Influence Others & Penn State - Check Your Ego At The Door

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Bart Berkey

Influence Others & Penn State
October 6, 2008

Last week approximately 40 hospitality alumni returned back to the classrooms at Penn State to teach every hospitality class for an entire two days. It was an unprecedented display of support for the School of Hospitality Management and a chance for alumni to remember their college days.

As instructors we were asked to discuss topics relevant to their course work with specific examples from how our current companies applied certain principles and issues. Many students had a hard time listening to many of us discuss "mission statements" and "the economy" but as soon as the conversation turned toward things they could be doing differently as students, everyone's attention became focused. My sister, Nora Berkey-Campbell, a 20+ year industry veteran and former hospitality professor, and I conducted a motivational, coaching seminar that specifically shared "I.Y.K.N/ W.I.N.K." For those just learning to text, and perhaps through my attempt to be "cool" with this demographic, the acronym stood for "If You Knew Now/ What I Now Know" and was designed to share our life experiences to benefit the decisions that college students would be making now. It was tremendously fun and it positively influenced 42 students that evening.

After the seminar, about 10 students waited around simply to introduce themselves and to thank us for sharing our thoughts with them. My respect and gratitude is extended to those that attended the presentation after a long day of classes. In one of my earlier blogs entitled "Most People Don't," I talk about setting yourself apart by simply doing. I was so impressed by these 42 students that came to learn life lessons in an attempt to take advantage of other people's experience to be successful. It would have been easier for all of these students to go home after their last class or do anything else. It gave my sister and I a terrific feeling. We each have had mentors that influenced us in our careers and it can be equally as rewarding to share your life lessons with others.

One of the students, Peter, initially left the presentation and began walking home. As he walked, something that we said motivated him to turn around. It might have been the discussion about placing yourself in uncomfortable situations in order to stretch yourself to grow and develop. Whatever the reason, he simply introduced himself and thanked us for sharing our ideas.

Do you remember being nervous about getting your first job and entering the "real world?" Look into your alumni association to contribute your time or research local schools in your area. Share your ideas and help others succeed in the hospitality industry. Afterall, isn't "helping others" one of the reasons we signed up in the first place?

Posted by Bart Berkey on October 6, 2008 | Comments (7)

October 6, 2008
In response to: Influence Others & Penn State
Patti from Niagara University commented:

The College of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Niagara University in Niagara Falls, New York has a similar program. They bring the alumni to the campus every year to discuss with the students what is going on in the real world and how what they are learning today is going to help them later. Niagara also has a mentorship program that pairs alumni up with junior and seniors. The mentorship program really helps foster relationships that will last a lifetime. If anyone is interesed in learning more about the College of Hospitality & Tourism Management please contact Gary Praetzel, Dean at 716-286-8270.

October 7, 2008
In response to: Influence Others & Penn State
Suzanne McIlwee commented:

Thanks for putting together the seminar, Bart! I found your information and advice to be extremely valuable. You really set yourself apart from the other alumni that week by taking your time to reach out to us and as aspiring hospitality managers, we greatly appreciate it. But where's the picture with ME in it!??!

October 7, 2008
In response to: Influence Others & Penn State
Hillary Hunt commented:

Bart I thought the seminar was very intriguing and it opened my eyes to many of the little things that I can be doing to better my career. The PPP and MPD ideas were specially interesting. I will be sure to pay extra attention to the perception others have upon me. I think as you continue to spread your ideas to college students through blogs and seminars people will defintely be responsive, and the life coaching concept is truly a great one, especially for college kids. Thanks again for everything look forward to talking to you in the future!

October 7, 2008
In response to: Influence Others & Penn State
Amanda Zeigler commented:

Bart, you and Nora discussed many phenomenal tips about expressing yourself and setting yourself apart from others. While listening to you, I realized that being unique is the key to success in the hospitality world. I thoroughly enjoyed your stories about "most people don't" because you are absolutely 100% correct. Why blend in with everyone else when you can set yourself apart! I can say I am proud to be one of the 42 students out of the 800 School of Hospitality Management students to attend your seminar. Like you said, most people don't and I surely did! Thanks so much for taking time out of your schedule and presenting the motivational seminar to HRIM students when you could have been out enjoying State College! It was very beneficial. I suggest doing a possible continuation of the seminar next semester! I look forward to seeing you in the Spring!

October 7, 2008
In response to: Influence Others & Penn State
Jessica Testa commented:

Bart and Nora were such a dynamic and interesting pair to listen to and watch! The tips provided in regards to the recruitment process were extremely helpful in that we could better understand how they prepare themselves for interviewing students. Their advice about how each of us can stand out in our interviews were also notable, and I have already begun to follow through with their suggestions! I am definitely very glad that I attended this seminar. Bart and Nora's experience and enthusiam in the topics discussed make their seminar worthwhile for all college students, regardless of major.

October 8, 2008
In response to: Influence Others & Penn State
Missy Kostovny commented:

Thank you Bart & Nora for putting on this seminar for us. I really enjoyed your ideas and honesty. I feel that this was extremely helpful especially since I am currently going through the interview process. It is good to see Penn State alums that are still so active in the program and willing to help current students! Thank you again!!

October 10, 2008
In response to: Influence Others & Penn State
Meg O'Keefe commented:

Bart & Nora, I found your presentation incredibly helpful but most of all I appreciated that you tell students about body language, and things that a person might do that's viewed as unprofessional. Although your seminar is specifically geared towards hospitality students, I think that a lot of people would benefit from your lessons outside of the Hospitality Industry!