Internship Spotlight: Morgan Threlkeld

Morgan ThrelkeldName: Morgan Threlkeld
Major: Hospitality Management and Tourism
Expected graduation date: May 2018
Internship Location: Hilton Brentwood/Nashville Suites in Brentwood, TN

Please describe your typical day as an intern:
During my internship, I am rotated through all departments of the hotel including Front Office, Food and Beverage, Sales, Housekeeping, Engineering, Accounting, and Human Resources. Since I was able to spend time in each department, every day on the job was different! This allowed me to have a well-rounded internship experience. I am now able to understand the demands that come with each role in the hotel industry.

How are you using and applying classroom knowledge in your internship?
My classroom knowledge was very helpful for me during my internship. I used a lot of information from HMT 350: Hospitality Managerial Accounting while working at the front desk. Specifically, I used information I learned about guest privacy and security, room forecasting, and many other topics discussed in class. Being able to apply this information made me more prepared to fulfill my job responsibilities.

What is one key thing you have learned during your internship?
The most important thing I learned during my internship is how to interact with guests. On a day-to-day basis, I was constantly interacting with guests and learning to handle situations professionally. I had the opportunity to form relationships with guests, as well as learn how to handle situations involving guests' complaints.

If you could share one piece of advice for other students who are preparing to complete an internship, what would it be?
Apply for your dream internship! Even though it might not seem realistic, it is possible! I had been wanting to move to Nashville for a while, and between actually getting an internship here, figuring out housing, and making all of the details work out, I didn't think it would actually be possible. Somehow it all worked out, and before I knew it, I was in Nashville getting an amazing experience in the hospitality industry. It was truly the best summer of my life!