SHL Alumni Profile: Mary Gage

by Mary Gage, director, Hire Scene

As a North Carolina native, it was an easy decision to be a Pirate. I did not have a clue as to what I wanted to major in, and I changed my mind a few times before realizing that Hospitality Management was the career path for me.

Once I knew what I wanted to do, I jumped in and got involved in student organizations within the School of Hospitality Leadership. The school gave me the opportunity to travel to conferences where I was able to network with recruiters from the top hospitality organizations in the industry.

As a sophomore, I was offered an internship with Hyatt Hotels Corporation at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay. I fell in love with the company and continued my career at the Hyatt Regency Monterey and the Hyatt Regency New Orleans after graduating from East Carolina University.

I am now the director of the On-Demand Division for Hire Scene, a company that is transforming the hospitality industry through a mobile app. I oversee new venue setup and daily operations, as well as identifying new markets for entry. The School of Hospitality Leadership provided me with a great foundation and was essential in preparing me to take on leadership roles while both receiving my education and upon graduation.

The School of Hospitality Leadership in the College of Business has the largest student enrollment in the North Carolina university system.