Wednesday Wrap-Up: Top Three Things You Need to Know

Edition #7

August 14, 2024

Wednesday Wrap-up:

Top Three Things You Need to Know

1) Dr. Emmanuel Gamor: Leading the Charge to Expand Hospitality Internships in Africa

At Hospitality Internships, LLC, we are dedicated to connecting hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts students with meaningful, high-quality internships worldwide. Our commitment to global reach is exemplified by the work of Dr. Emmanuel Gamor, a key member of our special task force focused on expanding our presence in Africa. Dr. Gamor’s impressive academic background, professional expertise, and passion for hospitality education make him an invaluable asset in our mission to empower the next generation of hospitality professionals across the continent.

A Distinguished Career in Hospitality Education

Dr. Emmanuel Gamor’s journey in hospitality education began in Ghana, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Cape Coast. His pursuit of academic excellence led him to the prestigious School of Hotel and Tourism Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where he completed his PhD. With a deep understanding of the global hospitality landscape, Dr. Gamor has cultivated a reputation as a thought leader in tourism development, service marketing, and human resource management.

As a lecturer at Koforidua Technical University in Ghana, Dr. Gamor is committed to shaping the future of hospitality and tourism professionals. His role as a Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) and Certified Hotel Industry Analyst (CHIA) underscores his dedication to advancing industry standards and best practices. In addition to his teaching and research responsibilities, Dr. Gamor serves as the West Africa Area Consultant for the European Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (EuroCHRIE), further highlighting his influence within the global hospitality education community.

A Vision for Africa’s Hospitality Industry

Recognizing Africa’s potential as a burgeoning hub for tourism and hospitality, Dr. Gamor has taken on the critical role of leading Hospitality Internships' efforts to establish a stronger presence on the continent. His deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the African hospitality sector positions him perfectly to drive our initiatives forward. Through his leadership, we aim to create more opportunities for students and emerging professionals in Africa to gain hands-on experience in top-tier hospitality establishments.

Dr. Gamor’s efforts are centered on building strategic partnerships with educational institutions and industry stakeholders across Africa. By leveraging his extensive network and expertise, he is working to ensure that African students have access to the same high-quality internships, manager-in-training programs, and entry-level management positions available to their peers in other parts of the world. His work is not only about creating opportunities but also about elevating the standards of hospitality education and training in the region.

Contributions to the Academic Community

Beyond his contributions to Hospitality Internships and his work in Africa, Dr. Gamor is a respected voice in the academic community. He serves on the Editorial Boards of the European Journal of Management Issues and the Asian Journal of Managerial Sciences (AJMS), where he helps shape the discourse on key issues in management and hospitality. Additionally, his role as a reviewer for several top-tier journals ensures that he remains at the forefront of the latest research and developments in his field.

Reflecting on the Impact of Hospitality Internships

Dr. Gamor shares his thoughts on the impact of Hospitality Internships in bridging the gap between academia and industry:

"The dedication to connecting students to the industry is a big deal in hospitality, tourism, and culinary studies. When I heard of Hospitality Internships, I was eager to join. Reflecting on the role I play as an AAC member, I am super excited and proud to be part of a dynamic and multicultural team that seeks to bridge the gap between academia and the industry so that students and future managers can have hands-on learning experiences. The activities of Hospitality Internships go beyond just internships for students. It expands the network of local hospitality, tourism, and events firms to a global scale."*

"My interactions with industry players in Africa revealed that the skill gap between academia and practice continues to widen due to the rapid change in technology applications, new business models, and dynamics in crises like COVID-19. Hospitality Internships LLC is brilliantly allowing African students to have internships to learn from world-class hospitality, tourism, and events companies anywhere in the world. This is unprecedented."*

"Driving excellence is my goal, and developing a competent workforce for the industry is my passion. Hospitality Internships bring all together to ensure this happens in Africa and globally. The presence of Hospitality Internships in Africa is great news. We are working on growing the presence of Hospitality Internships in Africa. Connecting culinary schools, universities, professional associations, and private and government agencies is growing the presence of Hospitality Internships in Africa."*

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for

Hospitality Internships in Africa

Under Dr. Gamor’s leadership, Hospitality Internships is poised to significantly impact the hospitality industry in Africa. His dedication to fostering growth and development in the sector aligns perfectly with our mission to empower the next generation of hospitality professionals. As we continue to expand our global footprint, we are confident that Dr. Gamor’s work will pave the way for countless students and professionals across Africa to achieve their career aspirations in the dynamic world of hospitality.

