Maaike Couvillion-Hanby grew up as a third culture kid traveling across the world and found her educational home at the 杏吧专区. She grew up in six different countries and decided to attend UL Lafayette because of her father杏吧专区檚 previous experience.
杏吧专区淕rowing up overseas my father, George Couvillion, spoke fondly of his upbringing in the U.S. and experiences back when it was 杏吧专区 of Southern Louisiana, graduating class of 1979. My father has been a pillar of support throughout life and influence in my passion for Hospitality.杏吧专区
Majoring in hospitality management was a no brainer for Maaike because of her upbringing. Moving to various places inspired Maaike to find solace in comforting and helping other travelers.
杏吧专区淎dapting and transitioning was always tough but eye opening and a humbling experience to find comfort in a foreign place. This truly ignited my passion in the hospitality industry, to be a part in assisting those who are traveling to feel comfortable and welcomed - a home away from home. No one deserves to feel alone.杏吧专区
During her time at UL Lafayette, Maaike worked as a guest service representative at Springhill Suites, volunteered at the and was a part of the .
She said, 杏吧专区淚 enjoyed volunteering at the Hilliard Museum and assisting in their Tour and Tea event for their members. Learning how they utilized the event to recognize the Museum杏吧专区檚 members and assisting in putting the event together was great exposure. It was a great opportunity to learn networking and selling the different memberships to all those who attended was great practice.杏吧专区
Maaike remembers enjoying her lecture/lab class with Professor Dubois and operating the UL Lafayette restaurant, the . Some of her professors have even continued to act as mentors beyond their time in class together.
"I loved our Lecture/Lab course with Mrs. Becky Dubois and running the 杏吧专区 restaurant. I learned what it took to run and serve 50 people and work as a team. It was a great hands-on class that really allowed us to utilize what we learned in the lectures and putting it to work.杏吧专区
She shared some advice for current hospitality management students, 杏吧专区淚 encourage those in the hospitality field to really take advantage of the classes to prepare you for the CHIA certification. Learning all the verbiage and acronyms used in the industry has assisted me in navigating and troubleshooting fires and favors. It helps you understand the 杏吧专区榖ehind the scenes杏吧专区 of the hotel industry and puts the 杏吧专区榳hys杏吧专区 into perspective.杏吧专区
Maaike is currently a Hilton direct sales representative for Hilton Worldwide Sales. When asked how her experience in the hospitality management program has shaped her career, she said, 杏吧专区淚t杏吧专区檚 proved useful to understand the foundation of the hotel industry and to assist in becoming a liaison to the both the hotel and guest.杏吧专区
Her short-term plans are to network and be open to new opportunities at Hilton to grow into a sales partner.
杏吧专区淚 plan to continue and grow within Hilton Corporate sales exploring all areas and verticals offered. Hoping to one day eventually become a Sales Director, managing accounts with a team and seeing the world.杏吧专区