Student Industry Rendezvous – By Kaitlin Wilkes

February 1, 2012 by STHM 1 Comment

On Wednesday January 25, 2012, the current 2011-12 International Hotel Management students headed to Vancouver for the day to attend the 2012 Student Industry Rendezvous Event hosted by LinkBC.

After what seemed like a lifetime trek, we arrived at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Faculty advised us to explore the city for an hour to grab lunch and promptly return for a 1:30pm start time.

 As we entered the ballroom that afternoon, you could have almost felt the eagerness in the air – hundreds of students waiting to ask future colleagues and employers “what do I need to get the job I want?”  The opening comments were made by Phil Barnes Regional Vice President, Pacific Northwest & GM Fairmont Hotel and Resorts and the opening key note speech was made by Rick Antonson CEO and President of Tourism Vancouver. The common thread through their speeches was one of passion, perseverance and the thirst for an adventure.

RRU Students take their seats in anticipation of meeting new industry contacts

Once the event started, students had the opportunity to sit at the table of their choice and talk to employers from Fairmont, Hilton, Shangri La and Delta. Most students asked thought provoking questions that made each conversation unique. After about four rounds of “speed networking” the event was concluded by the closing notes from Margaret McCormick Acting Executive Director for Tourism Partnerships and Director for Tourism Product Management at Tourism BC/Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation. Margaret spoke of the importance of networking and following your passion. Though the speeches, all spoke of similar topics, one thing resonated in my head – spend your whole life following your passion and you’ll feel as if you never worked a day in your life.

Dino, Valarie, Haley and Jeet looking very impressive!

After the event ended there was a one hour trade show where students could finish any unfinished conversations and attempt to make those last connections. Though I would have loved to see more employers there, I’m glad Royal Roads had the opportunity to attend this event. Though we are in an International program- it’s nice to know the community of the west coast is here to support us in getting that first foot through the door.

Kate and Tanya man the booth to talk about THM programs at RRU

 As I plan on heading overseas for my internship this summer I am glad I had the opportunity to work on my networking skills and ask questions I wouldn’t feel comfortable asking in a more pressured environment.  Overall, the experience was one that I would recommend for any student in the industry as building a network is important to establish because you never know when you might want to chase a different opportunity in life.