Internship Spotlight: Gabriella Turpin

Name:  Gabriella Turpin

Major:  Hospitality Management and Tourism

Expected graduation date:  August 2018

Internship Location: The Kentucky Castle (Versailles, KY)

Please describe your typical day as an intern:  My typical day consists of coming into work and managing a group of staff. I lead them, delegate tasks, and assist them in getting tasks completed. I am the point of contact for the clients and guests who host an event at the castle or who attend an event at the castle. I help with the set up and break down of events and make sure that each event is executed nicely.

How are you using and applying classroom knowledge in your internship?

 I have applied my classroom knowledge of proper place settings, communication with guests and co-workers, beer wine and spirits, and how to properly organize an event from start to finish. 

What is one key thing you have learned during your internship?  

I have learned how to manage a group of people who come from different backgrounds and who are all very different. It is definitely a task that takes quite a bit of trial and error to get right.

If you could share one piece of advice for other students who are preparing to complete an internship, what would it be?  

 I would tell them to pick an internship that they're genuinely interested in. Really take the time to think about what you enjoy most about the hospitality industry and find a place that is going to give you the absolute best experience and knowledge. Do not take the easy or most convenient internship. Get out of your comfort zone. It will be worth it!