Chris got his hospitality career started while at Stockton University. He quickly learned that hospitality was his calling. Each and every class that he took just made sense which caused his interest in the field to grow. Through Stockton, he was able to secure his first job in the industry. He took an internship in Hotel Operations at the Atlantic Club. Through this position, he was able to quickly learn what it takes to successfully run departments. The majority of his career of over 10 years so far has been on the operations side of the hotel industry. He has worked in most departments including front services, housekeeping, and even accounting. He recently transitioned to the sales side of the hotel where he is now the Director of Sales at Sonesta ES Suites in Somers Point. His experience in operations has helped him tremendously in his role as Sales Director. 

Robin graduated in 2016 with her Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management Studies.  She started at Stockton in 2012 when it was still Stockton College and the HTMS Program required Professional Work Experience and a senior Co-Op in order to graduate!  Robin was an active member of the Hospitality Society and volunteered at events and meetings. She served as the President of Eta Sigma Delta in the Spring of 2015. In her time here at Stockton, she  met some of her closest friends and recommends staying involved throughout your time on campus! Robin was also happy to sit on the Alumni Panel in the Spring of 2017 where she was able to connect with students.  As an alum, she is proud and excited to see the growth at Stockton University, especially within the HTMS program. While finishing her degree at Stockton, she completed her Co-op (internship) at a local Country Club as a Catering Sales Assistant. Through that experience, she learned that she enjoyed the behind-the-scenes aspect of hospitality.  After graduating, she continued to work as a Catering Sales Assistant at a Country Club closer to home in North Jersey. She eventually was promoted to Catering Coordinator where she spent two years gaining experience with sales, planning and coordinating with vendors for the day of the event. She decided it was time for a change after those two years when she stumbled upon a Hotel Sales position with Sage Hospitality.  She quickly learned she was not satisfied in this role and began the job hunt again. After being unsure of the direction she wanted to go in, she gladly wound up back in events. Today she is the Events and Communications Coordinator at the Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in Bedminster, NJ. She enjoys the position because it is a dual position with event planning and communications/marketing. This allows her to be creative while serving others. In her free time, she enjoys writing her personal blog, attending local festivals and events, and trying to catch up with friends despite busy schedules! She says to students, “Do not compare your journey to anyone else's.” Robin hopes that her story helps others to realize that sometimes career paths are not linear. She bounced from event planning, sales and back to event planning with a touch of marketing - and that’s okay! She says, “To anyone reading this: Do not panic!  There are so many opportunities within the hospitality industry- you just need to find them!” 

Chris got his hospitality career started while at Stockton University. He quickly learned that hospitality was his calling. Each and every class that he took just made sense which caused his interest in the field to grow. Through Stockton, he was able to secure his first job in the industry. He took an internship in Hotel Operations at the Atlantic Club. Through this position, he was able to quickly learn what it takes to successfully run departments. The majority of his career of over 10 years so far has been on the operations side of the hotel industry. He has worked in most departments including front services, housekeeping, and even accounting. He recently transitioned to the sales side of the hotel where he is now the Director of Sales at Sonesta ES Suites in Somers Point. His experience in operations has helped him tremendously in his role as Sales Director. 

Amanda Minelli-Ortiz graduated in 2011 with her degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management Studies from Stockton University.  In 2010, Amanda went to Disney’s extremely well known, Disney College Program where she was a part of the Main Entrance Operations and Parking team at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park.  Upon completion of the College Program, she became a Disney Campus Representative and helped recruit Stockton students for the program. After graduation, Amanda moved to Orlando Florida and continued to work at Disney in areas including attractions, Food & Beverage, Guest Services at the Disney Reservation Center and as a Vacation Advisor and Supervisor at the Disney Vacation Club Member Services.  She is currently working for the Disney Vacation Club where she is a Sales Assistant. One of her favorite memories from Stockton and the HTMS Society was all of the dine-arounds and tours to the different local restaurants. She said, “it was a great way to connect with my fellow classmates while exploring areas around Galloway and Atlantic City. I have nothing but great memories from Stockton.” Her advice to students is to network, network, network.  Amanda said, “It is something that we all learn in college as we strive to grow our careers, but I didn't realize the importance of it until being out in the work field. After graduating, I was more timid and didn't know how to get to the next step in my career.” She said that however, being a part of a large company like Disney, it is about who you know and who knows you. She said to not be afraid of reaching out to people, sending emails, and to shadow for opportunities if you are interested in a new area or adding to what you already know.  “This way, when a job opportunity comes up, you'll be in the front of their mind!”