Getting started with the Career and Internship Fair

Now in its second year, the Hart School Career and Internship Fair brought over 60 employers to the bustling space at the Festival Conference Center, where representatives from companies in the hospitality, tourism and sports and recreation businesses had a chance to meet and greet students from the Hart School at points all along their educational journey. 

December-graduating senior Breontae Crump (hospitality management) was glad to take advantage of what the event had to offer. “It’s another thing that sets the Hart School out from other schools,” she said, “I have two interviews tomorrow so things are going great.” 

For first-year hospitality management major Jake Abruzzo, there were also plenty of opportunities available. “Even as a freshman I've been able to make a lot of great connections with employers for possible employment over this summer or over future summers. Just networking and meeting people and getting to establish a face to face connection with everybody has been super beneficial.” 

Many of the businesses involved sent JMU alumni from their staff as representatives, including HRI Lodging, an owner, operator and developer of hotels nationwide. Jason Burgos (’06 hospitality/tourism), currently a manager at the Hilton Richmond Downtown, said, “It is always really great to come back to JMU. We love the alumni that we have here and love the students of the HTM program. They really make a great working partnership with us.” 

His colleague, John Cario (’83, hospitality/tourism), GM and Area VP for HRI Lodging, said, “I come back annually to talk to students through Neil Marrin’s classroom seminar program; however this was our first year to come to the career fair and recruit specifically for some summer interns and potential managers for our company.” He explained that “HRI lodging has just added a management and development training program. We actually have a JMU grad from last year at our Nashville property but we're looking specifically for some interns for this summer to help our Hilton facility in Richmond.”

The career fair was followed by an open, casual networking opportunity for all participants.