John Walker '06

Lifestyle and Digital Marketing Coordinator,

Busch Entertainment Corporation

q: What do you do?

a: Deliver our brands into the everyday lives of consumers through emerging media including Facebook, Twitter, web development and blogs. Conversations are happening about us regardless, so I enjoy seeking them out and having day-to-day interaction with brand advocates who speak highly of us.

q: What's your favorite part of the job?

a: I get to go on Facebook and Twitter while I'm at work! In all seriousness, it makes me happy seeing how the digital community responds to what we do...whether through a blog post, tweet, or even fan mail. Some little girls hand colored a card that said "Shamu, you're our favorite whale" and mailed it to us. This is all because their Mom won a Shamu plush, t-shirt and hat through a Twitter contest. It's funny how the smallest gift of appreciation created an incredibly rewarding day.

q: What's the greatest challenge?

a: Staying current with what's hot. The digital landscape is ever-changing.

q: Do you stay in touch with any other UCF hospitality alums?

a: My girlfriend Kelly Garrett '07, who I met in Dr. Iskat's class, and also my boss Anne Fischer '04, Omaira Dostie '06, Kate Hovey Witherspoon '05 and Angela Krull '05.

q: Outside work...you're most likely to be seen?

a: Hanging out with my girlfriend, surfing at the beach or playing music. The best weekends are when I do absolutely nothing.

q: Your biggest accomplishment since graduating, outside your career?

a: Going back to school. I only have one semester left to finish my master's degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management at Rosen College. Also I'm proud of working at the same company for so long. I started working at Sea World in 2005.

q: How did UCF prepare you for what you do?

a: It gave me the interpersonal and life skills needed to form relationships, and a service-minded personality.

q: How could the hospitality program have been better?

a: It should have fewer group projects. If I took 4-5 classes at a time, it meant 4-5 group projects going on similtaneously.

q: A UCF memory?

a: Football games. In particular, storming the field at the Citrus Bowl when we finally won after a 0-17 game losing streak.

q: Favorite meal in Orlando?

a: Whatever I am cooking for dinner of course. If I'm not cooking, I like Seasons 52 or the pulled pork at Wildside BBQ.

q: On your iPod?

a: Mostly the Dave Matthews Band and the Allman Brothers, with a little John Mayer.

q: Little known fact about you?

a: I'm adopted. Also I'm color blind. The two have nothing to do with each other.

Omaira Dostie '06

Sales Manager,
Medieval Times

(Maiden Name: Omaira Soto)

q: What do you do?

a: Every day is different as I help to promote Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament to the markets I have been assigned, including SMERF (social, military, educational, religious and fraternal) and corporate groups. I respond to sales leads, give tours to prospective client groups and make formal presentations to meeting planners. The arena in our Kissimmee Castle holds 1100 people and some large groups will buy out the whole thing. Some companies will bring all of their employees to see our show for a special event. This Medieval Times has undergone a $7 million renovation and many repeat guests return and visit our authentic eight-cottage medieval life village based on 11th century Spain.

q: What's your favorite part of the job?

a: Getting to know the cast, and helping create a memorable experience for our guests.

q: What's the greatest challenge?

a: Starting in this position about a year ago, during a bad economy. However, I feel this makes me stronger and more efficient.

q: Do you stay in touch with any other UCF hospitality alums?

a: Yes, mostly Vanessa (Lopez) Rios '06 and John Walker '06.

q: Outside work...you're most likely to be seen?

a: At my parent's house. My nephew was just born in July and I like to spend time with him!

q: Your biggest accomplishment since graduating, outside your career?

a: Buying a house with my husband.

q: How did UCF prepare you for what you do?

a: The best thing were the group projects. They helped me build confidence which is very important in the sales presentations I make in my job.

q: How could the hospitality program have been better?

a: Some type of graphic design class should be required, because a general knowledge of it would be helpful.

q: A UCF memory?

a: The Quantity Food Preparation class. I'd never thought I'd enjoy cooking. Well, really I still don't, but that class was a whole lot of fun.

q: Favorite meal in Orlando?

a: Texas de Brazil.

q: On your iPod?

a: A little bit of everything, including Green Day, Nickelback, Marc Anthony and salsa music.

q: Little known fact about you?

a: I'm a proud military brat. I have a deep compassion for people who serve in the military. They sacrifice a lot for us every day and we should be thankful.