Olivia Kragen

Hometown: San Francisco, CA

Current Location: New York, NY

Why did you choose SHA?
I started at BU in the College of Arts & Sciences and I was lost. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my major or career. At the end of my Freshman year, I had the opportunity to meet with SHA’s Dean Stamas. A lightbulb went off in my head during that conversation. There’s nothing I love more than travel and food. Why not make it my career? The rest is history!

What are some of your favorite BU memories?
Some of my favorite BU memories include, going to concerts at Paradise Rock Club, hanging out with friends, Terrier hockey games, and dinners with the SHA Diner’s Club.

What was your first full-time job? How did you end up in your current position?
My first full-time job was as a Sales Assistant at Four Seasons Hotel Palo Alto. I wanted to develop a well-rounded hospitality career so I proceeded to take a position as a Front Desk Agent at Four Seasons Hotel New York. After two years in that role I knew operations wasn’t for me. I then took a position as Public Relations Assistant for Four Seasons Hotel New York. In that role I assisted with media relations, events, and social media. My current position is Manager, Social Media at PHG (Preferred Hospitality Group) Consulting.

Please describe your current role. How did your SHA education impact your career?
In my current role, I develop and manage English-language social media channels for destinations worldwide. I produce digital content that tells a story about a destination in order to attract the North American travel market. I am responsible for coordinating media familiarization trips, creating media kits, developing newsletters, and managing online and offline events.

My SHA education allowed me to form a holistic, global perspective on hospitality and the travel industry. I benefited from the wide variety of class offerings available at SHA. I took classes ranging from culinary to hospitality law to travel writing. The diverse hospitality curriculum at SHA helped me build the foundation for my career.

Any advice for current and prospective students?
If presented with an opportunity to connect with professionals in your field, go for it! Be kind and respectful to whoever you meet along the way, whether in your personal or professional life. You never know who or what could lead to your next career move.