Internships, membership in the Tourism and Hospitality Student Group, induction into Eta Sigma Tau, and networking with illustrious alumni and advisory board mentors are all part of your opportunities for career and personal growth.

Internships

Students complete a professional internship as part of their capstone related to their primary concentration in the major. This might include working for a hotel, restaurant, or other businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry. Here are a few examples of students’ internships within the past couple of years. 

Lainey Minotti standing next to Portland Maine tourism sign

Visit Portland internship

Portland, Maine
Lainey Minotti ’18

Lainey assisted with planning a wide variety of events throughout the year. 

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Celine Baker stands by the ocean

Pinch Me Planning internship

Cumberland, Maine
Celine Baker ’20

Celine assisted with weddings as an intern for Pinch Me Planning of Maine and New England. 

Olivia Ryan standing next to flowers

Coastal Maine Botanical Garden events internship

Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Olivia Ryan ’19

Olivia assisted with special events at this world class garden venue.  

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Kathleen Ratazzi USM Class of 2020 on boat during oyster internship

Love Point Oysters internship

Harpswell,Maine
Kathleen Ratazzi ’20

Kathleen learned the ins and outs of oyster farming while working on several projects, including researching and marketing to host farm tours and selling oysters directly to weddings.

Broadreach Public Relations internship

Reykjavik, Iceland
Ann Budway ’17

Ann played a major part of the first Maine Beer Box Festival, held in in Reykjavik, Iceland, through this international internship opportunity.

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EPA Pollution Protection
grant internship

Maine/New England
Michael Dart ’19

This Environmental Protection Agency Pollution Prevention Grant project provided an internship opportunity to offer technical assistance to small craft brewers to improve environmental, economic, and social performance.

The Tourism, Hospitality and Outdoor Recreation (THOR) Institute

THOR logo with compass and text indicating Tourism, Hospitality, and outdoor recreation


The THOR Institute is your gateway to Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation programs throughout the University of Maine System! USM is a member of this collaborative institute, which also includes University of Maine at Augusta, the University of Maine at Farmington, the University of Maine at Fort Kent, the University of Maine (Orono), the University of Maine at Machias, and the University of Maine at Presque Isle.

THOR is working to address needs highlighted by this industry in terms of education access, professional development, training programs, internships, co-ops, and apprenticeships. These efforts will enrich Maine’s talent pool in THOR related industries. USM students are eligible to tap into all of the exciting things the THOR Institute is doing for students in the University of Maine System!

The Tourism and Hospitality Student Group (TAHSG)

TAHSG is a student organization that offers engaging opportunities outside of the classroom to be directly involved in Maine’s tourism and hospitality community. 

This organization includes:

  • Volunteering with local entrepreneurs;
  • Helping serve refreshments at the civic center with an extra bonus of seeing a concert, hockey game, or show;
  • Planning and executing tourism trips that help students network and grow knowledge;
  • Experiencing Expos within all different sectors of the industry;
  • Brainstorming new ideas and experiencing the true depth of the industry

It’s more than an organization, it’s an experience that will take you to the next level if you let it. If you are interested in joining TAHSG, contact Ellie Perry, TAH Group President, at ellie.perry@maine.edu.

Eta Sigma Delta

Eta Sigma Delta, International Hospitality Management Society is an international honor society for hospitality students. There are over 90 active chapters throughout the world. Eta Sigma Delta is a testament to the dedication of both students and professionals in tourism and hospitality to the pursuit of academic, professional, and personal excellence. USM TAH is proud to host a chapter of Eta Sigma Delta to recognize our honor students who have worked so hard. 

Advisory Board

Our program works closely with Maine tourism industry leaders to create and offer the highest quality and most relevant learning opportunities for our students. They are involved in all aspects of our USM TAH education program.  Our advisory board serves as mentors for our students. Many provide internships and full-time work opportunities for our graduates. Connecting with us means connecting with them. Our Advisory Board Consists of:

Paul Bradbury, Airport Director, Portland International Jetport

Paul J. Charpentier, VP and Academic Dean, Southern Maine Community College

Peter Cooke, Natural Capital Initiative, TAH PT instructor  Manomet: Center for Conservation Sciences

Greg Dugal, Government Affairs Director, Hospitality Maine

Derek Fassett, Hospitality Maine

Kathryn Ference, Director Workforce Development, Maine Tourism Association

Sarah Flink, Director, CruiseMaine

Jim Gusella, General Manager, Portland Country Club

Steve Hewins, Retired, Hospitality Maine

Rauni Kew, Public Relations Manager, Inn by the Sea

Gerard Kiladjian, General Manager, Portland Harbor Hotel

Pamela Laskey, Owner, Maine Foodie Tours

Andrew Leighton, Travel Agent/alumni, AAA Northern New England

Rick Martin, Olympia Companies

Carolann Ouelette, Director, Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation

Edward Palmer, General Manager, Portland Sheraton at Sable Oaks

Paul Russell, Bar and Spirits Director, Big Tree Hospitality (Hugos, Eventide, HoneyPaw)

Rory Strunk, Director, O’Maine Studios

Lynn Tillotson, President & CEO, Visit Portland

Peter Twachtman, CEO, Lark Hotel