Alumni Testimonials

Joining TIMSA was honestly one of the best decisions I made in college. Through this club I was able to make so many lifelong friends and grow professionally to better prepare myself to join the travel industry after graduation. Some of my best memories in college were spent with TIMSA - whether it be camping in the North Shore for the annual Fall Staycation trip, networking with industry professionals and learning more about their jobs and their journey to get there, volunteering and giving back to the local community, or even spending Spring Break together in Las Vegas and touring hotels on the strip. Being a part of TIMSA truly feels like being a part of a big family. I am so grateful for all of the fun experiences and cherish all of my TIMSA friends and the memories I made with them. 10/10 would highly recommend joining this amazing club!

Word of advice:
My best advice would be to put yourself out there and get involved! Try to attend as many events as you can and don't be afraid to ask questions! The events are a lot of fun and are such a great opportunity to grow your social and professional network. 

I joined TIMSA during my first year of college and it was the best decision I ever made. I started college as a shy, first-year student. But with the help of TIMSA, I was able to step out of my comfort zone and be more outgoing/confident in myself. I found my best friends through this club and we still keep in touch after graduation. TIMSA allowed me to develop professional skills and taught me how to network with others in the industry. I was able to use those skills with getting internships and jobs to use as my internship credit. Overall, TIMSA gave me so many opportunities and friendships. I strongly recommend for you & your friends to join!

Word of advice:
​Get involved as much as you can because you never know of the opportunities you'll receive!

To be a a successful leader you must be a successful team player. The hospitality industry is an industry that requires a huge amount of team work whether it’s a hotel or an airlines. Being a team player is the key to success in this industry.

Word of advice:
Don’t give up on your dreams and don’t be afraid to take risks.

When I first transferred from UH West Oahu, I decided to step out of my comfort zone so I joined a club! I heard great things about TIMSA and it was one of the best decisions I have made. I enjoyed all the TIMSA events such as site inspections, socials, workshops, community service, banquets etc., but during my senior year in college I decided to take on the challenge and run for TIMSA's Executive Board position and got elected as the Director of Professional Development! Not only did I get to work with an amazing team but I made a lot of memories with friends that will last forever!

Word of advice:
Participate in all TIMSA events because it's a great opportunity to be able to network with professionals in the industry and make memories with your fellow TIMSA members! Step out of your comfort zone and take on a leadership role by running for Executive Board ◡̈ 

TIMSA Members

TIMSA has given me many opportunities, from creating new friendships to trying out things I've never done before. I've created long lasting friendships within TIMSA which makes me so grateful for such a great student association. I never thought I would be able to step foot in a Four Seasons Hotel until TIMSA gave me the opportunity. I was a little hesitant at first about joining because I was brand new to the school with no one I knew, but joining TIMSA has helped to bring me out of my comfort zone and the officers and members make you feel very welcome!

Word of Advice:
Take every opportunity you can to attend socials and site inspections! Attending socials will help you to create a closer bond with other members, and site inspections will give you the opportunity to have a closer look behind the scenes and possibly a chance for you to talk to managers/supervisors about job opportunities!

Being a part of TIMSA has been one of the best choices I made in college. It allowed me to gain friendships and build relationships with so many great people. Without them, I would have not been able to survive some of the classes I've taken. It also allowed me to network with so many great professionals all around the island and see what the industry has to offer. I can't wait to be a part of such a great club for my last year of college and hope others continue to do so!

Word of Advice:
Make the most of your college years. Getting involved in clubs, like TIMSA, is a great way to do so. It allows you to gain great friendships and network with professionals.

International Students

Taking part in TIMSA was one of the best decisions I made during my exchange year! I had no friends and no community when I came to Hawaii. But all of the TIMSA members and officers welcomed me with open arms. Moreover, TIMSA provided many enlightening opportunities not only to build professional skills but also to broaden my horizon towards the travel industry. Spending time with people who share the same interest helped me have a better understanding of tourism in Hawaii and future careers in the travel industry. I wouldn’t be able to experience those opportunities back in Japan and I am certain those experiences will help me in many ways. Words can't explain how much I appreciate TIMSA for making most of my exchange year memorable and encouraged my personal growth!

Word of Advice:
Open up and get involved as much as you can! Actively participating in each event will help you make the most of your college life and benefit your future in the travel industry.