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Ashley Fudge
HRTM

For some students, calling an internship “the opportunity of a lifetime” might be an exaggeration. For senior HRTM major Ashley Fudge, however, the expression barely describes her summer, which was spent in China working at the Beijing Olympics.

Ashley was handpicked for her internship by Don Pritchard, CEO, Global Food Service Solutions, who has worked with HRTM students during the Masters Golf Tournament. She was given the chance to work as a bartender and server at the Omega pavilion on the Olympic Green. As one of only a select few students from USC given the opportunity to go to the Olympics, Ashley knew there was no way she was going to turn it down.

“I wanted the experience of a lifetime, which it definitely was!” she says. Not only did Ashley’s internship provide her with invaluable experience in the hospitality field, but she also was able to experience an entirely new culture and way of life.

“Being in a completely different environment changes you,” says Ashley.

For someone who had never been out of the country, Ashley’s time in China was truly an eye-opening experience. Spending a month in China meant that Ashley was exposed to day-to-day life in Beijing. She had the chance to immerse herself in the culture, becoming an expert bargainer while shopping in local markets, learning how to navigate a confusing new city and even surviving perilous taxi rides while trying to overcome a language barrier.

“Being here has made me want to travel even more and see all that the world has to offer,” Ashley said while in China.

Ashley even had enough time off to visit the Great Wall, which she describes as “awesome.”

Working at the most prestigious sporting event in the world meant that even daily tasks made for amazing memories. “Where I worked, I dealt with presidents of countries and companies. I served cocktails to Cindy Crawford and talked with Michael Phelps,” says Ashley. The building where she worked hosted a number of other celebrities and athletes, including actor George Clooney and swimmer Ian Thorpe.

Ashley watched the Opening Ceremony from her building and was also able to attend the Olympic gymnastic events.

Ashley, who ultimately hopes to work in management or event planning for a large hospitality corporation, knows that her internship at the Olympics will help prepare her for life after graduation. While working, she learned many valuable skills, including the importance of remaining flexible and giving maximum effort.

“I also learned that nothing is out of your reach,” says Ashley. “If you would have told me last year that life would lead me across the world, I would have called you crazy.”

Working at the Olympics was far more than just a valuable experience for Ashley; it was an honor. As one of few students selected from around the world to work at the event, she not only got to work in an incredible environment, but she also spent her summer in an exciting foreign country.

“I feel like I have already grown so much,” says Ashley of her time in Beijing. “It is such a world of difference. I am so fortunate to have received this opportunity.”