<p><span class="p-body">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, students have the opportunity to engage with the hospitality industry in real time, learning from instructors who have decades of experience in the field. Nurul Syuhaidah Binte Senin is a current student who is forging her own path and leaning into everything the program has to offer. We were thrilled to speak with her recently to get her take on the future of hospitality.</span></p>
Nurul & NYC, a Match Made in Heaven
<p><span class="p-body">Originally from Singapore, Nurul has been living in New York City for a year, and soaking up as much of the city as possible during that time. "Living in New York City has been a longtime dream of mine! But also…being able to live in one of the greatest cities on earth at one of the best universities in the world doing the program of my dreams was a no-brainer," she shares.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Nurul's enthusiasm for her field is matched by her love for exploring new places, especially the numerous museums and unique cafes scattered across New York City's neighborhoods. "I can spend a whole day in museums," she says. This curiosity and eagerness to learn are qualities that have driven her academic and professional careers in the global hospitality industry.</span></p>
Taking Her Place on the Global Stage
<p><span class="p-body">As a student at NYU SPS, Nurul has found the experience to be profoundly enriching. She has particularly enjoyed the diversity within the student body and the invaluable insights brought in by professors who are industry professionals.</span></p>
I've met new friends from countries I previously have never even heard of. Not only are the classes fun and insightful, but the professors are honestly the best I've encountered. It is such a privilege to learn from so many industry professionals who have given me some of the best career advice and have challenged my thinking about the industry in many ways."
<p><span class="p-body">One of the standout experiences for Nurul has been her participation in a <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/global-offerings.html" target="_blank">Global Field Intensive (GFI) </a>course in Ghana, led by Professor Christopher Gaffney. "It was such a wonderful experience," she recalls. The course centered around hospitality in the context of events and festivals in Ghana, where she and her classmates had the opportunity to engage directly with local communities and government bodies. They learned firsthand about the strategies behind successful events and festivals and gained a deeper understanding of Ghanaian culture and hospitality. "The Ghanaian hospitality was also truly unforgettable!" she adds. This hands-on learning experience was instrumental in providing Nurul with a practical understanding of the hospitality industry on a global scale.</span></p>
Building a Network
<p><span class="p-body">Nurul's time at NYU SPS has been pivotal in preparing her for a career in hospitality. The program's emphasis on theoretical knowledge and practical experience has enabled her to apply what she has learned in dynamic settings, enhancing her problem-solving skills and operational expertise. The strong emphasis on global perspectives has also broadened her understanding of hospitality trends worldwide. </span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">To top it all off, the program has provided her with a valuable network of alumni and industry connections that have been essential for her professional growth. "I have also gained a valuable network of alumni and industry connections, offering mentorship and career guidance that has been crucial for my professional growth," she emphasizes.</span></p>
The Next Chapter in Nurul's Story
<p><span class="p-body">Looking ahead, Nurul hopes to leverage her skills and knowledge in a role focused on management consulting or business development within the hospitality industry. She has a particular interest in sustainability and is keen to work with hotel companies that emphasize sustainable business practices. </span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Her ambition doesn't stop there; Nurul is inspired to potentially start her own business in the future, a dream that was significantly influenced by the impactful classes she has taken at NYU. She singles out Professor Ozaman's Business Models and Markets class as particularly transformative. "Believe me when I say it was not an easy class, but it challenged me to think about the industry from a strategic business viewpoint," she notes.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">For incoming students at NYU SPS, Nurul has one key piece of advice: "Get involved in any way you can! Be it by attending various events, volunteering, joining a club, networking, or simply getting to know your professors and faculty better." She encourages students to take full advantage of the resources available, such as the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/careers/get-started-and-connect-with-a-career-coach.html" target="_blank">Wasserman Career Coaching</a> and workshops, to better prepare for life after graduation.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Make your mark on the ever-growing global hospitality industry 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> at NYU SPS. See you there at the center of everything.</span></p>