have a job lined up and am currently looking for a paid position, either an internship or entry-level position.” – Stephanie Paendong
“Prior to the coronavirus, I had an internship with promises of a full-time job. Those discussions never happened because the hotel I worked at is closed temporarily until July. I am furloughed, planning to go back to the same position as a sales coordinator at Pendry.” – Emily Gomes, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Meetings & Events, San Diego State University, MPI San Diego Chapter
“Prior to the pandemic I was actively searching for jobs and had reached the finalist stage on a few meeting planner positions. However, with the unknown of when large gatherings are going to be able to be held again many positions I was interviewing for are on hold. This is definitely disappointing. Now, I am in the process of potentially starting my own company focusing on helping people plan virtual celebrations. Most people are overwhelmed on how to make milestone events special. I guide them on the many different ways they can celebrate together while staying apart. COVID-19 has changed everything, but I want to help people still find the joy that events can bring.” – Amanda Paolini
“I have not had a job since winter 2018. I opted to spend my time studying and during the breaks traveling. For instance, I went to Antarctica and South America in February and early March this year. What do you do when you lose your job and you don’t have a college degree? You get certified. In one year, I earned my CMP, CMM and CAE.” – Annette Ott-Barnett, CMP, CMM, CAE, Event Management, University of Technology Sydney, MPI Potomac Chapter
“Although I had begun searching for a post-college position in the weeks leading up to the pandemic, I did not have anything lined up yet. Due to coronavirus-related downsizing, I was laid off from my position as a sales intern at the San Diego Convention Center. Although this internship was cut short by two months, I increased my professional network and discovered a genuine interest for relationship-based hospitality/event sales. However, in mid-June I am moving to Montana for a seasonal assistant manager position at Glacier National Park. I am excited for the opportunity to live and work in a national park, all the while gaining real-world leadership experience. Hopefully when I return to Southern California in early October, I will have a clearer vision of what I want my professional future in the hospitality industry to look like, and there will be more opportunities aligning with that vision.” – Jamie Iverson
“I had many different interviews lined up, but they were cancelled due to the pandemic and financial cuts. Instead of going into the work force, I will be working on getting my master’s degree in business administration. I figured now is the best time to get ahead in this field.” – Jessica R. James, Tourism, Leisure, and Event Planning, Bowling Green State University, MPI Ohio Chapter
“The week prior to Spring Break and the start of the pandemic, I received great news that I had been accepted to the Voyager Program with Marriott. This program is a highly competitive management-in-training program that takes place over 12 months. The original start date for the program was set to be June 5. In late March we learned that the start date was pushed back to September. I am hopeful that this date will stick. For the moment, due to living with high-risk family members, I have been staying home. However, if everything begins to improve more, I will consider finding a job for the summer at a local hotel before starting the Voyager Program.” – Samantha Ward
“I had a really good connection/lead with a great hotel and convention center before COVID-19, now with all the furloughs, there are not any positions available.” – Sarah Teague
