Artwork by
Dennis Murphy

For the students, by the students

Sue Barr Returns to MU to be Professor for a Day
By Sarah Davis, Corner Post staff

Marriott Corporation Regional Vice President, Sue Barr, spoke with Hotel and Restaurant Management students on the aspects of the business. Barr, of the south central region, talked to the students about a career in HRM and how they can be more successful. The students were part of the Hotel and Restaurant Management 1043 class that meets in Tate Hall. The speaker attended their 9 a.m. class Friday, Nov. 5, 2004.

Barr is a graduate of the University of Missouri, Columbia. She graduated with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management in 1984. As a student, Barr worked as a desk clerk at the Hilton, located here in Columbia. The Hilton is now the Holiday Inn Select. After graduating she felt very strongly about not interning at Tan-Tara, where almost all HRM graduates were going during her college years. Instead, she took an internship from an acquaintance. She has relocated many times since her first job, leaving her with great experience.

“Just because you end up in one position doesn’t mean you will stay in that position,” Barr said. “Relocation is very important in this business and you have to be willing to work very hard to be successful.”

Soon after working for the smaller businesses, she was convinced by her desire to grow and a co-workers advice, that she needed to rethink Marriott. There was a position open and she took it working as a supervisor. Marriott took her to a few different locations, including Indiana, Iowa, Kansas and currently Texas.

“There is always a job opportunity in the field, you just have to be willing to work hard and make yourself known,” Barr said.

Along with relocation came promotions and a variety of titles with Marriott Corporation. Barr has been front desk clerk, supervisor, manager and revenue manager. As a revenue manager Barr recruits individuals, ensures implementation of technology, and implements new products and initiative. She is now serving as regional vice president for the south central region.

Barr shared with students eight key skills needed in the Hotel and Restaurant Management Industry: exceptional writing, mathematical/analytical, technical, personal responsibility, leadership, desire to learn, curiosity, and adaptability skills.

“Learning never stops,” Barr said.

In the industry of hotels, restaurants and any public relations, you will never have the same experience twice she said. One day is always different than the next whether you are working a front desk or planning a business luncheon. One thing that is constant is working with a team.

“Being part of a team is one of the best feelings you can have,” Barr said.

The Professor for a Day program will continue to have MU graduates come back to share their experiences and knowledge. The program finds successful graduates and uses them to further the education of students here at MU.

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