Chuong Nguyen’s natural curiosity led him to the world of hospitality.
As a child, Nguyen traveled across Southeast Asia with his family, exploring new places and immersing himself in the surrounding cultures. Those early experiences still shape how he sees the world today and sparked his passion for hospitality.
Nguyen transferred from California Lutheran University to Cal Poly Pomona in 2022 in search of hands-on experience in the field and connections to industry professionals.
Once at CPP, he embraced every chance to work hands-on in the field, including his time at The Restaurant at Kellogg Ranch (RKR). Operated and managed by hospitality management students, the RKR gives students a full view of restaurant operations.
“I reminisce about how fun the RKR class was, bonding with classmates over the right format for 'love notes' and steam-cleaning glassware at the end of a shift,” Nguyen said. “Even though my emphasis was in lodging, I still learned a lot about managing myself and a team — things I take with me today.”
Working at the restaurant gave him a strong foundation, but it also helped him realize the industry stretches far beyond.
“There is a lot more to the hospitality industry than just working in the front of house and back of house,” he said.
After graduating from Cal Poly Pomona in May 2024, Nguyen felt prepared to navigate his next steps thanks to two pieces of advice he received during his time on campus: use college resources and build relationships with professors.
“Let them know what you're interested in, and they will try their best to help you or connect you with someone who can,” Nguyen said.
Since graduating, he continues to explore new sectors of hospitality, guided by the same curiosity that first inspired him as a child. For Nguyen, graduation wasn’t an ending — it was an invitation to keep learning.
