What exactly is speed dating for Hospitality and Tourism? Well, at the first of what is planned to be an annual island event, 13 tourism industry businesses and over 75 tourism and hospitality students from various post secondary institutions found out! On March 28th, they converged on the Mews Building at Royal Roads University for an afternoon of information sharing, career exploration, fun and networking.
This inaugural, high-energy gathering modeled after a similar event held annually in Vancouver, was a joint venture organized and supported by the Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management at Royal Roads University and LinkBC. Under the guidance of Amanda Malkiewich of RRU’s Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management and Jackie Challis of LinkBC, the learners explored the mini- trade show before they engaged in a "speed dating" experience with industry leaders such as The Butchart Gardens, Gray Line West and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.
Industry representatives were stationed at tables on the trade show floor and as the learners moved from table to table at ten minute intervals, they were accompanied by a lively jazz band. Industry professionals and potential employers spoke about their career paths and shared first-hand experiences while learners had the opportunity to share their academic experiences, providing valuable insight into the academic process as it relates to the tourism industry. Royal Roads learners also shared their excitement about the launch of the new Masters Degree in Tourism Management, International Hotel Management degrees and the new Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Tourism.
Following this interactive “speed dating” session, industry guru and Chemistry Consulting Principal, Christine Stoneman, addressed the eager crowd reminding all to “follow your passion” in your career. The new LinkBC video was shown and Terry Hood, General Manager of LinkBC, addressed the audience and thanked them for attending.
Mr Hood further noted; "One of the key objectives of the Link BC network is to bring to life a strategy that connects industry with tourism and hospitality students and graduates. The positive feedback, from both managers and students, indicates that the format and venue for this pilot were very successful. We look forward to this professional networking event in 2009!"
A well attended networking reception with hot and cold hors d’oeuvres generously sponsored by go2 topped off the afternoon and most participants left wishing they had more time to network with their colleagues from other businesses and institutions.
For more information on Tourism and International Hotel Management Degree and Certificate Programs please visit: http://www.royalroads.ca/tourism/
For more information on LinkBC visit: www.linkbc.ca
