STUDENT NETWORK
Students are the future of MPI! Discover the resources MPI has for you. MPI MN is your local connection to the global hospitality community.
| “I made a great connection at the last MPI meeting and have a new job as a result!” |
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CAREER DEVELOPMENT
As you explore the hospitality industry, you will find jobs at:
- meeting, conference, and event management
- convention and visitors bureaus
- chambers of commerce
- offices of tourism
- hotels and resorts
- casinos
- meeting and tradeshow service organizations
- travel agencies
- marketing and public relations firms
- and many, many more
The Minnesota Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI MN) is a great place to begin researching your options. MPI is a professional organization whose vision is to “Build a rich global meeting industry community”. MPI MN members are in every area of the meeting industry. Through the presentations at monthly meetings, monthly newsletters, and various other chapter activities, you will have the opportunity to speak, network with and learn from a variety of professionals from your field of choice.
MPI MN offers a comprehensive mentorship program to its members. Hands-on experience through mentoring, job shadowing, informational interviews, internships and networking opportunities are at MPI MN. Integrate MPI MN into your career journey. Get involved and stay involved. At MPI MN, we’re building the industry forward!
Take a minute to explore the website and look into how MPI membership will benefit you!
| “The opportunity to network and learn more about the industry has been very beneficial to my career path.” |
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NETWORKING
Build your network to enhance your knowledge base and job opportunities. Use these online tools to network with fellow professionals and students. Announce upcoming events, social activities, and educational opportunities to others within this innovative network.
- Attend monthly MPI MN meetings. If you don’t know anyone, stop by the membership committee table and introduce yourself. A member of the Student Initiative Committee will be proud to help you begin your MPI MN in-person networking journey.
- Participate in MPI MN’s online networking opportunities:
LinkedIn and
Facebook.
| “MPI MN is a very positive place to grow in. You have to be willing to put yourself out there. That can be intimidating for some people, but it is well worth the effort.” |
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INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS
Find out more about the industry and company you may want to work for by requesting an informational interview with a representative of that company. Need help connecting with an informational interviewer? Contact Marnie Fleming, Meeting Planner, Transoma Medical, 651-481-7410.
| “I participate in MPI’s mentor program and am matched with a mentor. The power of 2 is amazing!” |
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| “MPI MN offers great chances to attend exhibits and educational events. It is a friendly environment to hone my networking skills.” |
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| “Use as many different kinds of MPI resources as you can. Be part of a committee. Like most things, you get as much out it as you put into it.” |
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NEED A MENTOR?
Contact the Mentor Next Door chair for more information.
APPLICATION
Student membership fees are just $40 annually. We subsidize the student membership fee because, like you, we believe in your future.
» Download the student application form.
CAREER ADVANCEMENT
Meeting Planners, MPI MN provides resources to help you earn valuable certifications:
- Certification Meeting Planning (CMP)
- Global Certification in Meeting Management (CMM)
Click here to learn how you can earn these certifications and what they can do for your career.
Whether you are entering the hospitality industry or want to boost your career, keep your eye on other exciting certifications in this industry.
Certifications:
Certifications through the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute:
- Certified Engineering Operations Executive (CEOE) Manager
- Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE)
- Certified Front Desk Manager (CFDM)
- Certified Gaming Supervisor (CGS) Hospitality Educators
- Certified Hospitality Department Trainer (CHDT) Security
- Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE)
- Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive (CHHE)
- Certified Hospitality Instructor (CHI)
- Certified Hospitality Revenue Manager (CHRM)
- Certified Hospitality Sales Professional (CHSP) Trainer
- Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS)
- Certified Hospitality Trainer (CHT)
- Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA)
- Certified Housekeeping Manager (CHM)
- Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE)
- Certified Lodging Manager (CLM)
- Certified Lodging Owner (CLO) Executive
- Certified Lodging Security Director (CLSD)
- Certified Lodging Security Officer (CLSO) Supervisor
- Certified Lodging Security Supervisor (CLSS)
- Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM)
- Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM)
- Certified Rooms Division Executive (CRDE)
| “I’ve met wonderful people that have incredible networks—very friendly, helpful group.” |
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| “I’m making connections with another state chapter to assist in my relocation plans.” |
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INDUSTRY GLOSSARY
A glossary of convention industry terms is available here.
RELATED ASSOCIATIONS
A list of associations related to the convention industry is available here.
| “I received my first job as an On-site Meeting Manager from the MPI online job board.” |
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INTERNSHIP AND JOBS
Visit the MPI MN job board for a list of job opportunities.
| “I found my personal AND professional growth opportunities here. Thank you, MPI MN!” |
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STUDENT CLUBS
Bring MPI MN to your student club! This is professional connectivity and networking at its best.
What can we do for your club?
MPI MN members are committed to your success in the industry, and the Student Initiative Committee is your link to industry resources. Post your club’s meetings on the
Facebook group calendar to increase your visibility and invite MPI MN members to your meetings. Need programming assistance? MPI MN can provide invited speakers, tours, and more. Contact us!
» Post your club’s meetings to Facebook
| “What positive networking experiences! MPI members are very friendly and welcoming. They really do ‘get’ that students are the future.” |
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STUDENT INQUIRIES
Click here to submit a question to the Student Initiatives Committee.
FACULTY
MPI MN offers comprehensive resources for you to augment your hospitality curriculum. We know that students are the future of the hospitality community and will work with you to build our industry forward. Click here to let us know how MPI MN members can help you.
How can we partner with you to set your students for success? MPI MN Student Initiative Committee members are dedicated to the success of your students. What’s more, MPI MN members are committed to working with students and enthusiastic about participating in projects you assign to the Student Initiative Committee. That’s right – you are the educator and you can bring the power of the MPI MN network to your classroom by giving us an assignment. Assignment ideas are listed below. Don’t see what you want? Ask us. We’re up for it.
- Roundtable: We will tailor the round table topics to current trends and hot issues and be sure to include topics that you would like spotlighted.
- Panel sessions: Panel sessions are instant programming for your program or campus events.
- Guest lecturers: Bring your curriculum to life – real-life with experienced presenters. Tell us the topic you would like to focus on. We’ll do the rest.
- Tours: Tell us what type of business you would like your class to tour and we’ll help you make the arrangements.
FACULTY INQUIRIES
Click here to submit a question to the Student Initiatives Committee.
| “I was a student member years ago but didn’t do much with it. I just joined and kind of waited for the world to come to me. Now I am back in school and am a student member again. This time I’m involved. I go to the monthly meetings and have even joined a committee. I’m part of the industry before I ever get my career off the ground. This is a wonderful community for students to grow in.” |
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