Identifying Solutions for Today's Hospitality Challenges
<p><span class="p-body">Tisch Center <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-hotel-and-tourism-management.html">BS in Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management</a> student Payten Slack recently completed a coveted internship at Expedia Group (EG), where she served as a commercial intern. "Expedia Group has been on my radar since my freshman year of college," Slack shares. "My studies in hospitality and attending professional conferences exposed me to the company and what it has been working on over the years."</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">"[At EG] I focused on identifying existing hotel partners whose listings could be optimized to better compete in the marketplace," says Slack. "I worked to ensure that our lodging options are as attractive and competitive as possible compared to other online travel agencies, helping partners enhance their visibility and performance across Expedia Group platforms."</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">At the Austin, Texas office where Slack interned, she most appreciated the level of responsibility she was given. “To speak with high performing partners and see the value impact I am making made me feel very confident in myself and my abilities,” she states.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">It wasn't <i>all </i>business, however. "I'd eat outside with my coworkers, enjoy the Texas sunshine, and step away from our devices for a bit," she adds. "I also loved going to the Capital One Cafe for a pick-me-up!"</span></p>
A Dream Internship Come True
<p><span class="p-body">“Networking was not just encouraged, it was actually expected, which made it easy to reach out, ask questions, and learn from others. I’ve really enjoyed meeting people in different roles and seeing how all the parts of the business come together to support shared goals.” </span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Expedia's focus on using travel for good and ensuring travel is accessible to all resonated with the Tisch Center bachelor's candidate. A first-generation college student who hails from Austin, Slack is passionate about destination planning, tourism development, event management, and curating travel experiences.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Slack reflects fondly on the final group project that capped off her internship. “We were tasked with coming up with a solution on how to get room type discrepancies down to 0%. It required a lot of creativity and collaboration—hopefully, our solutions will be implemented in the future!”</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">“I loved attending company events and getting free merchandise, like an Expedia Group-branded backpack, and attending intern-specific socials!” Slack felt "lucky to have had the opportunity to intern at EG, which is something [she] had been striving for since [her] freshman year."</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">"It felt like a dream come true," she told us, "and I will never forget this experience!"</span></p>
It is really exciting to be a part of the magic in making that happen."
