A story of perseverance and success for an SHL alumna

Jessica Harrison is an alumnus from East Carolina University. She attended ECU from 2008-2015 and received her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management-concentration in Special Events and a minor in Business Administrations. She lost her brother in 2009, so at that time she struggled academically, and she decided to take time off. During that time, she also completed her required internship as a wedding event coordinator. She shared her story below:

“In 2013, I began working as a front desk agent in my hometown hotel as I finished my degree. I worked there for two years learning everything I could about the hotel industry and fell in love. I wanted to move up to supervisor as I had the experience and pending degree, but there was no availability. On Aug.1, 2015, I relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where I began a job working as a key account executive for an All-Inclusive International Resort. I worked in the office that handled North American and Canadian traveling to Mexico, Jamaica and Dominican Republic. While in Sales, I was able to travel on the company’s dime to all destinations plus a few domestically.

With changes in the business, our Atlanta office closed in 2016-just seven months after being hired as they wanted only one corporate office which was already in Doral, Florida. I had the choice to relocate to Doral/Miami or find a new job in Atlanta. I relocated to Miami with a promotion to key account executive Supervisor and a great relocation package. There continued to be changes. So after 15 months in Miami, I moved back to my hometown in Eastern North Carolina where after five months (April 2019), I began the job as operations manager at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Greenville, North Carolina I have been in my role for 4.5 months now, and I am continuing to learn and grow within the industry. I am thankful that I can do that in my college hometown. I hope that this story inspires someone to keep pushing and striving in Hospitality. I can honestly say, I love the ride to my current position, and I am looking forward to my growth.”

To follow up, I was able to persevere through the difficult times and complete my Hospitality degree at ECU because I wanted the best for me. I did not want to be denied a job due to not having a degree. With support from my professors at ECU, I was able to call, email, and even drop by their offices, if needed. I had all the necessary tools in front of me. how could I not succeed?”

The Residence Inn by Marriott in Greenville, North Carolina, is owned and operated by BPR Properties based in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Jessica Harrison, operations manager

Residence Inn by Marriott

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