Gina Nespoli
Published: December 6, 2006
“Has everyone signed the pineapple?” asked Dana Muck, hospitality management major, a student in Dr. Lyn Pickeral’s hospitality class. Frantic, the class prepared for the guest speaker to arrive. At any given moment Fred Simmons, owner of Paradise Inn, was to waltz into the room. To welcome Simmons, the class signed a pineapple, which, in the hospitality industry, means ‘welcome.’
Simmons had given Pickeral’s class an assignment – to develop a marketing strategy promoting Paradise Inn. The students received hands on experience working with professionals such as Simmons on the project.
The students did extensive research to create a power point presentation for the assignment. Each of the students had a different section to work on; everything from hotel guest surveys to checking codes from the health department.
“It’s better to be hands on. This is wonderful for establishing relationships in the industry,” said Rachel Cottrell, hospitality management major. “It’s great for the future of PJC marketing.”
Others, like Cottrell, agreed that the hands on experience had benefited the future of their careers in marketing.
“It gave [us] an opportunity to work on a real life project, rather than just something in a book. So you got a totally different aspect,” said Craig Carter, hospitality management major.
“I did really enjoy doing it. It was a great learning experience, and I was able to step out of my comfort zone,” said Clair Brasseux, hospitality management major. “That’s something I have trouble with.”
Pickeral said, “They did a great job, and I’m really proud of them. I’ve had other companies and places already contact me about this program. This was wonderful for the students, and I am really thankful.”
Pickeral hopes that this experience with her class will spark an interest for other PJC students to work with the professionals in Pensacola to further benefit their careers.
“You couldn’t buy this,” one student said of the opportunity to work with professionals.
Suggestions the students made for changes to the website have already been implemented, with more to follow. The students presented Simmons with constructive criticism and a realistic plan for the future of Paradise Inn.
“Y’all have really opened my eyes, I’m impressed,” said Simmons. “And amazed. I give this class an A++.”