Hannah Bartell

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Current Location: Los Angeles, CA

Why did you choose SHA? 
I wanted to go to the best hospitality school in the most dynamic city. Boston is the epicenter of hotels, restaurants, culture, and tourism. It was also apparent that SHA truly cares about the success of each individual student.

What is your favorite BU memory? 
One of the biggest snow storms of 2001 made it impossible to leave your house or walk out of your front door. Somehow, enough people made it out to Nickerson Field for the largest snowball fight I have ever seen.

What was your first full-time job, and how did you end up in your current position? 
My first full-time job was at the Boston Copley Marriott as the assistant front desk manager. SHA has strong ties with great companies like Marriott. I was hired by Marriott during recruiting season at BU and was so fortunate to be placed at one of Marriott’s most prominent properties with 1,147 rooms. I wanted to get back to the West Coast so I transferred to the Renaissance Los Angeles Airport Hotel, then to the Marriott LAX, and finally joined the pre-opening team of the JW Marriott L.A. LIVE and The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles.

Please describe your current role, and how your SHA education has impacted your career. 
I am currently the senior sales executive for the JW Marriott L.A. LIVE and The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, handling the West Coast market. One of my advantages in this industry is that I have my degree in hospitality administration from a world-renowned school. Unlike other hospitality schools, BU includes a core of general education classes so that students have a wider knowledge base than hospitality alone and is equivalent to any other major in the School. I would not be in my role if I hadn’t gone to SHA.

Any advice for current and prospective students? 
Push yourself to have as many experiences as you can, both personally and professionally, that change you as a person and as a leader.