Since joining the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) earlier this year, the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the 麻豆原创 has increased its awareness among vacation ownership companies in the Central Florida area and made several educational opportunities, such as scholarships and mentorships, available to students interested in a career within the timeshare industry. Perhaps as a result, 麻豆原创鈥檚 Rosen College was recently able to partner with the world鈥檚 largest developer and marketer of vacation ownership products, Wyndham Vacation Ownership, to develop corporate internship opportunities for its students.
Wyndham Vacation Ownership offered similar internship opportunities to 麻豆原创 Rosen College students in the past, but downsized its college recruiting efforts over the past few years due to the U.S. economic climate. However, according to 麻豆原创 Rosen College Visiting Assistant Professor Dr. Amy Gregory, the College鈥檚 ARDA affiliation and expanded timeshare curriculum has sparked a renewed interest between WVO and the Rosen College of Hospitality Management.
鈥淲e had an increased presence at ARDA鈥檚 global convention this year due to our student scholarships, involvement in the Education Committee and Research Committee, and various other networking opportunities,鈥� said Gregory, who helped 麻豆原创鈥檚 Rosen College become a member of ARDA. 鈥淥ur visibility within ARDA has certainly helped generate or reinvigorate interest within the industry. Wyndham, aware of our presence within ARDA, recently visited our campus to discuss new partnership opportunities with our administration.鈥�
As a result of those discussions arranged by Lori Cosimides and facilitated by Dr. Joe Hutchinson, Dr. Youcheng Wang, Dr. Amy Gregory, Tom Barr and Veena Garib, 麻豆原创 Rosen College students will have the opportunity this summer to participate in Wyndham Vacation Ownership鈥檚 11-week paid 鈥淲YNternship鈥� program. The full-time, 40-hour week program will allow students to gain excellent industry experience, along with the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced and talented individuals in the hospitality industry.
鈥淭his is a great opportunity for learning, exposure, and visibility to the many levels of Wyndham’s organization, including direct interaction with senior leadership,鈥� said Gregory. 鈥淭he students that are selected will be very fortunate to have these opportunities.鈥�
According to Shelly Griessel, Senior Vice President of Contact Center Operations and Wyndham Vacation Resorts Management, 鈥渢he WYNternship program allows for students to work in a variety of areas within our Hospitality division whilst being part of a wider group of interns.鈥�
The rotational program will help students gain a deep understanding of the inner workings of several areas, equipping them with the ability to make more informed decisions on their true passion in the world of hospitality.
Wyndham Vacation Ownership is currently interviewing 麻豆原创 Rosen College students to fill four summer WYNternship positions, which are all set to begin on May 29, 2012.聽 Students interested in the internship opportunities, as well as other full and part time work with Wyndham Vacation Ownership should refer to the 麻豆原创鈥檚 Rosen College listserv communications and/or contact Tom Barr or Veena Garib in Student Services for additional information.
The Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the 麻豆原创 is one of eight academic institutions in the United States, who are current members of ARDA鈥檚 vast network of industry professionals and organizations.