Brief Bio:
“I am an HTM and Marketing Major from Virginia Tech. Though fairly new to the industry I am full of fresh ideas and energy, looking for a job that will bring out the best in me.”
The Dream: professional aspirations…
I’m looking for a job that can utilize my potential; I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that can further my career. I’m passionate about food and event planning and I want to work with people who are passionate about what they do. I have a very diverse background and various levels of experience in a wide variety of things, I believe you get what you work for so I’m willing to start just about anywhere to get my foot in the door.
“I am an HTM and Marketing Major from Virginia Tech. Though fairly new to the industry I am full of fresh ideas and energy, looking for a job that will bring out the best in me.”
The Dream: professional aspirations…
I’m looking for a job that can utilize my potential; I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that can further my career. I’m passionate about food and event planning and I want to work with people who are passionate about what they do. I have a very diverse background and various levels of experience in a wide variety of things, I believe you get what you work for so I’m willing to start just about anywhere to get my foot in the door.
From this page you can access photos of my work, events and competitions.
Laying a foundation:
My First Major Competition
The Igniting Creative Energy challenge, my Creative Children’s Book about conserving Energy won first prize resulting in a trip to see the Salt Lake Olympics.
*I was a runner up 2 additional years for my creative projects.*
DECA- An organization for High School Marketing Students
Entrepreneurship Promotion Competition: Working with a Real World Client “Elite Boardshop” My teammate and I created a creative promotion plan to launch the business resulting 1st Place District Competition 2004, Richmond VA and runner up at the National Conference 2004, Anaheim CA
Advertising Campaign: Created a campaign for Express Clothing Limited resulting in a runner up at the Regional Competition 2005
Extra Curricular Competitions
In addition to academics I also competed with the Lake Braddock Band Program as well as the VA High School Cheerleading League.
Both of these experiences taught me the importance of team work, persistence and consistency in performance. Characteristics that shape who I am today.
At the College Level:
Iron Chef- HMA Virginia Tech
Modeling the Iron Chef television show, VT HMA hosted their own Iron Chef competition, judged by the HTM food production faculty and staff. The Competition Constraints: 1 hour, 1 Chef and 1 soux chef, prepare 4 courses using the secret ingredient given.
Pi Sigma Epsilon Marketing Competition
Much like DECA, Pi Sigma Epsilon hosts a number of regional and national marketing and sales related competitions.
My First Major Competition
The Igniting Creative Energy challenge, my Creative Children’s Book about conserving Energy won first prize resulting in a trip to see the Salt Lake Olympics.
*I was a runner up 2 additional years for my creative projects.*
DECA- An organization for High School Marketing Students
Entrepreneurship Promotion Competition: Working with a Real World Client “Elite Boardshop” My teammate and I created a creative promotion plan to launch the business resulting 1st Place District Competition 2004, Richmond VA and runner up at the National Conference 2004, Anaheim CA
Advertising Campaign: Created a campaign for Express Clothing Limited resulting in a runner up at the Regional Competition 2005
Extra Curricular Competitions
In addition to academics I also competed with the Lake Braddock Band Program as well as the VA High School Cheerleading League.
Both of these experiences taught me the importance of team work, persistence and consistency in performance. Characteristics that shape who I am today.
At the College Level:
Iron Chef- HMA Virginia Tech
Modeling the Iron Chef television show, VT HMA hosted their own Iron Chef competition, judged by the HTM food production faculty and staff. The Competition Constraints: 1 hour, 1 Chef and 1 soux chef, prepare 4 courses using the secret ingredient given.
Pi Sigma Epsilon Marketing Competition
Much like DECA, Pi Sigma Epsilon hosts a number of regional and national marketing and sales related competitions.
Throughout my college experience I have had the opportunity to work on several "real world" client projects. Instead of work with in a hypothetical realm, we designed our projects to fit the specific needs of an actual client. These projects include: Anne Vaughan Designs- the client's goal was to become established, generate awareness and expand; The Blacksburg Children's Museum- this client's business was not yet established, their goals were to develop an advertising campaign that would generate 1:Funding, 2: Initial Awareness, Virtual, and Pop-up Phase and 3: continue to generate business throughout the Brick and Mortar Phase; finally the third real world project I worked on was the Coolum Kite Festival in Australia, the client's goals were to generate community bonding and attract tourism to the area.
