For Sydney Long, ‘21, all it took was a study abroad excursion to Dubai and Oman to uncover her true passions: traveling, content creation and the hospitality industry. While her business, Sydney Long Content Creation & Photography, takes her around the globe, her role as the senior marketing manager at the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel allowed her to plant roots in Omaha, Nebraska. Learn more about Long’s journey to discovering her passions and how the University of Nebraska–Lincoln propelled her toward her future.

As the senior marketing manager at the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel in Omaha, can you explain what this role entails and how previous experiences helped you land the job?

My role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities to enhance the hotel’s brand presence and drive revenue. I oversee all strategic marketing efforts, including managing social media, handling public relations, coordinating print marketing campaigns and organizing on-property events. My job involves a blend of creativity, strategic planning and meticulous execution to ensure that every marketing initiative aligns with our brand’s identity and goals.

My journey in this industry has given me a comprehensive understanding of all its facets. I’ve experienced hospitality from various angles, starting at age 15 at Raising Cane’s and continuing through my college days working at the front desk of a Holiday Inn. I gained valuable marketing experience leading in-house events at Talent Plus Inc. and writing the company blog at Social Assurance. I served at The Masters Golf Tournament and managed in-game promotions for Nebraska Athletics, all while in college. After graduating from Nebraska, I attended Oklahoma State University where I taught a hands-on, lab-based culinary course to freshman students. These experiences provided a solid foundation in customer service and hotel operations. My career further expanded after completing my Master of Hospitality and Tourism Management degree, landing a job where I traveled to various Marriott, Hyatt, and Hilton properties to conduct lifestyle production, which honed my skills in creating engaging and visually appealing marketing content.

Throughout my career, I’ve continuously sought to expand my expertise and credentials. I became certified in Hotel Industry Analytics from the American Hotel and Lodging Association in 2022, and in 2023, I achieved certification as a licensed Sommelier through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

My diverse experiences across different aspects of hospitality — from front desk operations to food and beverage to photography and digital marketing — have equipped me with a unique perspective and a well-rounded skill set. This breadth of experience enables me to lead The Cottonwood’s marketing efforts with creativity, strategic vision and a dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences. My passion for hospitality runs deep, and it’s this passion that drives my commitment to excellence in my role at the hotel.

You also have the opportunity to travel the world and pursue your passion for content creation. What has been your favorite travel destination, or project you have worked on?

With a love for social media and the digital space, I found a passion for content creation. In my previous role, I conducted lifestyle production for a portfolio of luxury hotels across the U.S. and Canada. This opportunity allowed me to travel the world while making photo and video content. I had the opportunity to travel to The Hana Maui Resort by Hyatt. This was an incredible property and project to work on. We stayed for a week, capturing content for the hotel. I even had the chance to visit the only Hyatt-owned gas station in the world!

Explain your love for travel and how that ties into your roles.

Growing up in a family that valued and encouraged travel has deeply influenced my worldview and career path. Exploring diverse cultures and landscapes from a young age instilled a deep appreciation for global perspectives and the ability to connect with people from different backgrounds. This upbringing shaped my experiences and prepared me well for the dynamic world of hospitality.

At the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel, my love for travel manifests in my role as senior marketing manager. I understand firsthand the excitement and anticipation travelers feel when exploring new destinations, and I strive to convey that sense of adventure and hospitality through every aspect of our marketing efforts. My extensive travel background allows me to relate authentically to guests, understanding their desires for exploration, comfort and memorable experiences while visiting.

Through Sydney Long Content Creation & Photography, my passion for travel takes on a creative dimension. I blend my visual storytelling and creativity expertise to showcase the unique experiences and charm of destinations and restaurants. I aim to inspire wanderlust and cultivate an emotional connection with viewers, encouraging them to explore and experience the world.

You also own and operate your content creation and photography service. What inspired this entrepreneurial venture?

Formally launching my business in June was a natural progression of my skills and interests. I recognized a growing need for effective digital marketing solutions in the hospitality and food service industries — areas I’m deeply familiar with due to my background and current role. Working closely with two local restaurants and a food truck allowed me to refine my approach and understand the unique marketing challenges these businesses face.

