Haley Vetere earned an Associate of Science Degree in Tourism Management (2021) from the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). She is continuing her education at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. Haley’s outgoing personality, combined with her absolute love for travel, is the foundation on which she based her decision to pursue a career in the travel industry. She discovered an interest in event planning while serving an internship at Hotel Indigo (South Side).

How did you choose your major? What motivated you to choose that field/profession? 
My mom had suggested that I look into Hospitality Management since I love to travel—and I always have. Since my passion for traveling is so high, I decided that it is my best option, especially since I can be traveling all the time for work.

What did you enjoy about attending CCAC? Any memorable moment to share? 
I enjoyed the fun learning environment and meeting so many people, especially meeting one of my best friends. 

How involved were you at CCAC? Did you study abroad? Did you have internships or Co-Ops? Clinicals and/or practicums? Were you a part of any clubs, sports, or extracurriculars? 
While attending CCAC, I participated in an Internship. I worked with another student and the general manager of Hotel Indigo located on the South Side. We worked to help open a brand new restaurant inside the hotel. 

Did any of these experiences lead you into realizing your passions for work and career? 
The internship led me to realize that event planning and working to open restaurants—like how to drive customers in and what events people would come to if the restaurant had any—was something that I really liked to do. 

What (transferable) skills did you gain that you could take into a workplace? 
I gained more communication skills, problem solving (more in depth), and patience (while waiting for vital information).

What are you hoping to do next? What would you like to do professionally? 
Within the next few years, I hope to be working at a hotel or business working on event planning. I would like to plan events like weddings, corporate events, seminars, workshops, etc. located inside of hotels or other venues.

How do you manage stress (most especially during these uncertain times)? 
I make sure that I set aside time for myself, whether it be watching television, listening to music, taking a walk, or doing any activity that really takes my mind off of what would be stressing me. 

What do you want prospective college students to know—what advice do you have for them? 
The advice that I have for prospective students is to make sure that you branch out and meet people in every one of your classes. If you make friends, you will have forever friends and people who can help you throughout school.

Who inspires you and why? Do you have any mentors or people of influence in your life? 
My parents, Jen and Scott, are both people who inspire me the most. They are continuously working hard and making sure that me and my sisters, Alyssa and Lauren, and our dog Kirby are constantly taken care of. Another person who inspires me is my best friend's mom, Christine. She is an event planner, and is someone whom I look up to in the hospitality industry.

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Stasia Lopez is the Global Education Editor for Wandering Educators and is Director of Student Life and Engagement at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), as well as an Instructor for a class on "The Job Search" at CCAC. She graduated with her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Western Michigan University in 2013 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Robert Morris University. Stasia is passionate about international education, travel, college to career topics and loves working on a college campus. She’s lived in four different U.S. states (Florida, Michigan, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania) and also studied and lived abroad in Rome, Italy. Stasia lives in the Pittsburgh area with her husband, Fernando, precious daughter, Maya, and playful kitty-cat Zorro.