Deciding on a major and a future career is a difficult thing to do. I was Undecided until my sophomore year at Buffalo State. During that time, I was exploring potential majors when my friend suggested I try talking to someone in her major (Hospitality). So I did. I interviewed Tom Molenda, the General Manager of Aloft Buffalo Airport. Tom is an alumni of Buffalo State College, where he got his Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Tom also has an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and Management from Erie Community College. Tom started off as a dishwasher at a Holiday Inn when he was in college, then he went off and worked for nine different hotels including Best Western and Double Tree. He loves working with people. Meeting different people every day will never get old or boring to him. Tom stated that he thinks having a degree in Business is very relevant in this industry, because selling rooms in a hotel is a very intangible product to sell. Tom stated, “You only have the opportunity to sell a room one night and if it goes unsold you can never make up the loss.” That’s the motto he goes by since he focuses a lot on the profit and loss statements at the hotel.
But, for some reason, that didn’t feel right to me. So, I went into the English Department and I guess you can say I felt at home. Now, I know people automatically assume that because I’m an English major I’ll become a teacher after college. That could not be farther from the truth; I plan on becoming an editor/publisher for authors. I realized that I have a passion for reading books and what better way to read new content then to edit and publish it? So, I made arrangements to speak with someone in the editing and publishing business and the rest is history. I’m now a senior and I’m working towards my future. I guess the point I’m trying to make is don’t get discouraged when you’re confused about what it is you want to do. College is all about finding your niche and working on it. Also, don’t be so close-minded – either try and see if there’s other things that interest you and you’ll be surprised at what you find.