Hospitality students learn on the job at Super Bowl LVI

While everyone else is cheering on the Los Angeles Rams or Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl LVI, graduate students at FIU's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management will be working behind the scenes at the biggest event in the world.

Eleven students — majoring in hospitality management with concentrations in mega and large-scale events — and Professor Craig Skilling arrived in Los Angeles on Wednesday to take part in the pre and game-day festivities. The students started their training and shifts Thursday at the "NFL Experience" hosted at the Los Angeles Convention Center, greeting guests and providing customer service to fans playing games. They will be continuing their work on Sunday at SoFi Stadium's pregame.

"This is such an amazing experience that we're getting even before we are out in the workforce and that's thanks to the incredible FIU Hospitality Management program," said Gabriela Cortes, who is in her first year of the master's program.

The trip was initiated by Skilling, who has been a successful events and entertainment industry producer and influencer for nearly two decades.

"Hospitality is all about the experience. And hands-on training is crucial to student success," he said.

Besides actually coordinating and guiding students through the process of signing up to take part in the Super Bowl, Skilling set up meet-and-greets with people already in the careers that the students hope to emulate in the future.

The students got a chance to meet movers and shakers, including successful Hollywood film festival and event producer and FIU alumnus Theo Dumont '02, who graduated with a degree in communications. "It's not all about what you know in this industry, it's who you know, and who knows you," Skilling added.

As for the students, they can now add Super Bowl to their resume. So while you're watching the big game, look closely in the crowd to see if you can spot a Panther.

The Vince Lombardy Trophy is just one of the activations at the "NFL Experience".