Student Profile: Tabitha Lesh (BA '09)

When senior Tabitha Lesh left her hometown of Midland, MI and began her education at MSU and The School, she first explored a career in club management. She became active in the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) student chapter, and completed two internships in the club industry. "I learned a great deal during both internships," she says, "and tuned the skills I need to work with people."

However, it was her internship in the summer of 2008, as summer conference coordinator for the Aspen Meadows Resort in Aspen, CO that opened her eyes to other career possibilities. "The responsibilities I held in that position gave me a taste of what career life will be like in less than one year," she explains. Tabitha is now considering starting her career in the conference, catering, and event planning segments of the hospitality industry.

Her role in her senior year as president of the Hospitality Association (HA) has provided Tabitha with the experience and contacts she will need to enter the job market in her chosen field. "I work with so many competent students on the Board of HA," she says, "and the networking The School has provided is amazing." Tabitha is referring to HA's important role in the major School events and club activities that bring alumni leaders together with students for informal and formal connecting. Under her leadership, HA has already accomplished much in the 2008-2009 academic year:

At its fall open house, nearly 300 students attended to hear about School clubs and events.
The HA Homecoming float, one of 150 entries in MSU's Homecoming parade, earned the Best Spartan Spirit Award, with 60 alumni and over 100 students marching in the parade.
The annual fall golf outing, jointly sponsored by HA and The School's Alumni Association, brought students and alumni together before Homecoming weekend.
HA students participated in Broad College's first 5K race benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Two HA clubs merged to create a new one: the Hospitality Consultants Club and the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals merged to form the Real Estate Investment Club.
HA helped The School implement a new public relations campaign, aiming to gain more national exposure for faculty research, student and alumni activities, and School developments.
60 students were able to attend the International Hotel/Motel and Restaurant Show in New York, as well as The School's Celebration of Leadership and a number of networking and professional development events.
HA helped December graduates celebrate by hosting a graduation luncheon at the University Club featuring former HA president Derek Daniels (BA '94) as speaker.

Tabitha earned her leadership position in HA partly by volunteering each previous year for Les Gourmets, the annual Auction, CAREER EXPO, and Vegas Night. Combining the organizational and leadership skills she has honed through these events, HA, and her internships - and adding those skills to the strong academic foundation from her classes - will ensure Tabitha's success, both in the hospitality industry and in life.