40 Futures Interns Participate in TSLF's Educational and Experiential Tour in Austin

In partnership with the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association Education Foundation, TSLF hosted its summer interns for an educational and experiential tour in Austin.

The pilot program was launched in 2025 as an educational and experiential opportunity for Arlington high school graduates and will expand to include educational and work study opportunities in the future. The interns met with industry leaders and toured the Texas State Capitol, Bob Bullock Museum, AT&T Conference Center, JW Marriott, Hilton Downtown, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association, Austin Visitor Information Center, State Capitol Visitor Information Center, and met with restaurant owners.

Program eligibility is based on teacher recommendations and the interns’ full participation in TSLF’s 40 Futures Initiative developmental training and internship programs.For more information, contact Mary German, mary@travelandsportslegacyfoundation.org.

Texas Hotel & Lodging Association Hosts Groundhog Job Shadow Day for Arlington ISD Students

Groundhog Job Shadow Day will be held on February 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The program will connect high-school seniors with hotel professionals for a focused, on-site experience. The goal is to showcase real roles, career pathways, and the skills that lead to success in the hotel industry. For more information, contact Debbie Wieland, dwieland@texaslodging.com. Submit interest by December 15, 2025.

I have the privilege of meeting frequently with potential job seekers, whether they are interviewing for positions at the Arlington CVB or simply asking to meet for informational conversations.

While I’m old now, I remember clearly being a college student who wondered if any company would ever be willing to hire me. I didn’t have family connections and was on my own to find that initial job that could lead to a career.

Following are some approaches from my younger days that have helped me as I approach 40 years of consecutive employment.

Pursue jobs based on the experience you want.

I really wanted to work in the sports industry when I was in college, so I applied to become a student intern in Arizona State University’s sports information office. I started out unpaid, but worked 30-40 hours per week, while being a full-time student. The money was never much during my 3 ½ years there—minimum wage, with one semester being solely tuition and books, but I built writing skills and industry contacts. It’s the most enjoyable job I’ve had.

To help with money while at ASU, I worked in a retail business for minimum wage. I learned valuable customer service skills and the importance of a strong work ethic and being a good teammate.  

During that time, I also took an unpaid media relations internship with the former Phoenix Firebirds minor league baseball club. I was allowed to write the team’s media guide and explored other areas of the business, including marketing, which helped me down the road.

In each of these roles, I picked the brains of people whose jobs interested me. I wanted to learn:

• What were their career paths?
• What skills are needed to do what they do?
• Do they enjoy their jobs? Why or why not?
• Is this a job I would want to do one day?
• What were their recommendations for being successful in the workplace?

Fortunately, every person I asked for an informational interview during my college days said yes. That stuck with me and I have accepted every request I’ve received through the years for informational conversations. It’s the right thing to do.

By the way, that ASU internship led to my first full-time job after college. The Fiesta Bowl hired me as its Assistant Director of Public Relations because they knew me from my ASU volunteer work in setting up the football press box for previous Fiesta Bowls.

Takeaways

• Seek experience in fields that interest you. Even if the pay isn’t ideal, performing well with a great attitude will get you noticed and will create opportunities.
• Seek informational interviews. Meet with people whose jobs you think you may want to have one day. Learn the pros and cons of their jobs and industries. That knowledge will help you determine if you want to follow in their footsteps.
• Be a lifelong learner. The internet and email did not exist when I began my career. The amount of change I’ve witnessed in 40 years in the job world is astounding. Embrace change and be eager to learn new skills. You want to remain relevant throughout your career.
• Work hard. I’ve seen plenty of people through the years who do the minimum to get by in their jobs, while telling themselves they’re giving it their all. Look in the mirror each night and ask yourself if you did all you could today to be productive in all aspects of your life. My first full-time job came from people who watched me work without me realizing it.
• Be a good teammate. Regardless of your title, be good to people. Many organizations experience culture issues due to people who are unhappy professionally and/or personally. Look to elevate others, while you are building your personal brand and skill set. These actions will get you promoted in many cases. If promotional opportunities aren’t available, look for your next role at a company where you can grow.