Skip to Top NavigationSkip to ContentSkip to Footer
Ferris State University BulldogFerris State University Logo

Summer Internships: Arianna Hassenzahl

Ferris State University students gain valuable work experience through internships. Internships also can confirm or redirect career decision-making, provide marketability, develop people skills and enhance classroom learning. Many academic programs require one, but the experience is encouraged regardless to provide students with a better understanding of what will be expected of them in the workplace.

Many students are participating in myriad internships this summer. Meet:

Ferris State UniversityArianna Hassenzahl

She is: a junior from Oxford majoring in Hospitality Management, with a minor in Event Management.

Her Internship: is working at the front desk at Grand Beach and Sugar Beach Resorts in Traverse City.

Her Duties/Making a Difference: “I am learning about a hotel’s operations through the front desk. I have learned the value of being able to remain calm under pressure, especially with upset guests. I recently received word from a manager that one of the upset guests I listened to complemented my listening and service skills. I was shocked when I got that news because I felt like I had done nothing to help that particular guest. Apparently, they appreciated me simply listening to the issues they were experiencing. This experience has opened my eyes to the individuality of guests. Every guest is different with different wants. It requires a lot of practice to know how to meet those wants. This internship is helping me learn how to gauge what will make different guests satisfied.”

Future Plans: “This past year at Ferris, I have been trying to figure out exactly where I want to go and what I want to do with my hospitality degree. After spending time learning the front desk at a hotel, I think I want to spend more time learning about the corporate event industry. Lodging will be an integral part of any future I spend in corporate events. What I have learned this summer will help me in that pursuit.”

Other Activities on Campus: “I am involved with Ferris’ Hospitality Management Student Association. I also am involved with the HisHouse Christian Fellowship on campus. One of my favorite hobbies outside of school is designing and creating greeting cards for all sorts of occasions.”

Ferris Core Value Arianna Identifies with: Ethical Community. “In my life, I practice and value a high standard of ethical excellence. I strive to maintain integrity and remain honest not only educationally but also professionally, and personally, I believe that a community falls apart without ethics.”

MEET THE INTERNS HOMEPAGE