Mary Grace Nix

Kelly Simmons

Nix, a Valdosta, Ga., native presents the findings of her research while interning at the Georgia Center.
Submitted photo

When Mary Grace Nix graduated from the University of Georgia in spring 2023, she left a big part of her senior year behind.

As an intern in Human Resources at the UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Nix created a survey to gauge the satisfaction of student employees at the center. Questions included why students chose to work at the on-campus full service hotel and conference center, what they liked about their jobs, and suggestions for improvements.

With a near 50 percent response rate, Nix captured some helpful tips for the university.

Student employees says they chose the center for its convenience, good pay and flexible hours. They like the fun and friendly work environment, building community with other students. They want opportunities to cross-train in other departments and potential for advancement.

Nix presented a poster about the survey for the UGA Public Service & Outreach Annual Meeting in April 2023, and Georgia Center management is looking at ways to use the data to improve student employees’ experiences and retention.

I was really invested in the student employment engagement survey. That prepared me and encouraged me to work in a hotel.

Working in human resources provided an opportunity for Nix to meet Georgia Center employees from every department and interact with guests, which she liked.

“That’s what I enjoy about the roll in general; the different relationships you form.”

A Valdosta native, Nix launched her career last summer as part of the Marriott Voyage management training program at the new J.W. Marriott Hotel in Clearwater Beach, Fla. When she completed that program this past summer, she asked to transfer to the Marriott-owned Westin Hotel in Austin, Tex., where she is front desk manager.

“I wanted to get back to a college town,” Nix says. “It reminds me of when I worked at the Georgia Center.”