[ad_1]
UCF Rosen School of Hospitality Administration is hosting its largest career fair to date, with more than 100 industry partners and employers coming to campus near International Drive on March 8 to recruit students and alumni to fill their workforce gaps.At least 800 students enrolled in the On-site registration is still possible.
Demand for hospitality workers is growing in the entertainment and media industry, which is estimated to be worth $660 billion in the U.S. by 2020, according to the International Trade Administration. Rosen College is always looking for new ways to connect students to these ample career opportunities.
In recent years, Rosen College has begun hosting more career fairs, and 1,000 students are currently receiving co-op opportunities through these courses and other networking opportunities at the college. Experiences like The Walt Disney Company’s unique Disney Days have landed many students jobs. More than 400 students participated in the most recent Disney Day event, which begins in February 2022 and is held each fall and spring semester.
Rosen College also hosts Universal Studios’ unique Universal Day events, as well as recent events including Entertainment Technology Partners/LMG, Florida Groves Festival/Dab Day Productions, Orlando Magic, Rhino Staging Florida, Royal Caribbean Entertainment and SeaWorld Including entertainment exploration experience festival. In-person and industry panels also connect students with employers such as Netflix, the Orlando Film Festival and Spotify.
Mayara Martines, director of professional internship events and administrative support at Rosen College, encourages students to take advantage of career fairs and other events that connect them to the workforce early on.
“These are cooperative activities, not competitive activities,” Martinez said. “Students can use these opportunities to network, develop interview skills, improve their elevator pitches, learn more about the industry itself, and have fun.”
Senior hotel executive Tristan Mumblow helped plan and execute the Entertainment Discovery Experience Festival.
“Starting your career early by working in the field and making many connections will increase your chances of making a big jump,” Mumblow says. “Make sure to always put yourself out there and give 150% at work every day.”
Mumblow said he hopes other students don’t follow in his footsteps and just go to class.
“I think these events are great for networking. You really gain a lot, you may not realize it for a while, but it will help you a lot in the long run,” he said.
Another way the college connects students to workforce needs is through the Bachelor of Entertainment Management, which launched in 2016 and combines business acumen with creativity to prepare students to become leaders in the entertainment industry. Students will study the business of entertainment, including finance, marketing, human resources and value proposition, as well as entertainment law and ethics, consumer behavior and more.
Jessie Bridgeman, an entertainment management major, transferred to UCF to pursue a degree program in entertainment management.
“I knew I wanted to be in all kinds of entertainment and themed events, but it was hard to find shows that suited my goals,” Bridgeman said. “I was ecstatic when I discovered Rosen’s entertainment management program.”
Bridgeman is a Disney Springs cast member and will graduate this spring.
“I’m excited to begin my career journey in event entertainment,” said Bridgeman.
To learn more and to register for an upcoming career fair, visit hospitality.ucf.edu/students/current-students/career-fair-students.
[ad_2]
Source link