Neema Kamala, a graduating student in the Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality getting her M.S. in Event Management, gives us some insight into some of her favorite parts of her NYU experience.
Looking back on your time at NYU, what are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of building HTES’ Advocate Program, which is a mentorship program for Tisch Center of Hospitality graduate students. Mentorship is something I’m passionate about and I was so excited to bring a program like the Advocate Program to my peers.
What was your favorite class, and why?
My favorite class is “Current Issues in Events”, with Visiting Professor Goldblatt. It is a small class and the intimacy of it had allowed for really great group discussions. I also really enjoy how the diverse lineup of expert guest lecturers that Professor Goldblatt curated for the course.
What advice do you have to students entering into the program?
Be sure to take advantage of the depth of experience that your peers have. I’ve learned as much from my classmates during my time here as I have my professors, so don’t hesitate to build those relationships.
What is something you wish you would’ve known when you started at NYU?
I wish that I knew how quickly time would fly by, especially as a graduate student. To that end, take advantage of student memberships for any professional associations that interest you and conduct as many informational interviews with people as you can. You never know what could come of them! It could end up in a job offer or in you discovering a new passion!
Who is a professor that has been influential to you during your NYU experience?
I hold Dr. Minnaert really close to my heart. As I was building the Advocate Program, she was my biggest cheerleader and supporter. She always makes time for students and is honestly someone you can turn to for anything.