a chance to work with a special task force to help brainstorm better ways to support our industry partners .
What ’ s the most important thing you learned during your time with VB ?
T : I learned that collaboration is a large part of everything , which is exciting because it ’ s the same way in hospitality . You always have your hand in a lot of pots and working together is what keeps things running smoothly and looking beautiful .
A : What I learned from everybody was the importance of time . I learned the importance of making sure you write everything down , making sure your schedule is correct , making sure you always have a chance to talk with someone . If there ’ s an opportunity with someone , go after it .
“ I had such a great experience with Visit Baltimore and learned so much about how they market the Charm City that I grew up in .”
TYMARRA SHERRILL
How were you first introduced to the hospitality industry ?
A : I worked in the food service industry for 3-4 years , working for Chef Jasmine Norton as a manager at the Urban Oyster . That created my true love for hospitality and customer service . Serving people is very important to me . It ’ s all about having a nice rapport with people and I really cherish that a lot .
What was your favorite project during the apprenticeship ?
T : It would definitely have to be collecting footage for the Pigtown reel on Instagram . Pigtown wasn ’ t a neighborhood I was familiar with , so it was exciting to get out there , walk around , discover new things and get familiar with Instagram cinematography .
A : It ’ s always going to be Destinations International ’ s ( DI ) Annual Convention 2021 . It was an amazing experience for everyone who came to Baltimore from outside of the city and the country . A large in-person function like DI is rare to see , especially after COVID . It was an amazing opportunity and I ’ m glad I was on that project , helping in any possible way : giving away hats , shirts , helping with whatever was needed . I feel like that project was very monumental to me .
What advice would you give to future apprentices ?
T : Say yes to everything . Show up to everything when you can , even if it doesn ’ t fit in the description of your role . You never know who you might meet , and something outside of your role might be something you ’ re interested in . You never know what you can get experience in .
A : Everyone gets their first day jitters . It ’ s like going to your first class of a brand-new school and meeting everyone . To future apprentices : this is a great opportunity , so don ’ t let your fear consume you . Everyone at VB is very polite and understanding — they want you to succeed .
“ I ’ m so grateful for the opportunity I had to work as an apprentice for Visit Baltimore ’ s Diversity Apprenticeship program . By working so closely with the operations team , I was able to experience how to run programs and processes in the hospitality and tourism industry .”
ANTHONY RICHMOND
Answers have been edited for length
PARTNERSHIP & ENGAGEMENT 13