News
News
Alumni Share Their Career Advice
Many Johnson & Wales University alumni step up to impart knowledge, whether by visiting classrooms, guest lecturing, serving on alumni leadership councils or participating as event panelists to share their journeys and impart advice wisdom they’ve compiled along the way.
We’ve compiled alumni advice gathered throughout this academic year on what skills to grow for success, how to connect with future employers and how to prepare for future opportunities and challenges. We hope these pearls of wisdom will help our current and future Wildcats put their best foot forward!
What Skills to Grow for Success
JWU alumni lend their time and support to current students, and we’ve garnered some of their advice on gaining the right skills from several alums who’ve presented in classrooms or on JWU Charlotte’s “Ask the Alumni” panel in March 2025. Jordan Lacey ’16 CMP has had an impressive career since graduating from JWU’s Sports, Entertainment, Event — Management (SEEM) program. While at JWU, she honed her skills through internships with organizations such as The Big Apple Circus, Beyond the Stars Dance Competition and YouNow before graduating and being accepted into Marriott’s Voyager program. She has handled events at New York Marriott Marquis, Marriott New York Downtown, J.P. Morgan, the Marriott Co-brand credit card and Schneider Electric, and she’s currently a project manager for technology events at Capital One. She is also the founder and CEO of Light the Candle, a nonprofit dedicated to creating birthday cards for foster children.
“Any student with a personal brand is valuable; it’s all about how you show up,” Lacey noted. “Develop the kind of organizational skills and professional skills that JWU experiential education focuses on, show them during your interview process and carry them through on site in your job.”
Amir Henley, who earned his Business Administration degree in 2020 and his MBA in 2024, has handled social media marketing for organizations such as Care New England and the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, as well as for celebrities such as Olympic and World Cup medalist Bode Miller and Brandon “Farmer Frenchie” French from “Big Brother.” Henley’s personal TikTok videos have garnered millions of views, and he never hesitates to help Wildcats create engaging content.
“To position themselves for success, students should focus on trusting their instincts while being open to feedback and new ideas,” Henley advised. “It’s about embracing collaboration; working with peers can inspire creativity and innovation, and it's a vital skill in the working world. Finding mentors who are actively involved in the fields you're passionate about can provide invaluable guidance and support.”
As for what qualities Henley suggests students develop: “I believe that developing grit, confidence and discipline is essential. Grit will help students push through challenges, confidence will empower them to voice their ideas and discipline will ensure they remain committed to their goals. Additionally, cultivating a growth mindset will allow them to continuously learn and adapt, which is crucial in today’s fast-paced environment.”
After earning her B.S. in Hotel & Tourism Management which is now Hospitality Management, Alexa Kirby ’13, ’19 MBA expanded what had been a part-time job as a night auditor and manager at the Hilton Providence into a full-time hospitality management career. After JWU, she joined Hilton’s Management Development Program and then served in several Hilton sales positions throughout Hilton at hotels in New Orleans and New York City, until moving to a corporate position on the Full Service Brands team in 2016. After earning her MBA in Hospitality Management at JWU, she became a manager on the Worldwide Sales Business Travel Sales team at Hilton.
“I think eagerness and willingness to learn are two qualities that are important in recent graduates,” advised Kirby. “If you’re eager to learn and willing to adapt that will shine through. Adaptability is so important in today’s world, and being able to bring that to a workplace is crucial.”
“You can position yourself for success by having access to individuals in the industry you want to work for,” Kirby added. “Make connections with people with corporate-level jobs. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and follow through with those connections; don’t just stop at the introduction. Stay relevant, follow their careers and continue to introduce yourself each time you meet them.”
Brion Cephus ’18 is an operations consultant, wine enthusiast and an experience curator in Charlotte, North Carolina. After earning his A.S. in Culinary Arts in 2016 followed by his B.S. in Culinary Arts and Food & Beverage Management with a Sommelier minor, his journey has included managing beverage programs for hotel brands such as Omni & the Kessler Collection and curating local wine programs for the likes of Sonoma Restaurant Group & Assorted Table Wine Shop. Now through his personal brand, The Certified Wino, Cephus seeks to educate consumers on wine, food & hospitality through a new lens.
Cephus advises students to be adaptable and to learn about other disciplines that could serve them. “Looking back, I would have tried to learn more about media and marketing as it pertains to food and beverage operations,” he noted. "You also have to desire to be a lifelong learner — you'll never know everything in the rapidly changing landscape of any industry. Not only that, but you have to be tenacious in every step of your career."
Cephus added, "Sincere individuality in their thinking and a clearly communicated, personal brand identity will give graduating students the edge over more experienced professionals when job hunting and allow them to more easily navigate entrepreneurial ventures."
How to Connect with Future Employers
Sure, you’ll meet employers after you graduate, but what can you do to get your foot in the door while still a student?
“Network – but be intentional with your networking,” advised Jordan Lacey. “Ask intentional questions, go to industry events and pursue PCMA and MPI student memberships and discounted attendance opportunities. Make the most of those experiences to get out your brand!” Lacey also reminded students of campus resources to connect with employers. “I encourage students to take advantage of JWU’s Career Services & Experiential Education resources and obtain several internships before you graduate.”
