Casey Campbell was undecided when she began her first year at UNC Greensboro in 2017.
While taking advantage of UNCG’s study abroad opportunities and staying in hotels all over the world, she became interested in studying hospitality and tourism. Once she learned about the great reputation of the Bryan School of Business, that sealed the deal for her.
Campbell graduated in May with a degree in sustainability, tourism, and hospitality. Since graduating, she’s turned her passion into her profession as the general manager at Hotel Denim, a new local boutique hotel near downtown that pays homage to Greensboro’s history as the denim capital of the world.
Not many young graduates land managerial positions straight out of college, and to do so during a pandemic is no small feat. Campbell started working at the hotel as a front desk assistant in September, and within just a few months, she was promoted to general manager.
Although her day-to-day job duties vary, some of her responsibilities include tracking and forecasting revenue, checking reviews, deciding rates, and pitching ideas on how to improve the hotel.
Campbell says she uses the skills she learned in her business classes at UNCG every day. Courses like Revenue Management for Hotels and Strategic Planning for Trends in Hospitality directly prepared her for running Hotel Denim.
One of her biggest successes has been driving business to the hotel’s bar, making it a destination for young people to socialize, for companies to hold meetings, etc.
And as Greensboro returns to a “new normal” post-pandemic, Campbell is excited to see more people travel to Greensboro and book their stay at Hotel Denim.
Her advice to Bryan School graduates?
“Get as much experience and take as many classes in your field as you can, so you can learn if it really is your passion. Working at the front desk at Hotel Denim while in college really helped me understand the ins and outs of working at a hotel firsthand. UNCG is there to prepare you for your career!”
Story by Alexandra McQueen, University Communications
Photography by Martin W. Kane, University Communications