*Please look through my advertising gallery to see pieces of these projects.
I have also had the opportunity to conduct "mock client" presentations and research projects on real world companies in a hypothetical setting. These projects include: Catering Management Wedding Reception Event, Starwood Hotel Corporate Analysis, Starbucks Financial Analysis and Competitive Method Development Report, Cherry Ripe Product Analysis and Marketing Pitch and a Billabong Environmental Analysis and Sales Pitch. Examples of these projects can be located in my research gallery.
Learning in both a hypothetical environment as well as a real client situation has taught me the importance of research- both of the market and in understanding the clients wants and needs.These projects have tested my time management skills, abilities to budget and work toward deadlines as well as my creativity and ability to go above and beyond.
*Please look through my advertising gallery to see pieces of these projects.
I have also had the opportunity to conduct "mock client" presentations and research projects on real world companies in a hypothetical setting. These projects include: Catering Management Wedding Reception Event, Starwood Hotel Corporate Analysis, Starbucks Financial Analysis and Competitive Method Development Report, Cherry Ripe Product Analysis and Marketing Pitch and a Billabong Environmental Analysis and Sales Pitch. Examples of these projects can be located in my research gallery.
Learning in both a hypothetical environment as well as a real client situation has taught me the importance of research- both of the market and in understanding the clients wants and needs.These projects have tested my time management skills, abilities to budget and work toward deadlines as well as my creativity and ability to go above and beyond.
I believe the best way to learn is through experience, because of this I have dedicated a large amount of my college career to getting involved in extra curricular organizations which give me access to industry leaders and professional development opportunities.
Trade Shows:
I have attended the National Restaurant Association Trade Show in Chicago in 2008, 2009 and 2010 as well as the International Hotel Motel and Restaurant Trade Show in New York City in 2009 and 2010. These shows have been a great experience, allowing us to interact with top industry leaders, tour properties and learn about the up coming trends in the industry.
Hospitality Management Association
Student Run Organization building careers in the Hospitality Industry. Focusing on recruitment and developing skills through real world experience
Eta Sigma Delta
International Hospitality Management Honor Society, the core focus of this organization is leadership development and philanthropy in the local community.
Pi Sigma Epsilon
Co-Ed Professional Business Fraternity- specializes in sales, marketing, and management. Through this organization I have competed at a college level, and worked on sales and marketing projects for real world clients. We also use our creativity and innovation to develop highly successful fund raising events to benefit both our organization and our chosen philanthropy.
Trade Shows:
I have attended the National Restaurant Association Trade Show in Chicago in 2008, 2009 and 2010 as well as the International Hotel Motel and Restaurant Trade Show in New York City in 2009 and 2010. These shows have been a great experience, allowing us to interact with top industry leaders, tour properties and learn about the up coming trends in the industry.
Hospitality Management Association
Student Run Organization building careers in the Hospitality Industry. Focusing on recruitment and developing skills through real world experience
Eta Sigma Delta
International Hospitality Management Honor Society, the core focus of this organization is leadership development and philanthropy in the local community.
Pi Sigma Epsilon
Co-Ed Professional Business Fraternity- specializes in sales, marketing, and management. Through this organization I have competed at a college level, and worked on sales and marketing projects for real world clients. We also use our creativity and innovation to develop highly successful fund raising events to benefit both our organization and our chosen philanthropy.
Service Project Awards
-Silver Award- held an Easter Arts and Crafts event for the residents of Sunrise Senior Living Facility
-Gold Award- Educated young people about schizophrenia, then hosted an event for participants to make meals for and interact with current patients living in an assisted living home.
Service Training
-Sea Scouts:Taught Sailing Merit Badge and “Able Level” Requirements to rising scouts.
-LIfeguard with the American Red Cross: Registered in CPR and life guarding, participated as active lifeguard at scout camp activities
Service Through Donations
-Goodwill Inc. Collection of clothing articles to be resold at a discounted price for the financially needy
-Humane Society: Collection of toys, blankets, towels, food, treats and other pet supplies to aide the Human Society Animal care center
-Food Bank Distribution: Collection of canned goods and other prepackaged foods for food bank distribution services to the Blacksburg community. Also worked in the facility, helping with product packaging and distribution.
