Teresa So

Hometown: San Francisco, CA

Current Location: Boston, MA

Why did you choose SHA?
Fell into the world the hospitality, decided to give it a try and have never been able to get away. SHA was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Perfect class size, so you can know your fellow classmates and professors well but still within the big school system. Additionally, there were so many opportunities that SHA provides to allow for the work experience we need to be successful in this industry.

What are some of your favorite BU memories?
BU Kung Fu, culinary classes in SHA, SHA events & outings

What was your first full-time job? How did you end up in your current position?
Rooms Corporate Management Trainee at the Hyatt Regency Cambridge. I interviewed during the on campus recruiting events.

Please describe your current role. How did your SHA education impact your career?
Currently I’m going through my rotations within the hotel, from front office (which is my concentration) to the restaurant, from cleaning rooms and making beds to washing dishes. I am almost done with my rotations, but I’ve been fully enjoying each department. One thing SHA helped me tremendously is helping me connect with internships or even if it’s just linking me with an email for me to reach out. I learned so much from previous internships that is absolutely applicable here. Learning how to read STAR reports, learning proper business wear were all parts that have contributed to my journey so far at the Hyatt. I think one of the most impactful and helpful things I learned at SHA was learning how to carry and present myself. Of course, knowing my way around an Excel sheet made me a super star at my property. Thank you Professor Kwag.

Any advice for current and prospective students?
Ask questions. Try everything. Don’t be afraid to show your personality. And have fun because you can only keep on doing what you are doing when you enjoy it.