"Working in entry-level positions now will develop your résumé and ensure you have the goods necessary to move into management level roles upon graduation,” agreed Brion Cephus. “Work with the Experiential Education & Career Services folks to get your foot in the door with companies you're interested in. Starting the grunt work now will lay a foundation of career building blocks to propel you forward post-graduation." Cephus added, “Foster connections with care and you’ll see them pay off in the most unexpected of ways later down the road. Build your community while you’re at JWU so you can take that network with you and keep building upon it."
"I encourage students to be proactive in reaching out to professionals on platforms like LinkedIn,” Amir Henley stated. “Building a network can open doors to incredible insights and opportunities. One effective approach is to follow up after presentations or events, expressing genuine interest in the speaker's work. Inviting them for a coffee chat — even if it's virtual — can lead to priceless conversations. A small investment in a $5 coffee can yield significant advice, connections and guidance.”
"Also, attending networking events and participating in workshops can provide direct interactions with industry experts, reinforcing the importance of building relationships in their career journey,” he added.
“Continue to work on growing your connections,” Alexa Kirby advised. “Also, know your brand and what you see for yourself in the future. Don’t let the connection die — make yourself relevant. We meet hundreds of people in our day-to-day jobs, and we meet a lot of students wanting connections. The ones that stick are the ones that continue the connection, continue the conversation and keep themselves relevant. You’re only as successful as you allow yourself to be, so why let your chance end with one conversation? Give yourself a fighting chance by continuing the conversation.”
She also advised students to find a career where they will feel valued. “Find a job who does not treat you like a number in a world where people can sometimes be treated as just that,” she noted. “It’s ok for a company to not be the right fit for you. Keep in mind that during interviews, you are also interviewing the company; make sure your values align.”
After earning her B.S. in Hospitality Management, during which she worked as a front desk agent at Holiday Inn Charlotte Center City, guest service representative for the Carolina Panthers and gallery host for Hyatt Place Arrowood, Charelle Childs ’20 worked in various roles for Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel and for JWU Marriott Charlotte. Today, as account sales manager for Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, she’s part of the Visit Charlotte team that delivers enriching experiences to visitors and residents, joining forces with multiple brands to reinforce that “Charlotte’s got a lot.”
“Classes connected me with people, while career fairs helped me network,” Childs said of her experience, urging students to make connections while at JWU. “The loudest person in the room is not the smartest person in the room,” Childs noted. “Employers look for people who can take action, so students should learn all they can and expand both their knowledge and their worldview. Studying abroad in Mexico was eye-opening and expanded my network. Take advantage of study abroad experiences, internships, training programs — even ask for tours of different companies in the area. The important thing is to take action now.”
Hospitality Management alum Kye Finch ’23, assistant rooms operations manager of Charlotte Marriott City Center, offered two tips at the Ask the Alumni panel for building your confidence: talking to strangers at job fairs and figuring out your sales pitch. “Don’t focus on ‘why me’ but on ‘why not me’,” Finch advised.
How to Prepare for Opportunities and Challenges in Your Industry
Charelle Childs ’20 noted a concern during the Ask the Alumni panel about technology taking away human interactions in hospitality. What else do our alumni feel are challenges and opportunities in their industries?
“This industry — the world, really — is changing so rapidly,” commented Alexa Kirby ’13, ’19 MBA. “Many view AI as a threat, but it’s easy to reframe it as an opportunity if you are keeping yourself and your role relevant in the process. Reframe it as ‘what can AI enhance that I already do’ instead of ‘what will AI replace.’ The traveler and what they want is constantly changing; travelers now are valuing engagement and experiences, whereas that wasn’t the case just a few years ago. We live in a world where “bleisure” (business + leisure travel) and “frolleagues” (friends who are colleagues) are words that our industry invented. The opportunities in the hotel industry are endless, and the growth that we’ve seen throughout this industry is amazing. I think the future of hotels is ever-changing and travelers wants and needs are changing, but that’s what makes it exciting!”
Jordan Lacey’16 advises future event professionals to be able to quickly adapt to changing spaces. “Two years ago, most events were virtual; now they’re incorporating more sustainability and technology,” she noted. “You need to be able to tap into the industry to be successful.”
Brion Cephus ’18 agrees about changing spaces: "The landscape of the hospitality industry in particular has changed dramatically post-pandemic, both positively and negatively. The biggest challenge in my mind for the next generation of professionals is the talent pool to job availability ratio. Many positions that were once held by two separate people have been consolidated into a single role in an effort to reduce labor expense, but they also ensure that only high performers can secure the position.”
“In the marketing, social media and content creation fields, I foresee that the rise of AI presents both challenges and significant opportunities,” Amir Henley ’20, ’24 MBA stated. “While AI can automate some tasks, it also enables professionals to focus on creativity and strategy, areas where the human touch is irreplaceable. Professionals should stay informed about technological advancements, as integrating AI tools can enhance their work and efficiency.”
“Additionally, as the landscape of content creation evolves, new platforms and innovative ways to engage with audiences will emerge,” he noted. “Those who can adapt, learn and leverage these changes will find themselves well-positioned for success in an ever-evolving industry.”