Service for a Cure
-Inova Health Center: Participation in visiting and organizing events for the residents of Cameron Glen Assistant Living Center
-Walk MS: In conjunction with Cameron Glen- Volunteer service for the Walk for MS in Reston VA
Service Philanthropy
Organizations supported through my Fraternity Philanthropy
-Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
-Christiansburg Humane Society
-Project Nuru: “A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the goal of bringing lasting hope to those struggling to break free from the chains of extreme poverty around the world.”
-Silver Award- held an Easter Arts and Crafts event for the residents of Sunrise Senior Living Facility
-Gold Award- Educated young people about schizophrenia, then hosted an event for participants to make meals for and interact with current patients living in an assisted living home.
Service Training
-Sea Scouts:Taught Sailing Merit Badge and “Able Level” Requirements to rising scouts.
-LIfeguard with the American Red Cross: Registered in CPR and life guarding, participated as active lifeguard at scout camp activities
Service Through Donations
-Goodwill Inc. Collection of clothing articles to be resold at a discounted price for the financially needy
-Humane Society: Collection of toys, blankets, towels, food, treats and other pet supplies to aide the Human Society Animal care center
-Food Bank Distribution: Collection of canned goods and other prepackaged foods for food bank distribution services to the Blacksburg community. Also worked in the facility, helping with product packaging and distribution.
Service for a Cure
-Inova Health Center: Participation in visiting and organizing events for the residents of Cameron Glen Assistant Living Center
-Walk MS: In conjunction with Cameron Glen- Volunteer service for the Walk for MS in Reston VA
Service Philanthropy
Organizations supported through my Fraternity Philanthropy
-Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
-Christiansburg Humane Society
-Project Nuru: “A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the goal of bringing lasting hope to those struggling to break free from the chains of extreme poverty around the world.”
People to People Leadership Conference- Colorado State 2004
10 day conference, building leadership and team work skills through working on group projects, working out ethical dilemmas and various philanthropy events.
Director of Fashion Marketing Fashion Show 2005-2006
Requirements: Lobbying local retailers for clothes to showcase (working with designers such as Banana Republic, Express, Ralph Lauren and David’s Bridal), organization of model tryouts/selection/rehearsal, run-throughs, lighting/music, stage design and promotions.
Event Tag Lines:
“Please Don’t Feed the Models”
“You Wish You Were in It”
Hospitality Management Association- Catering Director:
Events:
-Advisory Board Dinner (Semi-Annual): 5-8 Course Sit Down Dinner approximately 40 guests (2009 and 2010)
-Recruitment Receptions: Compass Day, Destinations Career Fair, Hilton Day, Marriott Day
Large Scale Events:
- NRV Auction House 300 Guest Count- Cold and Hot Appetizers and Desserts
- Army Dinner: 200 guest this was an outdoor tented event and included buffet style service
Please see my events gallery for photo examples of my work.
10 day conference, building leadership and team work skills through working on group projects, working out ethical dilemmas and various philanthropy events.
Director of Fashion Marketing Fashion Show 2005-2006
Requirements: Lobbying local retailers for clothes to showcase (working with designers such as Banana Republic, Express, Ralph Lauren and David’s Bridal), organization of model tryouts/selection/rehearsal, run-throughs, lighting/music, stage design and promotions.
Event Tag Lines:
“Please Don’t Feed the Models”
“You Wish You Were in It”
Hospitality Management Association- Catering Director:
Events:
-Advisory Board Dinner (Semi-Annual): 5-8 Course Sit Down Dinner approximately 40 guests (2009 and 2010)
-Recruitment Receptions: Compass Day, Destinations Career Fair, Hilton Day, Marriott Day
Large Scale Events:
- NRV Auction House 300 Guest Count- Cold and Hot Appetizers and Desserts
- Army Dinner: 200 guest this was an outdoor tented event and included buffet style service
Please see my events gallery for photo examples of my work.
I absolutely love to travel, I have been to many places across the globe and plan to continue my travels throughout my professional life. In addition to traveling I have also experienced true European culture, living with a German Family for 2 months.
I studied abroad in Maroochydore Australia at the Sunshine Coast University for 7 months. This was one of the best experiences in my life, it was truly and eye opening experience which exposed me to many different cultures as well as a new perspective of the global market.
