First jobs and internships are invaluable ways to gain hands-on, real-world experience, as well as make professional connections with employers to aid in securing a job after graduation. Roger Dow, the former president and CEO of U.S. Travel Association, is continuing his legacy with the Roger Dow Travel and Tourism Internship Scholarship, a program aimed at connecting students to employers with paid internship opportunities within New York State.
Roger understands firsthand the importance that internships have on the trajectory of a young student's career. Roger's first job was as a lifeguard at Marriott's sixth hotel. Starting as a lifeguard and ending up as Marriott's Chief Global Sales Officer, and then the CEO of U.S. Travel, Roger has had an incredible career in the tourism and travel industry—and it all started with his first job as a lifeguard.
Meet Brooke Wilson, the Inaugural Roger Dow Intern:
Brooke Wilson is a recent graduate of Paul Smiths College for Hotel, Resort, and Tourism Management, and is now working as the Stewardship Initiatives Coordinator for the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA). After attending the 2022 NYS Tourism Conference in White Plains as a student and meeting multiple professionals in the industry, she developed an interest in pursuing the tourism side of her degree. Her exemplary work at Paul Smith's College led her to be chosen as the Inaugural Roger Down intern, which she carried out as an associate at NYSTIA.
Brooke cites this experience as invaluable for gaining an inside look at the diverse and exciting tourism industry. As the Roger Dow intern, she was able to build her network, develop valuable skills in professional communication and content creation, and participate in planning the 2022 NYSTIA Annual Meeting and Tourism Excellence Awards.
Upon completion of the internship, Brooke was offered a full-time position with NYSTIA where she is now working on multiple stewardship initiatives in sustainability, higher education, workforce development, and partner relations. She is especially passionate about sustainable tourism and hopes to contribute to sustainability initiatives in the NYS tourism industry.
Contact Brooke with needs or questions:
Brooke Wilson
brooke@nystia.org