Set up for Success

He first tried Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte. Charlotte was not his ideal environment, and after deciding to pursue hospitality business, Aaron Zimmerman landed at the School of Hospitality Leadership, a decision that he says, “set him up for success.”

“The School of Hospitality Leadership allowed me the ability to work with great professors like Dr. O’Halloran and Dr. Weber, among many others, to gain a full understanding and working knowledge of the industry.  While in the program, I was able to build bonds with my professors and fellow students, become part of many great campus groups, and graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.

The opportunities I was given in the SHL program helped lead to my success in the (hospitality) industry.  I was able to go through internships in the program and gain certifications, including Serv-Safe Food Safety Certification, STAR Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics, Certification in Hotel Business Acumen, and Cvent Certification.  All of these opportunities allowed me the ability to graduate and become a part Aramark’s A2L (Accelerate 2 Leadership) program. (This opportunity) jump-started my career out of school.  I worked as part of the management team at Elon University with Aramark and worked my way to becoming a Hospitality Services Director. I also helped pilot a new entity of Aramark called Harvest Table Culinary Group.

I recently took a position at the University of Delaware with Aramark and am currently working as a Hospitality Services Director for more than 10 managers/supervisors and 100+ associates.

I am thankful to ECU SHL for helping to set me up for success, and I look forward to working hard to make the industry better and more innovative than ever before!”