May 5, 2022

Tisch Center Spotlight: Graduating Student Series, Jiraphat "Petch" Vilailuck

Jiraphat “Petch” Vilailuck is a graduating student in the MS in Hospitality Management at the Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality. In this post, Petch gives us some insight into some of his favorite parts of his NYU experience and the impact NYU has had on him.

What has your favorite experience at NYU been?

In my time here, I have aimed to push myself, striving for academic excellence and actively participating during class. After class, I would grab a late dinner/drink with my classmates, which built a sense of comradery, as we all share a passion for hospitality. There is no better experience than finishing a quiz and or presentation and then hanging out with your classmates as friends. Since we are in the heart of New York City, there is always an innovative cool restaurant or bar concept to go try. There’s never a dull moment!

How has NYU shaped you?

NYU has reinforced the importance of  responsibility. NYU is academically challenging and also rewarding: you have to manage your time well without being distracted by the bright lights of New York City. Furthermore, the hospitality-centric environment and exposure to industry professionals at SPS has nurtured my career development, helping to mold me into the hotelier I wish to become.

What is something you wish you would’ve known when you started at NYU?

NYU is a campus without walls: the school is located in the heart of New York City. This is really amazing for me, as I previously studied in the much quieter surroundings of Lausanne, Switzerland. It can feel overwhelming at first to make friends in a city as large as New York City. However, everyone is so friendly and nice, and my advice is that you just have to find the courage to say hi. 

Who is a professor that has been influential to you during your NYU experience?

Every professor I had during my time at NYU has been really influential for me. But I would like to particularly mention Dr. Christopher Gaffney and Professor Ed Salvato. I had the pleasure of taking Dr. Gaffney’s Data Analytics course. Dr. Gaffney was dedicated and resourceful, challenging me to have a more holistic view of issues such as over-tourism and sustainability. Currently, I’m taking Professor Salvato’s class Trend in Travel and Tourism, which I highly recommend. Professor Salvato is very passionate and knowledgeable, specifically in the topic of DEI within the hospitality industry, a topic which wasn’t taught in my prior school. The knowledge and experience I gained from Professor Salvato’s class regarding new paradigms, DEI, and sustainability will be incorporated into my future hospitality career. 

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I’ll be returning to Thailand to help manage my families’ hotel chain “S Group” while also actively pursuing real estate/hospitality development opportunities. Long-term, I have an aspiration to work for Thailand’s tourism authority, promoting sustainable tourism growth. I will be taking back much valuable knowledge and many great experiences from my time here at NYU. Lastly, I would like to urge prospective and current students to take advantage of every opportunity this prestigious university has to offer.   


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