We are proud to have Dr. Emmanuel Gamor as part of our team and look forward to the exciting developments that will emerge from his efforts to grow our presence in Africa. Together, we are building a brighter future for hospitality education and training on the continent.

Feel free to connect with Dr. Emmanuel Gamor on LinkedIn

2) Spotlight on Talent: Amy H. Lee - Pioneering Workforce Development at MGM Resorts

In the dynamic world of hospitality, where a property's success often hinges on its talent, Amy H. Lee stands out as a driving force behind MGM Resorts International’s workforce development strategy. As the Director of Talent and Workforce Development since 2022, Amy has been instrumental in crafting and executing strategies that ensure MGM Resorts remains at the forefront of industry excellence.

Amy’s role is multifaceted and crucial. She leads initiatives designed to build robust talent pipelines for a variety of roles, including those needed for pre-opening, high-volume, and early-career positions. Her efforts span MGM Resorts’ properties not only in Las Vegas but also in regional and international markets. By aligning talent acquisition strategies with the organization’s long-term business goals, Amy ensures that MGM Resorts is well-positioned for future growth.

Her commitment to workforce development is evident through her proactive approach to identifying needs and creating impactful training programs. Amy’s ability to forge strong partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, and community organizations reflects her dedication to shaping the future workforce. One of her recent accomplishments includes a successful collaboration with local high schools, which resulted in job offers for students graduating from Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs—a testament to her ability to connect education with career opportunities effectively.

Amy is also a founding member of Hospitality Internships' Industry Advisory Committee, where she leverages her expertise to enhance internship programs and experiential learning opportunities. She notes, “Hospitality internships and experiential learning opportunities are invaluable for early career growth, providing hands-on experience that bridges the gap between classroom theory and real-world practice. These experiences not only build essential skills but also foster a deep understanding of the industry's dynamics, setting a strong foundation for long-term success.” This perspective drives her initiatives to create and expand such opportunities for aspiring professionals.

Before joining MGM Resorts, Amy held significant roles at The Art Institutes International, where she climbed the ranks from Career Advisor to Dean of Career Readiness & Industry Relationships. In this position, she was responsible for overseeing career services, implementing career readiness skills, and establishing valuable partnerships with industry giants like Hyatt, Samsung, and Walt Disney Corporation. Her work there laid a strong foundation for her current role and further highlighted her expertise in career development.

Amy’s credentials are as impressive as her career trajectory. In 2010, she earned her certification as a professional resume writer from the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches, solidifying her expertise in career development. She also holds a Master’s in Education from Argosy University and a Bachelor's in Science from the University of Memphis, Lambuth.

Residing in Las Vegas with her husband of 23 years and their three pets, Amy’s influence extends beyond the office. Her strategic vision and innovative approach continue to drive MGM Resorts’ talent initiatives forward, ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to meet the demands of the hospitality industry.

Amy Lee’s remarkable journey underscores her role as a distinguished leader in workforce development, whose contributions are shaping the future of MGM Resorts and the industry at large.

Feel free to connect with Amy Lee on LinkedIn

3) Reaching New Heights: The Goals of Hospitality Internships and Our Path to Success

At Hospitality Internships, LLC, our mission is clear: to connect the next generation of hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts professionals with the opportunities they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive industry. We understand that the future of hospitality relies on cultivating a highly-skilled, passionate workforce, and we are dedicated to supporting this through innovative internship programs, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our Goals

1. Empowering the Next Generation of Professionals:

Our primary goal is to empower students and emerging professionals by providing access to high-quality internships and training opportunities that bridge the gap between academic learning and practical, real-world experience. We aim to place students in internships that not only align with their career goals but also challenge them to develop new skills, gain industry insight, and build valuable professional networks.

