I wanted a career...

…Christen Flowers got that career, thanks to a program that “nurtured my passion, showed me what I wasn’t a job but a career, and gave to the tools to succeed,” said Flowers.

That sentiment is an amazing testament to the impact the College of Business’ School of Hospitality Leadership has on its alumni and students.

“When I walked into my first hospitality class with Dr. Alleah Crawford, I was still playing with the idea of choosing another major,” said Flowers. “However, by the end of that class that was no longer the case. I was, without a doubt, convinced this (hospitality management) was the major for me. Dr. Crawford expressed everything I had been looking for in one class. I wanted to provide amazing experiences for customers, and I didn’t mind working hard to make that happen. “

From that point on, every class Flowers took “cultivated” her passion.  The variety of SHL classes that covered different concentrations within hospitality helped her discover the area that best suited Flowers. “After working in the cooking classes with chef De Chabert-Rios, I soon discovered that food and beverage was the sector where I’d be able to have not just a job, but a career. Not only did the professors and classes foster my passion, but they also nurtured my confidence as a leader.”

Fostering a passion

Not only does the SHL bring dedicated and passionate professors and instructors to the classroom, but SHL also brings opportunities. “I heard about a scholarship and job with Aramark, a fortune 500 contracted company, and with a little push from one of my professors, I applied. Although I applied and didn’t receive the scholarship, I was asked to join their student manager program, and I accepted.  A year later, I earned the scholarship, as well as a promise for a job with Aramark after college. Now, after seven years, several life-changing mentors, a move and a few promotions, I am still with Aramark.”

If you’re thinking about a career in hospitality management, Flowers wants you to know, “the hospitality management program at East Carolina University showed me a path to live my passion every day with a career instead of a job.”

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• School of Hospitality Leadership