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Rising sophomore Lauren Meads has wasted no time getting experience in the HRTM area. Being a “people person” and having a love for travel led Lauren to major in HRTM. She also realized that the hospitality industry is the fastest growing field in South Carolina, so she expects that opportunities will be best there.

Lauren is currently an activities associate at Marriot Vacation Club Cypress Harbour in Orlando, FL.

After finding out about the internship through the HRTM Career Fair, Lauren decided it would be one of the best experiences she could have to help her prepare for and make decisions about future job opportunities, as well as course choices.

There are no typical days for Lauren, because her tasks change from day to day. She helps run various activities, like Kids Night Out to Teen Night, or she might deal Texas Hold Em’ to adults. Lauren also helps run pool parties and rents boats and bikes to guests.

Lauren’s internship has taught her valuable skills, such as working well with peers in high pressure situations and working through problems to ensure that guests are happy.

"The best part of my internship is getting to work with the little children," says Lauren. “The hardest part of my internship has been living with six other female interns from all different cultures in a three-room apartment for the summer.”

While graduation is still a while away, Lauren says she wants to be in the hospitality industry and that tourism is her favorite thing right now, but she says it could change.

"Students need to do as many internships as they can so that not only will they know what they like and don't like, but they will have the work experience that will allow them to choose what to do after graduation," says Lauren.