01/29/18

Seven tourism and hospitality students from Fort Hays State University’s Department of Applied Business Studies recently traveled to Dallas, Texas, for a one week externship with the corporate offices of Jason’s Deli.

Students visited with corporate managers at Jason’s distribution center and studied the sourcing of products and ingredients, quality control and product storage and the logistics of managing a truck fleet.

The externship was designed by FHSU’s Tourism & Hospitality Management Travel Club.

“The goal of the externship is to have an impact on the students by exposing them to various aspects of the travel and tourism industry and to help them grow professionally,” said Alicia Kroeger, Ellis graduate student and THM Travel Club president.

“This experience gave our students the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the industry” said Dr. Karen Thal, assistant professor of applied business studies. “They were able to increase their professional networks and generate more ideas for possible career paths.”

“I’d like to thank Kari Gfrorer and the many managers at Jason’s Deli for hosting FHSU and providing a wonderful, in-depth look at their business operations. I also thank all the other managers who provided business tours,” said Thal.

Travel and tourism supports 15 million jobs in the United States and 277 million jobs worldwide.

“This is my second externship, and both have been great in opening my eyes to the possibilities the tourism and hospitality management industry offers,” said Rachel Luedders, Hays senior. “The managers and employees of Jason’s Deli and the other businesses were very welcoming and provided us a great hands-on learning experience.”

Students are listed alphabetically with hometown and classification.

Allie Glidewell, Valley Center, is a junior.

Cyrus Haynes, Solomon, is a junior.

Emily Price, Littleton, Colo., is a senior.

Yara Ramirez, Oakley, is a sophomore.

Taryn Rupp, Hays, is a sophomore.