Opportunities for growth

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. 

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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 Professor Sara Ghezzi.

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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. Chapter Advisor: contact Professor Sara Ghezzi.

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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:

Eric Baxter, Advisory Board Chair, Retired Travel Products and Services, AAA Northern New England

Paul Bradbury, Airport Director, Portland International Jetport

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

Greg Dugal, Government Affairs Director, Hospitality Maine

Steve Hewins, President and CEO, Hospitality Maine

Rauni Kew, Public Relations Manager, Inn by the Sea

Gerard Kiladjian, General Manager, Portland Harbor Hotel

Pamela Laskey, Owner, Maine Foodie Tours

Carolann Ouelette, Director, Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation

Edward Palmer, General Manager, Portland Sheraton at Sable Oaks

Lynn Tillotson, President & CEO, Visit Portland

Peter Twachtman, Chief Executive Officer, Lark Hotels

Casey Gilbert, Executive Director, Portland Downtown

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

Sarah Flink, Director, CruiseMaine

Rory Strunk, Director, O’Maine Studios

Brian Lang, Market President & CRO, Townsquare Media Group

Peter Cooke, Natual Capital Initiative, Manomet: Center for Conservation Sciences