“Monroe gave me the confidence, connections, and experience to keep pushing forward and build the career I wanted.”
Living in Harlem, affordability and location were Shatia Wise’s two main priorities when choosing a college. Monroe checked both of those boxes and, as she would later discover, offered much more.
Wise balanced working at the Hilton in Times Square while attending classes at Monroe. The flexibility of Monroe’s online courses made managing both responsibilities easier. One of her greatest takeaways from Monroe was the hands-on experience she gained through her classes. As a student, she participated in industry experiences such as tours of the Marriott Marquis, giving her direct exposure to the hospitality field.
Wise also made the most of her college experience outside the classroom. While working at the Hilton, she became president of Monroe’s hospitality student association.
Looking back, Wise said one of the most valuable parts of her Monroe experience was the network she built through her deans and professors. With professional experience in the industries they teach, faculty members were able to provide students with guidance, connections, and insight that extended beyond graduation.
After graduating, Wise continued building her career in hospitality, gaining experience in front desk operations and sales.
“Monroe gave me the confidence to recognize my value and pursue greater opportunities,” Wise said.
Wise continued investing in herself and advancing professionally, eventually reaching a six-figure income. Today, she emphasizes the importance of paying it forward and helping others benefit from the same kind of support and guidance that helped her along the way.
