Aslıhan Arıkan

First hospitality job:

Conference Assistant Intern @ Ontario Business Improvement Area Association

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Age you started working in hospitality:

23

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Your inspiration to begin working in hospitality:

My inspiration to work in the hospitality industry was my father as he used to work in
the tourism sector in Turkiye and in the hotel sector once he moved to Toronto.

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My hospitality mentor:

When I was a student at Humber College for Hospitality Event Management the
Program Coordinator at the time, Mary Jo, was a wonderful mentor! Also, at my
internship, Gael Little, the Conference Manager taught me many things in relation to
events industry.

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What are your favourite aspects of your job?

I love the entertainment aspect of my job. I have done a few weddings as well, and
putting a smile on the faces of my clients beats everything.

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What has inspired you to continue your career path in hospitality?

The hospitality industry is massive and after working at ORHMA my interest in the
accommodations and tourism sectors have grown and would like to learn and work
within these sectors in the future.

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Advice for students interested in a career in hospitality:

My advice would be to ask questions to your mentor(s). If you are a shy individual,
take a leadership or speaker course and this will help you become more comfortable
in a networking environment.