HTMSA Alumni
Meet HTMSA Alumni, discover the benefits of our association, and learn how our association benefits HTM students entering the hospitality industry
Dan McIssac
Dan has worked in the hospitality industry around the world including Canada, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan. Since graduation from the Hospitality and Tourism Management B.Comm. at U of G, Dan spent a year working on cruise ships with Princess Cruises. Since then, he has relocated to Japan where his currently position is Front Office Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka.
​
1. How did the HTMSA benefit you?
I served as a Second-Year Representative, Executive Chairperson, and President on the H(F)TMSA and the networking of our members, the faculty, events, and outreach was valuable for short and long-term connections and friends. I have been able to learn from many and still remain in contact years after where otherwise I would not have had those connections.
​
2. Which sector are you working in?
I am currently in hotels. I am a Front Office Manager with The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, Japan. Prior, from July 2022 to September 2023, I was onboard with Princess Cruises and worked on three ships as Guest Services Supervisor and Manager. I have two YouTube channels documenting each of these ventures.
​
3. What HTMSA event from the past stood out to you?
I might say ThinkPink really stood out. Our team always did a great job with this large and complex event – even during the pandemic when it was hosted online via Zoom! We always had a great turnout and lots of engagement. Although, not just in this event, each team from outreach to social media always worked hard to have a fantastic event.
​
4. Did you participate in CO-OP? And was that beneficial for you?
I did not. I intended to, however given my prior experience I was advised not to. Instead, by taking summer courses, I completed the program in 3.5 years instead of the projected 5 with co-op.
Sahad Kassam
Sahad Kassam is Managing Partner at Synvest Capital, a private real estate investment firm headquartered in Vancouver, BC. As a 2019 HAFA (co-op) graduate from the University of Guelph, Sahad started his career gaining expertise in hotel operations, with a particular focus in Revenue Management. Now, Sahad oversees the Asset Management function at Synvest, overseeing a diverse portfolio that includes hotels, office buildings, multifamily properties, retail sites, and other real estate development projects.​
1. How did the HTMSA benefit you?
The HTMSA networking events were always where I consistently discovered immense value. The program’s Alumni, especially those who previously led HTMSA, consistently demonstrated unwavering support for students. Their willingness to give back and guide new students was remarkable. HTMSA not only provided a platform to get your name out there, but also kept you informed about industry happenings,
​
2. Which sector are you working in?
Hotels & Investments
​
3. What HTMSA event from the past stood out to you/was your favorite?
My favorite event of the year was always the Job Fair & Alumni Night that happened in January every year. I’d say another favorite of mine was HTCC (Hospitality & Tourism Case Competition) that would rotate between Guelph, Toronto, and Montreal every year.
​
4. Did you participate in CO-OP? And was that beneficial for you?
Yes, participating in co-op was a pivotal decision. The work experience was, of course, a significant part of it. But the most beneficial component came from the relationships I was able to foster. My co-op mentors continue to guide me today, offering unwavering support as I’ve progressed from early career stages to leadership roles.
​
Bree Moore
1. How did the HTMSA benefit you?
HTMSA helped build my confidence so when I graduated I was able to achieve my dreams faster. I made incredible lifelong friends, it helped me better understand course content, and gave me an opportunity to put those skills into practice! As the Co-Charitable and Academic Events Coordinator with HTMSA I was able to plan not-for-profit events which tie directly into my current role!
​
2. Which sector are you working in?
I am currently the Community Relations Manager at McKenzie Towne Council in Calgary AB. My primary job is to plan not-for-profit community events with attendances up to 5000 people! I am also a wedding planner on the side with my own company, Bearmora Events.
​
3. What HTMSA event from the past stood out to you?
Think Pink in 2020 stands out to me because it was our first virtual event and we managed to still earn over $2k in donations! Planning it helped teach me resilience in the event world!
Shruti Kukreja
Shruti Kukreja is passionate about hotels, data and people, and graduated from University of Guelph in 2022 with a major in Hospitality and Tourism Management. She now works as a Distribution and Revenue Management Analyst at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Head Office. I was highly involved in different clubs including HTMSA during my time at Guelph and highly encourage everyone to get involved - no matter where you are in your undergrad.​
1. How did the HTMSA benefit you?
Being part of HTMSA was definitely a highlight of my undergrad. It was a pleasure to be on the team and work with my fellow team members to organize impactful events for the students. It helped me to take advantage of networking opportunities whether it was through interacting with alumni or working with the corporate sponsors for our events. It not only helped me develop strong leadership and interpersonal skills, but also create some lifelong friendships.
​
2. Which sector are you working in?
I am currently working in Hotel Data Analytics and also have experience in Hotel Real Estate.
​
3. What HTMSA event from the past stood out to you?
Think Pink has always been one of my favourite events by HTMSA. It truly shows the Guelph spirit to go beyond the student life and engage the community to raise funds for an important cause. The other event I made sure I participated in every year was HAFA/ HFTM Alumni Career Networking Night - you cannot find a better event to get perspective into what life one year, five years or 20 years after graduation could be like in different HTM related fields.
​
4. Did you participate in CO-OP? And was that beneficial for you?
I worked as a Sales Intern at Marriott Corporate Office during my co-op. It turned out to be a perfect opportunity to get insights into what the working world after graduation looks like, but more importantly I shadowed and learnt about different departments like finance, front desk, revenue management and development in addition to my core role on the sales team. It helped me gain a better understanding of what interests me and where I might fit best after graduation. ​