“I manage special events and all things that are involved on the day of the event. This includes coordinating with other vendors, acting as a point of contact for clients, and communicating with back of house staff to ensure things run smoothly. I am responsible for event staff management, training, and hiring. I also manage alcohol purchasing, costing, and recipe development. Working for a small business allows me to experience many aspects of the event industry.

“The hands-on learning lab classes were the most valuable to me. I learn best working through tasks and my time spent in the Spice Box allowed me to experience all of the different roles and aspects of running a restaurant. It was also an opportunity to meet other professionals in the industry and learn more about career options after graduation. As a local alum, I am fortunate to be able to network with current students and even have a few that work with me.”