My venture aims to provide tailored content that not only showcases the unique offerings of each client but also resonates authentically with their target audience. Whether it’s through striking photography that captures the essence of a dish or compelling videos that highlight the ambiance of a hotel, I strive to deliver content that drives engagement and enhances brand visibility. I am currently accepting clients in the Nebraska area.

How did you discover your passion for marketing and hospitality & tourism management and transform it into a career?

I discovered my passion for hospitality during a study abroad tour at the University of Nebraska to Dubai and Oman. On this trip, we had the privilege of touring the world’s only seven-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab. This experience was transformative, opening my eyes to the intricacies and grandeur of the hospitality industry. Witnessing firsthand the exceptional service at such a prestigious establishment ignited my interest in the field. This also highlighted how cultural nuances and local flavors can add value to the guest experience.

My passion was further fueled by practical experiences and leadership opportunities on campus. As a CliftonStrengths coach and the captain of the Nebraska Cheer Squad, I honed my skills in communication, leadership and team collaboration. Transforming my passion into a career has been shaped by a blend of education, hands-on experiences and building meaningful relationships with those around me.

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, you were involved in the Center for Sales Excellence Program. How did this certificate prepare you for a successful career?

The Center for Sales Excellence Program at Nebraska Business played a pivotal role in preparing me for a successful career by pushing me out of my comfort zone and providing hands-on experience in real-world sales scenarios. Engaging in live sales pitches helped develop my confidence and competence in this arena.

One of the key takeaways from the program was the realization that marketing and sales are deeply interconnected. Marketing, in many aspects, is indeed a form of sales. The program helped me understand that effective marketing strategies must ultimately drive sales and generate revenue.

In my current position at the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel, it is up to me to market and sell the hotel as a premier destination for visitors. The skills and knowledge gained from the Sales Excellence Program are directly applicable to this responsibility. This was by far one of the best learning experiences I had while attending the University.

What was your favorite memory at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

It’s hard to sum up a favorite memory because there are so many! From cheering in front of 90,000 fans in Memorial Stadium to serving as a campus tour guide and joining the Clifton Builders program, I had quite a remarkable college experience. One moment that stands out to me, though, is when I gave the groundbreaking speech at The Scarlet Hotel on Innovation Campus in 2021.

I served as the student representative at this event and spoke to owners, investors, community members and UNL leadership about the impact this hotel will have on the university, its students and the state of Nebraska as a whole. This experience reminded me why I chose to study and work in hospitality and solidified that I was meant to be a Cornhusker.

Since this speech, I have stayed at and dined at The Scarlet Hotel as a guest, and it is truly remarkable. Additionally, The Scarlet Hotel just switched management companies and is now managed by Davidson Hospitality, my current employer at the Cottonwood. I am excited about the continued success of this hotel.

Who at Nebraska had a big impact on you?

Erynn Butzke, Spirit Squad head coach, and Timothy Hodges, executive director of the Clifton Strengths Institute and assistant professor of practice in management, had a remarkable impact on me during my college years.

Coach Erynn Butzke gave this Nebraska girl a chance to live out her dream. She became more than a coach to me; she was a mentor, support system and friend throughout my college experience. Coach Butzke’s unwavering belief in my abilities and her constant encouragement helped keep me going. She taught me the importance of resilience, dedication and hard work. I wholeheartedly look up to her and continue to seek her advice and wisdom even as an adult, knowing she always has my best interests at heart. Her influence extends beyond the field, affecting every aspect of my personal and professional life.

Tim Hodges was a professor who truly believed in me. Sometimes, all a student needs is someone to believe they can succeed, and Dr. Hodges was that person for me. His guidance and support throughout my undergraduate studies were instrumental in my academic and personal growth. Dr. Hodges has a unique ability to connect with students in ways that are intentional and impactful. He was a strong advocate for investing in one’s strengths rather than focusing on fixing weaknesses, a philosophy I embraced through the Clifton Strengths Program at Nebraska. His encouragement pushed me to go beyond my limits and was one of the reasons I went on to get a master’s degree.

If you were to give current students advice on how to create a career for themselves inspired by their passions, what would it be?

A piece of advice to current students is this: go for it. Time moves fast and you don’t get your college days back. Join the club, attend the office hours, sign up for the role, go to that football game, and apply for the scholarship. You never know which experiences will shape your future or who you may meet that will open doors to new opportunities.