For the majority of my life my family has hosted exchange students, and for the last 5 year we have hosted students on year long exchange programs. This is a great opportunity for me to learn about other cultures and has helped me to become more culturally aware and diverse. They have taught me a lot about their customs and traditions and shared with me their global perspective. Additionally, my “little brother” in my fraternity is also an exchange student who is currently studying abroad from Switzerland.
I studied abroad in Maroochydore Australia at the Sunshine Coast University for 7 months. This was one of the best experiences in my life, it was truly and eye opening experience which exposed me to many different cultures as well as a new perspective of the global market.
For the majority of my life my family has hosted exchange students, and for the last 5 year we have hosted students on year long exchange programs. This is a great opportunity for me to learn about other cultures and has helped me to become more culturally aware and diverse. They have taught me a lot about their customs and traditions and shared with me their global perspective. Additionally, my “little brother” in my fraternity is also an exchange student who is currently studying abroad from Switzerland.
Internships:
Compass Group- Eurest Dining (2010)
Full Time, Position Assistant Account Manager and Regional Marketing/Catering Events Intern;
Tasks: ordering, receiving, inventory, financial record keeping, safety checks, monitoring hourly employees, in house marketing, corporate catering events, assisting in the kitchen. I worked on two Corporate Moral Builders, we planned and executed BBQs for over 5,000 employees. I also worked on the Boy Scout Jamboree for 70,000 campers and adults. Our catering contract we planned and executed catering events throughout the duration of the 10 day event.
Alumni Relations -Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech (2010)
Part Time, Position: Alumni Event Intern
Planning and implementing alumni relations event. Maintenance of alumni relations through: correspondence, events and promotional packets. I assisted in planning corporate sponsored tailgates as well as alumni reunions dinners/weekends.
Other Work Experience:
Olive Garden: (2009 -Present)
Part Time, Positions: Hostess and Busser
I completed a management field study with Darden and now work part time for Olive Garden. Here I have gained experience in customer relations, marketing- conducting Hospi Runs to generate local business, and general restaurant experience.
Advance Auto Parts (2006-2009)
Part Time, Position: Sales Associate
In addition to regular sales associate duties I played a large role in the inventory management tasks. I also worked on plan-o-grams, POS displays, End Cap and floor displays as well as other in store marketing efforts. I also assisted the management in counting down registers/completing the deposits as well as scheduling hourly employees.
Immanuel Christian Bookstore (2001-2005)
Part-time;
Tasks: Filing, cashier, stocking merchandise, inventory and customer service. I also assisted in their accounting office.
Burke Nursery/ Fall Festival Pumpkin Playground (2000-2005)
Part-time; Food staff/cashier.
Compass Group- Eurest Dining (2010)
Full Time, Position Assistant Account Manager and Regional Marketing/Catering Events Intern;
Tasks: ordering, receiving, inventory, financial record keeping, safety checks, monitoring hourly employees, in house marketing, corporate catering events, assisting in the kitchen. I worked on two Corporate Moral Builders, we planned and executed BBQs for over 5,000 employees. I also worked on the Boy Scout Jamboree for 70,000 campers and adults. Our catering contract we planned and executed catering events throughout the duration of the 10 day event.
Alumni Relations -Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech (2010)
Part Time, Position: Alumni Event Intern
Planning and implementing alumni relations event. Maintenance of alumni relations through: correspondence, events and promotional packets. I assisted in planning corporate sponsored tailgates as well as alumni reunions dinners/weekends.
Other Work Experience:
Olive Garden: (2009 -Present)
Part Time, Positions: Hostess and Busser
I completed a management field study with Darden and now work part time for Olive Garden. Here I have gained experience in customer relations, marketing- conducting Hospi Runs to generate local business, and general restaurant experience.
Advance Auto Parts (2006-2009)
Part Time, Position: Sales Associate
In addition to regular sales associate duties I played a large role in the inventory management tasks. I also worked on plan-o-grams, POS displays, End Cap and floor displays as well as other in store marketing efforts. I also assisted the management in counting down registers/completing the deposits as well as scheduling hourly employees.
Immanuel Christian Bookstore (2001-2005)
Part-time;
Tasks: Filing, cashier, stocking merchandise, inventory and customer service. I also assisted in their accounting office.
Burke Nursery/ Fall Festival Pumpkin Playground (2000-2005)
Part-time; Food staff/cashier.
ajownby@vt.edu
703-727-8598
