For Ana-Laura Galindo, Belmont was the perfect place to blend her love for music, entertainment and hospitality. Initially drawn to Belmont for a career in the entertainment industry, she declared a major in Creative Entertainment Industries (CEI). After discovering the University’s Hospitality & Tourism Management program, she quickly realized how seamlessly the two fields complemented each other.
By pursuing a double major, Galindo gained a well-rounded education that deepened her knowledge of the entertainment business and opened doors to new opportunities in hospitality.
Alumna Profile 
Name: Ana-Laura Galindo
Graduation Year: 2023
Program: Hospitality & Tourism Management
Notable Experiences: Bruin Recruiters, Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, Towering Traditions, Disney College Program and co-founder of Themed Entertainment Association
The Challenge
Galindo wanted a career in the music and entertainment industry, so she declared a major in creative entertainment industries at Belmont. CEI students are introduced to programs in related disciplines and are expected to choose a complimentary minor or double major.
The Solution
Once she heard about Belmont's hospitality and tourism management program, she was immediately interested and registered for an introductory class to learn more. Her introduction to the program led her to declare it as her second major.
Guidance and Support from Faculty and Staff
In Galindo’s words: “There were quite a few individuals that made the program a great experience for me. I was a Bruin Recruiter and Amanda Nunes, who works in admissions, was a big impact on me. She helped me learn more about admissions events and she ended up being my teacher for my events class.
Professor Kenny Jordan was also great, especially toward the second half of my time at Belmont. He helped connect me with the industry by getting to know individuals and finding ways to get involved around Nashville’s community. One of the big events I went to as a student was ILEA Nashville that connects event industry professionals.”
Nashville’s Booming Tourism Industry
With its vibrant entertainment scene, world-class events and growing hospitality sector, Nashville offers endless opportunities for students pursuing a career in tourism.
As Galindo shares: “Nashville is a growing city in tourism, so Belmont is a great place to get involved and start getting connected in that industry.”
Multifaceted Rotational Internship Experience
Galindo’s summer internship at Conrad Nashville provided her with a well-rounded introduction to the hospitality industry.
“At Conrad Nashville, I did a rotational internship in the summer which I absolutely loved. I was able to work a couple of weeks in food and beverage, then I was a housekeeping coordinator for a few weeks, then I worked in marketing for a week and a half. I also saw the event side as well as spending time other sectors like human resources and finance.”
The Results
Galindo’s work and internship experiences in Nashville allowed her to secure a job at Conrad Orlando where she continues to excel.
“I always knew I wanted to come back to Orlando after doing the Disney College program. I came to Conrad Orlando because of my connections and experience with Conrad Nashville. They were very excited to have me on board and to have another person who already knew the Conrad brand,” she explained.
Galindo started out as a guest service agent when she moved to Orlando. Within five months, she was promoted to rooms coordinator and since then has earned another promotion to an overnight supervisor.
Key Takeaway
A number of student experiences supported Galindo’s passion for helping others create enjoyable moments at Belmont — something she does every day in her professional role.
These included the Towering Traditions orientation program, giving campus tours as a Bruin Recruiter and starting a student organization for those interested in themed entertainment called Themed Entertainment Association.
“I'm never going to look back and say I don't miss Belmont,” she said. “Hospitality and tourism are all around you. It's a very broad field and that’s one of the cool things about it.”
Next Steps
Are you ready to explore a future in hospitality and tourism for yourself? Contact our admissions team to learn more:
- Schedule a campus visit
- Explore financial aid options
Prepare for a career in hospitality and tourism management at Belmont!