Student Spotlight: Jake Tran/Tisch Center of Hospitality-Phocuswright Conference Ambassador

Jake Tran, a native of Huntington Beach, California, is a sophomore at the Tisch Center of Hospitality studying for his BS in Hotel and Tourism Management. His numerous activities include serving as an NYU SPS Dean’s Scholar, working as an admissions ambassador, and being active in NYU’s largest Asian-interest club, the Asian Cultural Union. Off campus, he is a college ambassador for SoulCycle, assisting in their marketing strategies. Last year, Tran interned at a Marriott Vacations Worldwide resort as an activities coordinator, which served as his introduction to the hospitality industry.  He is one of four students selected to serve as a student ambassador at the Phocuswright Conference.

What are you passionate about and why?
I find hospitality is the perfect industry for me. Assisting, servicing, and collaborating with people has always been something that has humbled me and provided satisfaction. Part of why I love NYU SPS is the extremely diverse student body that allows me to meet so many different personalities and cultures.

What led you to the NYU SPS and the Tisch Center of Hospitality?
When browsing through schools in high school, I had two things in mind: to be away from home and to find a program that would allow me to interact with people as a significant part of my career. Based on its reputation and location in New York City, NYU quickly became a top-choice school. That choice was solidified when I found that NYU SPS offered a degree in hospitality, which was exactly what I had been looking for.

What have been the highlights of your experiences at the Tisch Center?
A large portion of my time at the Tisch Center has been dedicated to the Hospitality Business Society (HBS), where I hold an e-board position working alongside driven individuals who compel me to be a better student and leader. Besides HBS, staying involved with all that the Tisch Center and NYU SPS offer has really elevated my experience at NYU. The Brener Lecture, SPS Global Village, and SPS Spring Cruise have all been amazing events.

What have you learned from your academic studies?
The classes and professors have been nothing short of exceptional. Every class I’ve taken has been extremely personal and rich in not only the content, but professor engagement. I want to give a shout-out to two amazing professors, Anna Abelson and Jing Yang. The academics come a little easier when the professors are beyond outstanding.

How do you feel about being selected as a Student Ambassador for the Phocuswright Conference?
I hope to gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of the industry and expand my network.

What are your plans for the future?
I want to branch away from hotels and focus on corporate roles––and potentially different streams of hospitality. My dream is to work in the theme park industry and manage a theme park’s operations! For now, I’m looking forward to the conference and my next semester abroad in Florence!