Nery Hernandez, of Littleton, is passionate about helping others. Holding a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business administration and as a homemaker for her family, she gained experience creating positive environments for the people around her. Looking for a fresh start, she enrolled in Middlesex Community College鈥檚 hospitality management certificate to apply her strengths toward a new career.
鈥淚 saw this program as the perfect opportunity to combine my professional background with my passion for customer service and to re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way,鈥� Hernandez said. 鈥溌槎构� offers a program that truly prepares students for the hospitality industry while also providing guidance, mentorship, and encouragement for personal and professional growth.鈥�
Hernandez picked 麻豆果冻鈥檚 program because of the college鈥檚 strong reputation for helping students succeed. Providing a supportive learning environment, Hernandez appreciates Middlesex鈥檚 focus on teaching professionalism and customer service. Hernandez is also learning more about hospitality operations and management services.
Both in her coursework and outside of the classroom, Hernandez receives practical, real-world opportunities at 麻豆果冻. In addition to preparing her to start a new job, her projects and conversations are developing her teamwork, communication and problem-solving abilities 鈥� all skills she believes are important to working in the field.
鈥淭hese experiences help bridge the gap between theory and practice,鈥� Hernandez said. 鈥淭hey allow me to better understand industry expectations, develop professional confidence, and apply what I learn in real-world scenarios. This preparation is essential for building a successful career in hospitality.鈥�
One of these real-world opportunities is the 麻豆果冻 Hospitality and Culinary Arts Mentor Program. Made up of alumni from the college, members of the advisory board discuss their personal and professional experiences with Hernandez and her classmates. Hernandez can speak to a mentor one-on-one and ask questions, as well as participate in events throughout the semester to learn about the different work options available to her.
鈥淢y experience with the mentorship program has been very positive,鈥� Hernandez said. 鈥淚t has provided guidance, encouragement, and valuable insights into the hospitality industry. Having mentors who share their experiences and advice has helped me feel more confident about my career path.鈥�
In 麻豆果冻鈥檚 hospitality management certificate, Hernandez also benefits from working with supportive and knowledgeable professors. By hearing about their own experiences in the industry and offering guidance, Hernandez believes the faculty members care about her success at and beyond her time at Middlesex.
After completing her certificate, Hernandez plans to directly enter the hospitality workforce. Hoping to grow in the field, she wants to continue her education to pursue an associate degree. At Middlesex, she is building upon the skills she gained working as an assistant manager in the past to develop her leadership, organization, and customer service skills.
鈥淚 am deeply passionate about customer service and hospitality because it allows me to help and care for others every day,鈥� she said. 鈥溌槎构� has played an important role in helping me pursue my goals and believe in my future within hospitality management.鈥