Student Spotlight: Meredith McCandless ’25

Meredith McCandless is a senior graduating with the Class of 2025. Hailing from Pittsfield in the Berkshires, she majored in management and hospitality and tourism management at Isenberg. She is looking forward to a rich and fulfilling career in the hospitality industry upon graduation.

How did you choose Isenberg and UMass Amherst?

Ever since visiting UMass and Isenberg for my two older brothers' college tours, I knew I wanted to go to Isenberg.

How did you choose this combination of majors?

Throughout high school I was lucky to have had several amazing jobs and learned so much from all of my bosses' leadership. I worked at an arts and custom framing shop in Pittsfield (Museum Facsimiles), my best friend’s family’s floral and gift shop (Bella Flora), and at the Boys and Girls Club summer camp for kids with special needs. Watching the positive impact these small businesses had on my community, especially during an emotionally and economically trying time, opened my eyes to the powerful impact of businesses that do good. My bosses were amazing, and watching their leadership inspired me to go into management myself. I added HTM as a double major after getting to do a short-term study abroad program in Italy with Dr. Melissa Baker, and I discovered my love for all things food, travel, and hospitality.

What have been your favorite classes and experiences at Isenberg so far?

New Venture Organization and Growth with Professor Charlie Johnson was one of my favorites because we had a totally electronic-free class with lively discussions pertaining to the challenges and opportunities entrepreneurship entails and how to find success. We also had an amazing array of guest speakers including venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. 

One of my favorite experiences has been being a TA for Management 301. My favorite part was getting to be a liaison between the students and professors to create the best possible class experience. I took the class in the fall of my sophomore year and have TA'ed ever since, so I understand what it is like for the students and get to help explain points of confusion and suggest changes for the course from my own experience. It gave me a better sense of empathy seeing how much students are juggling as well as how much the professors do behind the scenes to make our classes as meaningful as possible.

Hospitality Leadership with Professor Rod Warnick was another one of my favorites. We had class discussions about different elements of leadership and were each assigned a mentor in our area of career interest.

Another incredible experience has been serving as an HTM Ambassador. I got to serve as the president this semester for the HTM Ambassadors. This allowed me to participate in the major in processes such as selecting a new professor, having underclassmen mentees, and getting to represent our department to prospective students and families at Isenberg Destination Days.

What clubs and extracurriculars do you participate in?

I am the president of the HTM Ambassadors Club and was the External Relations Lead for HTM Career Day. I also am part of CRU, a Christian club on campus. I have also played intramural softball and soccer for most of my time at UMass.

Have you had any jobs or internships during college?

I interned in internal auditing at MassMutual before my junior year. This past summer, I interned at The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA.

What are you planning after graduation?

I am moving to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and participating in the Manager In Training program at The Four Seasons Jackson Hole in the rooms division.

If you could go back and give your first-year self some advice, what would you tell them?

I would tell my first-year self to embrace asking questions and asking for help. I had wonderful experiences going to TA’s and professor’s office hours to ask for advice, for help with assignments, or just generally to ask about their experience in their respective industries. The conversations I had in these settings are invaluable and helped me see professionals and professors as more approachable people and really kind and generous ones at that! They want to help you and support you—sometimes you simply need to ask.

Do you have a mentor from the Isenberg community who has helped shape your experience?

I have been so fortunate to have had such incredible professors all four years and each one of them has offered wisdom and encouragement. One mentor in particular is Professor Mzamo Mangaliso. He pushed me to have confidence in myself and to become the leader I am today. He tapped me on the shoulder for opportunities I did not think I was ready for, like being a sophomore TA, but I knew he had my back and wanted the best for me, so I trusted him. From the very beginning he has demonstrated leadership full of integrity, empathy, joy, and authenticity.