Colleen Byrne
Event Management - Field Marketing - in Boston, Massachusetts
Isenberg School of Management- UMass Amherst
B.S. - Hospitality & Tourism Management
(978) 973-8100
[email protected]
A zealous junior studying Hosiptality & Tourism Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I dedicate a large portion of my time to my academic education and being an active member in the HTM department. When I'm not face-deep in a book at the library, you can find me in AH&LA, FBMA, NSMH, CMAA meetings or touring prospective students as an HTM campus ambassador. A major project I am focused on currently is the execution of the 2015 HTM Career Day, as I am a Food and Beverage Chair, so much of my time and dedication is concentrated on the planning and operational aspects of the upcoming event (March 4th)!
Aside from my studies I am also very passionate about exploring the world and traveling both domestically and internationally to further my research and expand my background culturally. I am very intrigued by concepts surrounding cross cultural communication and human interaction, so I love to soak up as much as I can while abroad.
I was recently fortunate enough to join the HTM department on a study abroad program this past summer visiting London, Paris, and France which was a truly treasured experience for me. Also, this summer I had an opportunity to intern at Wheatleigh Hotel, who predominantly employs international staff members. Although I was located in Lenox, MA, it felt as if I was taking a trip around the world because I worked alongside people from areas like Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, Hungary, France, Zimbabwe and even our neighbor Canada. As one of the only two American employees, I was essentially forced out of my comfort zone and became a subject to my own research inherently gaining cultural insight and expanding my understanding on communicating with alternative cultures.
My future plans will involve jumping on any plane/boat I can come across, or any opportunity for that matter than will allow me to see the world. I am a traveller at heart who truly loves building new relationships, challenging myself, and bettering my understanding of our glorious planet. Ideally, my aspirations include landing a management-in-training program following graduation in the spring of 2016. This will provide me the international opportunities I desire as well as the educational foundation to succeed within the Hospitality & Tourism Management industry.