<p><span class="p-body">Zachary Goldenberg, a student in the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-global-hospitality-management.html" target="_blank">MS in Global Hospitality Management</a> program at NYU SPS, has always had a passion for travel and the hospitality industry. This passion is shared by Goldenberg's classmates and instructors, creating a learning environment that is primed to help students shape the future of hospitality.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">We recently caught up with Goldenberg to hear more about his experience as a student, what he's learned so far, and where he has his sights set on next.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Born and raised in Montreal, Canada, Goldenberg completed his undergraduate degree in business administration at McGill University. His early fascination with travel and the culinary arts was sparked by his parents, who often took him to unique destinations around the world. A trip to Sicily at the age of 15, where he witnessed his parents learning about wine against the backdrop of Mt. Etna, was a pivotal moment for him. This experience was the beginning of his deep appreciation for the hospitality sector.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">When Goldenberg started thinking about graduate school, he was excited about NYU's global reputation and the prospect of studying in the city that never sleeps. For someone looking to build a career in hospitality, New York is the ultimate classroom, and NYU's location allows students to experience the city's robust hospitality scene firsthand. Goldenberg was drawn to NYU for its name recognition, which he believed would be valuable wherever he chose to work in the future, so it was an easy choice for him.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">&quot;Being an NYU student has been incredibly rewarding as we have the chance to learn from professors who are experts in their fields,&quot; Goldenberg says. He appreciates the unique learning environment, where the classroom extends beyond four walls to encompass the whole city. Professors bring their industry expertise directly into the classroom, while the city itself serves as a living laboratory where students can explore and experience the principles they learn about. Visiting restaurants, bars, hotels, and event spaces in New York provides invaluable real-world context to their studies.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">One of the most impactful aspects of Goldenberg's NYU experience so far has been his internship course, which allowed him to explore a niche within the hospitality industry that aligned with his interests in wine. Having worked in wine importation and distribution before NYU, he sought an opportunity to dive deeper into the hospitality side of the wine industry. At his internship at Domaine Serene Winery in Oregon's Willamette Valley, he worked as a wine specialist which allowed him to curate wine experiences for guests and taught him how to effectively sell wine. &quot;This internship taught me a lot about the wine and hospitality industry as a whole, but also about the art of sales,&quot; he shares. The experience was the beginning of a new passion for sales and marketing, revealing a potential career path he had not considered before.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">The MS in Global Hospitality Management program at NYU has been instrumental in Goldenberg's development, providing him with both the knowledge and the network to succeed. The program has filled in the gaps left by his undergraduate business education, particularly the nuances specific to the hospitality and tourism industries. The connections formed with professors and classmates alike have been invaluable. Goldenberg believes these relationships will serve him well in his future career, whether in Canada, the UK, or anywhere else his journey takes him. The professors, with their deep industry ties, continuously offer career opportunities to students, enhancing the value of their NYU experience.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">For many students, there are always one or two classes that stand out from the rest. For Goldenberg's , it was <i>Data Analytics for Hospitality and Tourism</i> with Christopher Gaffney. The class challenged him to think critically about the interdependencies within the hospitality ecosystem and the potential consequences of mismanaging these connections. It also provided him with an opportunity to assist Gaffney with his research, deepening his understanding of the global impacts of tourism. This hands-on experience solidified his appreciation for the delicate balance required in hospitality management, a lesson that will no doubt inform his future career decisions.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Looking ahead, Goldenberg is still exploring his post-graduate options. While he remains passionate about the wine industry, his time at NYU has also piqued his interest in hotel marketing, sales, and brand management. His career may lead him back to Canada or to new opportunities in the United Kingdom. Wherever he lands, he feels well-prepared thanks to the strong foundation laid by NYU SPS.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">For incoming NYU SPS students, Goldenberg's advice is straightforward: get to know your professors. &quot;As NYU students, you would be lucky enough to spend hours each week with some of the smartest people in our industry,&quot; he emphasizes. Building relationships with faculty can provide insights that go far beyond the classroom, offering lessons drawn from years of real-world experience and success.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Take your career to new heights when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-global-hospitality-management.html" target="_blank">MS in Global Hospitality Management</a>. The future of hospitality is yours to shape.</span></p>