HIGH POINT, N.C., Oct. 13, 2016 – High Point University senior Christopher Stone discovered what a career in the travel and tourism industry could be like during his internship at Moody National Companies in Lyndhurst, New Jersey.
Stone, a business administration major and marketing minor from Fanwood, New Jersey, relied on the skills he acquired in his business and marketing classes at HPU for his position as an operation management intern.
During his internship, Stone specifically worked on the Courtyard by Marriott accounts. He participated, observed and became proficient in all facets of hotel and hospitality management. He initiated and designed the development of new marketing materials, analyzed sales forecasts and determined selling prices to ensure favorable market share and increased profits.
“While working at Moody National Companies, I was able to experience and contribute directly to the creation and execution of corporate sales contracts,” he says. “This was unique to me, because in my previous roles I had only done business to consumer sales. From this experience I was able to gain the knowledge needed to execute a corporate sales contract from beginning to end.”
Stone credits his desire to work in the travel and tourism industry to Dr. David Little, associate professor of management in the Earl N. Phillips School of Business, who opened his eyes to the career path.
“After graduation, I would love to work in the sales and marketing department of a large travel and tourism agency,” says Stone. “This internship assisted me in making industry connections that have already proven to be invaluable. Additionally, the skills I have gained in sales, marketing, management and forecasting will prove to be helpful when applying for full-time jobs.”