Pavankalyan from India, also known as Pavan, began his higher education journey in the US with Shorelight’s International Accelerator Program (IAP) at the University of South Carolina, pursuing a master’s degree in hospitality and tourism management. This past summer, he applied his coursework to real-world situations with an internship at Amangiri Canyon Point, a five-star hotel and resort in Utah. Pavan’s inspiring story showcases how hard work and determination can help international students overcome obstacles and get closer to their dreams. Read on to learn more about Pavan’s journey!
Landing an Internship at Amangiri in Utah
Pavan’s first internship was in France, where he worked as a backend server. The six-month program helped him recognize the importance of mentorship and internship experiences for hospitality students to prepare for their careers. He applied to the University of South Carolina, particularly because internships were integrated into the master’s degree curriculum.
Initially, Pavan found it challenging to land an internship role. “I applied for more than 50 to 60 hotels and I got calls from 10 to 15 hotels,” he said.
Despite several rejections, Pavan persevered.
“I practiced taking my own [interviews], learning from YouTube, and following the interview method in America,” he said. He focused on improving himself; strengthened his resume and cover letter, and accessed career resources available on campus to improve his application. He was confident that he would succeed, and this summer, his hard work paid off with an internship at Amangiri Canyon Point, a luxury five-star hotel and resort in Utah.
At Amangiri, Pavan ensured guests were comfortable and enjoyed their experience at the hotel.
“Every day, we have a banquet event at Amangiri and they appointed me [to] manage the event with one of the servers. If guests have any allergies, [are] gluten-free or dairy-free, I need to tell the server,” he explained. Pavan noted that working with his team, communicating with guests daily, and managing events improved his language skills, networking abilities, and problem-solving capabilities, which add value to his CV and overall career pathway. He’s now back in Columbia, South Carolina, continuing his master’s program at USC.
Pavan’s Journey to the University of South Carolina
In his search for a reputable school offering hospitality degree programs, Pavan came across the University of South Carolina’s website. He was impressed by the school’s top-ranked academics, state-of-the-art facilities, and its dedication to innovative learning experiences, research, and community engagement.
“I joined USC because they produce some of the best hoteliers in the US. USC has pretty much [the] highest level of education [degrees] in the hospitality industry,” Pavan said.
Ranked #121 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, the University of South Carolina offers well-connected bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in arts, business, hospitality and tourism, STEM, and more.
Pavan highlighted that the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at USC is ranked #1 among Southeastern Conference Schools, offering students expert faculty support and hands-on opportunities that build essential skills needed to succeed in their careers.
“I chose USC because it is the best college. I searched on Google, I asked my relatives in the US,“ Pavan said. “There is a chance Amangiri [hired me] because of my university as well.”
Seeking Support from International Student Advisors
Pavan’s student advisors encouraged him to first enroll for the English Language course at USC to ensure he was prepared to participate in class discussions, work on his assignments, and perform well at his internship. His professors provided one-on-one feedback to improve his English-speaking skills, sentence construction, and even his research techniques. He was also encouraged to practice on campus and at his internship, and with his advisors’ support, Pavan was able to complete the one-year course in just one semester.
Shorelight’s student support team also works closely with international students for a smooth transition to life in the US. Pavan was especially grateful for support and counseling from Angi, the IAP student success manager. “They helped me a lot,” he said. “They motivated me, [saying] ‘Pavan, you can do it.’”
Before coming to the US, Pavan had never worked on a research project. Speaking to advisors, expressing his concerns, and asking for help academically and personally gave Pavan the motivation and courage to keep moving forward. He approached Angi for additional information and resources during his course, and she connected him with a professor who offered guidance on challenging subject areas and complex theories.
“They spent their personal time with me to give me [more support]. I am blessed to have Angi here,” Pavan said.
Pavan’s Advice for International Students
Pavan’s experience in the IAP program and internship at Amangiri in Utah taught him that persevering through obstacles, building a growth mindset, and developing communication and networking skills play an important role in building careers. He advises international students hoping to study in the US to keep an open mind and look out for opportunities whenever possible.
He highlighted three areas students should focus on:
Improve your language and communication skills — Attend classes regularly, participate in class discussions, and complete assignments using language tools to build written and spoken English skills needed for your career and in daily life. Consider installing an app, reading books, and signing up for online tutorials to practice and improve.
Maintain a positive attitude toward challenges — Learning to speak a foreign language, finding routes from your dorm to your university, making friends, and getting involved in campus activities are valuable learning moments in your study abroad experience. Always ask yourself, “What do I need to do to improve myself?” and consider challenges as future achievements, rather than obstacles.
Be patient and confident — Moving to a different country and experiencing different cultures and cuisines is an exciting opportunity to explore your interests and broaden your knowledge. It may seem challenging at first, but be patient with yourself as adjusting to a new life can take time. From applying for internships to landing full-time jobs, believing in your capabilities and qualifications can help you stay focused on your end goal.
Remember that student advisors are always there to encourage students to stay positive and believe in themselves. As Pavan says, “Be patient, do your best, and never put yourself down. Never regret what you are doing, just be confident that everything will come to you!”
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