Who are we?
Founded in 2016, we are the Tourism, Hospitality and Events Society at University of Surrey aiming to create a thriving community where students, alumni, and industry professionals from the tourism, hospitality, events, and aviation industry can connect, collaborate, and grow personally and professionally.
We host multiple events throughout the year ranging from networking events, careers evenings, alumni talks, careers fairs, debates, social events, start-and end-of-the-year’s celebrations, formal dinners and even a summer ball.
Networking events
At the core of our society is networking; we recognise the importance of creating connections with industry professionals and exploring potential avenues for future employment. Networking events at THE Society are designed to bring people together to build connections, exchange ideas and explore opportunities within tourism, hospitality, events, and aviation industries to helping students with their career development.
Careers evenings
In the past, we’ve hosted a range of careers events, including one where we were joined by six different companies who shared their placement and graduate opportunities with students. During these events, company representatives share valuable insights on available roles, as well as practical advice for career growth. Whether you’re exploring options or actively seeking job opportunities, these evenings are designed to help you take the next step.
Alumni talks
We host an alumni panel where students meet Surrey Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM) alumni and learn about their experiences, career journeys, and insights. This is a great opportunity to learn directly from alumni about how they tackled challenges, found opportunities, and crafted successful careers. These discussions provide inspiration, networking opportunities, and valuable insights for students preparing to enter the workforce. Plus, they can ask about their experiences and opinions, which really helps in broadening their connections and reach.
Careers fair
Each March, a wide array of tourism, hospitality, events, and aviation companies join us in Lakeside Restaurant for our biggest networking event of the year. This is a great opportunity for students to expand their professional connections and speak to industry leaders offering varied placement and graduate opportunities. Whether you’re seeking a placement, a graduate role, or simply expanding your network, this event is the perfect chance to make valuable connections.
Debates
During the Careers Fair, we host engaging debates on fresh and pressing topics within our industries. These debates provide a platform for students, faculty, and industry professionals to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives, and explore solutions to current issues. Our debates spark critical conversations that shape the future of our field.
Social events
As hospitality enthusiasts, we love to chat and socialise over a glass of wine (or two!). Throughout the year we love to arrange informal socials with peers and lecturers, to give the SHTM staff and University students a chance to unwind and catch up!
Over the years, we have organised wine evenings, in collaboration with the Food and Wine Society, nights out and bar crawls in town! It’s a great opportunity to engage with students from all years, share valuable insights, and form lasting friendships.
Welcome events
At the start of a semester, THE Society organises a vibrant welcome event, bringing together all the SHTM students and staff for an evening of joy, and connection. This event serves as the perfect opportunity for new and returning students to meet, break the ice, and build friendships in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Welcome events create lasting memories and set the tone for a fantastic semester.
Formal dinners
In collaboration with other societies, our formal dinners blend sophistication with a strict dress code but a relaxed, social vibe, allowing students, staff, and alumni to enjoy great food, fine wines, and engaging conversations in an energetic environment.
Summer ball
We also understand the importance of celebrating success! Every couple of years, we organise an end of year summer ball. This has been one of our favourite events to host, as it allows all students across SHTM to come together and celebrate the success of the academic year and socialise with both course mates and lecturers. It’s a great excuse for everyone to dress up and party!
Our last summer ball was hosted at the Mandolay Hotel in Guildford. We were joined by a huge number of students from first year to PhDs as well as lecturers! We have shared below some of our favourite pictures from the amazing evening.
How to join us?
At THE Soc, we believe that connections and collaboration should be open to all. That’s why our events are open to students, staff, and alumni – no membership required! We encourage all students to join our Instagram Group Chat for more casual discussions and updates. Join here.
Stay informed about all upcoming events by following us on our Instagram, @the.societysurrey and LinkedIn, @T.H.E Society Surrey.
You can always reach out to us via Instagram, LinkedIn or our email address at the.society_surrey@outlook.com.
For those embarking on their journey with the SHTM cohort in September, we extend a warm invitation to follow us on Instagram and stay up to date with all events and activities planned for the upcoming academic year. It’s never too early to start thinking about your future career and building your network.
Join our committee
We’re looking for passionate and enthusiastic first-year students to join our committee! This is a fantastic way to get involved, contribute ideas and help shape the future of THE Society. It is a great opportunity to learn about planning exciting events, working as a team, putting plannings into action, and making valuable connections. If you’re interested, please email us – we can’t wait to welcome new faces!
