Alize Lugo, of Lynn, was working at the front desk of a hotel while studying to become a dental hygienist when she realized her passion for hospitality. After switching programs at Middlesex Community College to pursue Business Administration, she was promoted to General Manager of her own property by her second semester. The key to her success, Lugo believes, was going to school and working in the industry at the same time.
“After I switched, I continued to climb in the field while applying my knowledge from school to my growth in the field,” she said. “I was able to learn more about what I was doing and go to work and try new things to help my business, as well as gain more knowledge combining what I knew and what I was learning.”
Lugo graduated from MCC in Spring 2023 to earn an associate degree in Business Administration. Planning to transfer to Johnson and Wales in the Fall, she was hired to work as Director of Operations for TPG Hotels and Resorts in Providence.
Getting her degree has already made a positive difference for her career path. In addition to developing valuable skills she does not believe she would have received otherwise, Lugo also enjoys sharing this knowledge with coworkers.
“I learned many things that others who didn’t go to college don’t know or understand,” she said. “Daily, I am able to apply what I learned to my work and teach others new things, which has made working so much fun.”
Calling her experience at MCC “great,” Lugo found supportive and understanding professors who cared about the field and helping their students jumpstart their careers. In particular, her advisor Kim Morrissey, MCC Hospitality and Culinary Arts Program Coordinator, helped Lugo balance attending college full-time with working a full-time job.
“I was able to learn more about what I was doing and go to work and try new things to help my business, as well as gain more knowledge combining what I knew and what I was learning.” - Alize Lugo
To finish her degree faster, Lugo took advantage of MCC’s summer and winter sessions and graduated with honors. She also received the Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Science, Hospitality Management academic award at MCC’s 2023 Evening of Excellence.
“I was extremely honored and it meant the world to me because my hard work was being recognized and it paid off,” Lugo said. “I was so excited to share this news with my family and friends!”
Lugo looks forward to continuing to work in a field that makes her excited to go to her job every day. By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire others to pursue a job in the industry.
“Every day is a new day with new experiences, and to top it off, the field is super easy to grow in,” Lugo said. “If you have ambition and have a passion for customer service, this is the right field for you!”