<p><span class="p-body">Hannah Choi's venture into hospitality began long before pursuing a <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-hotel-and-tourism-management.html" target="_blank">BS in Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management</a> at NYU SPS. Born and raised in Southern California, she has always embraced her duality; leaning into her naturally social energy and quiet, personal moments. &quot;I love to hang with crowds but very much enjoy my personal time,&quot; she shares. Hannah's hobbies are as multifaceted as she is, and two of her favorite pastimes are playing music and watching sports, particularly Formula One racing, which she eagerly follows. This year, she'll experience the Las Vegas Grand Prix in person.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Despite not considering herself a &quot;huge sports fan,&quot; she enjoys golf, swimming, and recently took up tennis. Her quieter hobbies include jigsaw puzzles, skincare, and a newfound interest in crocheting.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Hannah's decision to attend NYU came from her interest in hotel management, a field that had always felt familiar but not widely advertised as an academic path. Still, she felt pulled to hospitality and began thinking about her future career in the industry.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Transitioning to city life wasn't seamless for Hannah, but she soon discovered the unique value of NYU SPS. The tight-knit community helped her find a group of peers who shared her drive and enthusiasm. &quot;No year as an NYU student has been the same as another, and there is true value in that,&quot; she says, highlighting the constant opportunities for growth and self-improvement that come with living in such a bustling urban environment.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">As a senior in the BS in Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management program, Hannah has embraced NYU SPS's focus on practical, real-world learning. Currently, she is enrolled in the <i>Consulting Practicum</i> course, which emphasizes applying accumulated knowledge to real-world hospitality challenges.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">In this practicum course, led by Professor Jukka Laitamaki, students consult on real cases presented by members of the hospitality and business world. The course has opened Hannah's eyes to the diverse career paths available within the industry, reinforcing her passion for hospitality. These hands-on experiences have given her a sense of direction, helping her understand the different avenues she can pursue as she transitions into her professional career.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Throughout her academic journey, Hannah has found that the support of NYU SPS professors and faculty has been key to her development. &quot;Professors and faculty members are heavily involved in their student's development and welfare, which allows us to learn from deeper perspectives and find opportunities for professional growth,&quot; she says.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">In addition to academic guidance, she has thrived within NYU's social communities. She served as a member of the Hospitality Business Society and held leadership roles in the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/student-experience/student-community-and-engagement/student-organizations.html" target="_blank">SPS Student Council</a>, acting as Events Chair in her second year and President in her third. &quot;When sought for, SPS can provide strong tools for students to excel and achieve their aspirations,&quot; Hannah affirms. These experiences have not only expanded her network but also built a foundation for personal and professional growth.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">As she approaches graduation, Hannah's interests have shifted towards exploring the consulting and financial aspects of hospitality. While she considers herself a novice in the professional field, she is eager to delve into various areas of business, including software development and financial management, that intersect with hospitality. &quot;The hospitality industry is not short of interesting and creative roles,&quot; she notes, expressing her desire to understand hospitality as both a service and a business.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Hannah is determined to broaden her scope as she enters the career field, seeking her niche within the hospitality industry. The <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-hotel-and-tourism-management.html" target="_blank">BS in Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism</a> program has equipped her with transferable skills that will help her thrive in any environment, be it socially or professionally. &quot;The program structure provides a pathway for each and every student where we can curate a portfolio of courses that match our interests,&quot; she says, reflecting on how the diverse curriculum has prepared her for the next step in her career.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Looking back, Hannah credits her very first hospitality course, <i>Lodging Industries Structures &amp; Strategies</i>, with making the most significant impact. Professor Bjorn Hanson, a seasoned hotelier, brought the subject to life through his stories and experiences in the hotel industry. &quot;What I learned in his course is vividly scattered and embedded into every course I have taken,&quot; she recalls. His tangible approach to teaching has left a lasting impression, shaping how she views her future roles in the field.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">For incoming students, Hannah advises focusing on the present rather than worrying about the future. &quot;My advice is to not waste your earlier years thinking for the later and focus on how to make the most out of your now,&quot; she suggests. She shares a personal mantra: &quot;Just because you're slower, doesn't mean you're lower.&quot; These words serve as a reminder to stay grounded and embrace every stage of the journey, trusting that growth and progress will come in due time.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Take your seat at the table in a rapidly growing industry when you pursue a <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-hotel-and-tourism-management.html" target="_blank">BS in Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management</a> at NYU SPS.</span></p>