2. Supporting Workforce Development:

The hospitality industry is ever-evolving, and so are the needs of employers. We are committed to supporting workforce development by connecting businesses with talented individuals who are eager to learn, grow, and contribute to their success. By working closely with our partners, we ensure that our internship programs are tailored to meet the demands of the industry, thereby helping to fill critical talent gaps and promote the growth of the sector.

3. Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is key to fostering innovation and creativity within the hospitality industry. Our goal is to support diverse talent by creating internship opportunities that are accessible to all, regardless of background. We are dedicated to providing DEI training and education to our partners and interns, ensuring that inclusivity is at the forefront of our initiatives.

4. Building Strategic Partnerships:

Collaboration is at the heart of our approach. We strive to build strategic partnerships with industry leaders, educational institutions, and professional organizations to create a robust network of opportunities for our interns. By working together, we can create a pipeline of talent that benefits the entire hospitality ecosystem, from local businesses to global enterprises.

5. Enhancing Professional Development:

Beyond internships, we are committed to the ongoing professional development of our interns. Through access to learning management systems (LMS), digital badges, certifications, and mentorship opportunities, we help our interns build a strong foundation for their careers. Our goal is to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a dynamic and ever-changing industry.

6. Global Immersion in Education:

One of our most ambitious goals is to be immersed in every hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts school worldwide. We believe that every student, regardless of location, should have access to premier internship opportunities that prepare them for the global stage. By expanding our reach and building strong relationships with educational institutions worldwide, we aim to make this vision a reality.

How We Intend to Achieve Our Goals

1. Ensuring Top-Quality Opportunities:

We are dedicated to ensuring that only top-quality internships, manager-in-training program opportunities, and entry-level management positions are featured on our site. Our team carefully selects and curates these opportunities, ensuring they provide meaningful, hands-on experience that contributes to the intern's professional growth. We work closely with industry partners to guarantee that these positions align with current industry trends and offer substantial value to our interns.

2. Comprehensive Support System:

We recognize that internships can be challenging, especially for those entering the workforce for the first time. That's why we provide a comprehensive support system for our interns, including access to mentors, career counseling, and professional development resources. Our goal is to ensure that every intern feels supported and empowered to succeed.

3. Innovative Educational Tools:

We leverage cutting-edge educational tools and technologies to enhance the learning experience for our interns. From digital badges to online courses, we provide a range of resources that complement their on-the-job training and help them build a well-rounded skill set.

4. Collaborative Partnerships:

Our partnerships with educational institutions, industry associations, and businesses are key to achieving our goals. We work together to develop internship standards, create premier internship designations, and provide a seamless experience for both interns and employers.

5. Commitment to DEI:

We are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our work. From the selection of internship opportunities to the training and education we provide, we ensure that DEI is integrated into all of our initiatives.

6. Academic and Industry Advisory Committees:

Our Academic and Industry Advisory Committees play a critical role in guiding our strategic direction and ensuring that we stay aligned with the needs of both educational institutions and the hospitality industry. Comprised of esteemed professionals and academics, these committees provide invaluable insights, help us identify emerging trends, and ensure that our programs remain relevant and impactful. Their expertise is essential in our efforts to achieve global immersion and maintain the highest standards of excellence in everything we do.

Conclusion

At Hospitality Internships, LLC, we are driven by our mission to empower the next generation of hospitality professionals. By providing high-quality internships, fostering strategic partnerships, leveraging the wisdom of our advisory committees, and promoting diversity and inclusion, we are paving the way for a bright future in the hospitality industry. Together, we can achieve our goals and make a lasting impact on the industry we love.

About Hospitality Internships

Hospitality Internships is dedicated to bridging the gap between the hospitality industry and educational institutions worldwide. By promoting high-quality internships, manager-in-training programs, and entry-level management positions, we strive to create a robust pipeline of talent that meets the industry's evolving needs. For more information, visit our website at www.hospitalityinternships.com.

Visit www.HospitalityInternships.com