Written by Maya Dhande, SHFM Foundation Student Board Advisor and Student Leader at Michigan State University and Amy Franks, Chair of the SHFM Foundation
Supporting Students Through Industry Partnerships
The Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management (SHFM) Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to fostering connections between students and industry professionals. For years, the foundation has partnered with universities to enhance students’ leadership experiences, inspire career aspirations, and connect them with business professionals in the Workplace Hospitality and Amenities in Foodservice industry.
Providing Resources and Experiences for Career Success
The SHFM Foundation equips students with the resources they need to thrive both in school and in their future careers. Through site tours, guest speakers, conferences, and mentorship programs, the foundation encourages students to engage with SHFM and gain real-world industry exposure.
The SHFM Foundation Fellowship Program
One of the standout initiatives of the foundation is the SHFM Foundation Fellowship Program. This program provides students with one-on-one mentorship from industry professionals, offering career advice, educational guidance, and leadership development.
Key Benefits of the Fellowship Program:
- Personalized mentorship and career support
- A yearlong structured program from February to November
- Paid travel expenses to attend SHFM’s premier industry events
- Exclusive networking opportunities with top professionals
Applications for the Fellowship Program open each January, making it a highly sought-after opportunity for students pursuing careers in hospitality and foodservice management.
SHFM Student Chapter Program: Building Campus Communities
To further strengthen university partnerships, the SHFM Foundation offers a Student Chapter Program. This initiative allows universities to establish SHFM clubs on campus, creating a platform for students to:
- Learn more about the hospitality industry
- Engage with SHFM’s network of professionals
- Gain hands-on experience through campus-led initiatives
Currently, SHFM has six student chapters across the country, with plans for continued expansion.
Unlocking Career Opportunities with SHFM Student Membership
Becoming an SHFM student member provides unparalleled access to industry events and networking opportunities. For just $25 per year, students can attend SHFM conferences and events nationwide, helping them:
- Gain cultural awareness of the industry
- Understand major challenges in hospitality
- Build connections that could lead to career opportunities
Investing in the Future of Hospitality
The SHFM Foundation is dedicated to developing future industry leaders through mentorship, education, and hands-on experiences. According to Amy Franks, SHFM Foundation Chair:
“Over the past 3 years, SHFM and the Foundation has truly become a catalyst for change in the way we promote and recruit within our industry. By investing in students, we bring them directly to career opportunities and help impact their future career decisions through their involvement in our organization. It’s incredible to see the tremendous growth our organization has seen in the number of student chapters and student members we have.”
To learn more about SHFM, the Foundation, and to consider student opportunities, please visit: https://shfm-online.org/shfm-foundation/