Valerie Smead - NMU Blog

I have been at my current property for almost 8 years in various roles and have worked my way up to GM. I direct and manage all departments, from housekeeping to banquets, and provide more hands on assistance with the front desk as that's my strongest area of expertise. I create and manage budgets, work with sales and our franchise revenue manager to increase profit, handle all human resources at the property level, and more.

NMU provided an excellent base knowledge of hotel operations and food & beverage management. I still use skills I learned in college, especially cost control, beverage management, and supervisory skills.

Take lots of notes, and keep them. Also, keep your textbooks! I reference my textbooks regularly.

I was involved in the local music scene when I was in Marquette; although I don't play music regularly myself, I'm still very much a music nerd. I love going to concerts and discovering new groups.
I also did a lot of hiking and camping in college, and have continued that hobby. Most recently I hiked over 200 miles of the North Country Trail in Michigan.