My HTMResearch Journey
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Michelle Novotny only started working for the Institute for Hospitality & Tourism Research this past year. However in her short time conducting research, she discovered a new passion that has changed the course of her life. This is Michelle's HTMResearch story.
Hi! My name is Michelle Novotny and I am a research assistant at the Institute for Hospitality & Tourism Research. I am a recent graduate from the Hospitality and Tourism Management Bachelor of Commerce program, and I am excited to be starting the Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management program (opens in new window) at Ryerson University this Fall 2020. I am happy to share with you a bit about myself and my journey with the Institute!
I was first introduced to hospitality and tourism research and the Institute in my first year of the HTM program. I remember Dr. Tom Griffin and Dr. Rachel Dodds speaking about the Institute and the research opportunities for students in one of my classes. I wasn’t quite sure if I was ready at the time, but I kept a tab open in my mind to return to that idea in the future. I was reminded of this opportunity when taking HTR741 – Hospitality and Tourism Research Concepts with Dr. Tom Griffin and HTR841 – Research and Data Analysis with Dr. Sonya Graci. It was in these courses that I learnt the foundational skills and tools of research and fell in love with it through the lectures and the completion of course projects.
In Fall 2019, the first semester of my final year, I got a text from my close friend, Annie Bird, who had already been working with the Institute for a while. She said there was a position open for a Research Assistant for Dr. Rachel Dodds and she thought I would be a great fit. It was the perfect timing as I was preparing to leave my part-time job and was still searching for my path post-graduation. Fortunately, I was hired!
I began working for Dr. Rachel Dodds on papers focused on sustainable festivals. I quickly realized that my passion for the events industry was better realized in a research capacity which aligned perfectly with my personality type, skills, and interests. Research also gave me the opportunity to support the sustainable development of the hospitality and tourism industry – something Dr. Rachel Dodds also shares a passion for. I knew I had finally found the right path!
Throughout this past year I have built strong connections and had the opportunity to work with several of my professors who have also graciously opened their networks. I have connected with other students who share a similar passion and I have gained extremely valuable work experience. I have had the opportunity to conduct a literature review, work on both qualitative and quantitative data analysis, write a journal article, and go through the submission and editing process. Dr. Rachel Dodds has become a mentor in this journey and has selflessly offered invaluable guidance and support.
After some time working as her Research Assistant, Rachel had recommended I consider a master’s degree. I knew that Ryerson’s Master of Science in Management program specializing in Hospitality and Tourism Management was the perfect fit. I am so grateful to now have Dr. Rachel Dodds as my supervisor for this program and I am so happy to continue my studies at Ryerson and my work with the Institute.
The Institute for Hospitality & Tourism Research generates valuable industry knowledge, establishes connections with industry partners, and offers students the opportunity to work under the supervision and guidance of our exceptional Research Affiliates.
I am excited to see what the future holds as I look towards a career in the field of Hospitality and Tourism Research and Education.
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