Peer Perspective – October
From the Classroom to the Sales Office
When you meet Haley Dodman and Kyra Lee, it’s clear that friendship and ambition travel well together. Both seniors in Virginia Tech’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program, the two Hokies have turned their classroom lessons into real-world experience as sales coordinators for the Hyatt Place and Residence Inn Blacksburg University, under the leadership of James Landrum, Director of Sales for both properties.
For Haley, hospitality runs deep — from family roots in Virginia Tech to a lifelong love of travel. Originally from Newport Beach, California, she came to Blacksburg ready to explore something new. “I’d always wanted to move across the country,” she said. “Hospitality just felt like the perfect fit, and pairing it with my Marketing Management major made sales the ideal next step.”
That next step began with a class project where she shadowed Ken Rogers, General Manager at the Residence Inn. “Ken connected me with James over at the Hyatt,” Haley recalled. “That one assignment completely changed my path — I’ve been learning ever since.”
For Kyra, the pull toward Virginia Tech — and hospitality — came from something equally genuine: the community itself. “Blacksburg and Virginia Tech’s atmosphere made it an easy choice,” she said. “I’ve always loved creating memorable experiences for others, and sales brings together everything I love about hospitality — events, strategy, and teamwork.”
Both credit James Landrum for cultivating an environment where learning happens every day. “He’s created such an open space where we feel comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas,” Kyra said. “It’s fast-paced, creative, and no two days are the same — which is exactly what makes it exciting.”
Haley agreed, adding that real-world sales looks very different from what’s in the textbook. “In class, everything is black and white,” she explained. “In the hotel, you have to think on your feet and problem-solve in real time. It’s taught me time management, multitasking, and how to stay calm when things move quickly.”
Both interns describe the experience as more than a résumé line — it’s been a crash course in leadership, communication, and connection. “This internship has helped me understand how hotels and communities are intertwined,” Kyra said. “We’re not just serving guests; we’re shaping how people experience this place.”
When asked to define Newport’s culture, Haley’s answer was immediate: family. “My colleagues have always felt like family to me,” she said. “It makes work so much more enjoyable when you’re surrounded by people who truly care.”
Kyra chose genuine. “Everyone at Newport really means what they say — about teamwork, hospitality, and care. That authenticity makes all the difference.”
And as for doing it all together? That might be the best part.
“Haley has been my best friend since freshman year,” Kyra shared. “Getting to share this experience and see how far we’ve both come — it’s so special. We understand each other, support each other, and push each other to grow.”
Haley echoed the sentiment: “Having your best friend by your side through an experience like this makes everything more meaningful. I’m so grateful we get to do this together before graduation.”
As they wrap up their senior year, both agree this internship has opened doors and minds. “If you’re a student thinking about this opportunity,” Haley said, “take the chance. Step outside your comfort zone. You’ll learn more than you ever expected, and you might just find your second family along the way.”
Through their curiosity, courage, and friendship, Haley and Kyra represent the next generation of hospitality leaders, blending education, empathy, and enthusiasm in equal measure. At Hyatt Place and Residence Inn Blacksburg, they’re not just learning hotel sales; they’re living hospitality at its best.
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