Students in the Tourism and Hospitality (TAH) program at the Muskie School of Public Service gained valuable hands-on industry experience this past semester through internships at leading hospitality organizations, applying classroom learning in dynamic professional environments and strengthening their career readiness across multiple sectors of the hospitality industry.
TAH student, Victoria Charron,completed an internship at the Hilton Garden Inn, where they worked extensively at the front desk and assisted with room service operations. Through the experience, Victoria developed practical skills in guest services, reservations management, communication, conflict resolution, and the use of Hilton’s property management systems. By the conclusion of the internship, Victoria had taken on increased responsibility and was trusted to independently manage front desk operations during shifts.
Another student, Yajia Girardin, interned at Portland’s Press Hotel, gaining experience across several departments including sales, event planning, front desk operations, food and beverage service, and banquet coordination. The internship provided exposure to wedding and event planning, hospitality sales systems, guest relations, and large-scale event execution. Yajia also completed a competitive analysis project examining wedding packages and hospitality offerings across hotels in Maine and New England, further strengthening professional communication and analytical skills.
A third student, Nicole Sullivan, participated in the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World as a character performer, where they gained experience in entertainment operations, guest engagement, safety procedures, and performance-based hospitality. Working in a highly interactive and fast-paced tourism environment, Nicole reflected on the importance of adaptability, professionalism, teamwork, and creating memorable guest experiences for visitors from around the world.
These internship experiences highlight the Tourism and Hospitality program’s strong commitment to experiential learning and applied professional development. Through partnerships with hotels, resorts, entertainment organizations, and tourism employers, students are able to connect coursework with real-world practice while building the communication, leadership, operational, and customer service skills needed for successful careers in the hospitality and tourism industries.